Words have meaning. They create. Words are powerful. I learned a lesson back in the day, when a childhood friend gave me a compliment. Her words made me feel I could do anything.

It was later on the following year that a family members words and truth changed that direction. I allowed those words to effect my life for most of my professional career.

Storytelling is something we all do.  We tell our story. It tells people who we are, where we've come from and how we've arrived at present day. Your story creates your life. Often it's filled with joy and pain. It can keep you stuck in the past, or motivate you to move forward. Our stories live in the music that artists create.

The stories in their music parallel the stories in our lives. It's what connects our heart and soul to song. Master story teller's.

I got my first "real" bass guitar in 1977. Up until that time. For an entire year. I had been playing the four bass strings on my sisters acoustic guitar. 

At the same time. A new funk band who called themselves "Slave," released a song called "Slide." That song became my bass playing anthem! I drove my family crazy plying that song. And how I learned about Slave and the song was even crazier! 

Listen up! I get to play a little bass for you.

This episode. I introduce you to Nana. My grandmother, my dad’s mom. “Nana” stories are never ending! Along with my parents. Nana was a major influence in my life. A few months ago. My brother and I were talking. Often he and I talk about our childhood. It’s impossible to discuss those days and not have Nana come up.

During one of our recent conversations. We confirmed that one day when we were very young. Nana did something that shocked my brother’s, sister and I. I had to tell this story in the show!

There are moments in life that we experience as being bad and painful. During those times. We're conflicted, can we smile, laugh or do anything that might suggest having fun during those "bad" moments. And what will others think?

Pam Griffin's story tells how she learned from her mom that there's no shame at all.

Like most young men. Their first car is their pride and joy. I was no exception! But I quickly realized. Owning this car was a disaster. One sentence from my grandfather about the car summed it all up and taught me a lesson which I continue to benefit from to this very day. When I hear the song "Africa" by the band Toto. It reminds me of my car and the year-long nightmare it was!

During the courtship between my sister Kristina and her husband Rob. He identified a song that she loved and used it to put a smile on her face, as well as establishing what has become a very close and loving relationship.

There were not many songs that I did not like back in the day. This one was an exception! It hit me in an odd way back in 1980.  I was like YUK! Who likes this? 

One morning getting ready for school. My little sister and I got blasted by my mom because of this song! 

What happens when the Good Humor truck comes down your block and he's not there to sell the kids ice cream?

It ends up being a "Little Rascals" story!