The only way Song Stories works is if you, the listener, make a decision to write, record and send in your own.  Well, that's not the only way.  I mean, I have dozens of song memories that I could turn into Song Stories, but that would be a little self-indulgent, don't you think?  But I do know that a few thousand people have heard at least one Song Story and I have to think that some of them would have a great tale to tell.  So spend a few minutes thinking of yours, then a few more writing and recording it, then "click" the send button.  You'll have people like Kelly saying "Love this and love the concept!."  And Cynthia writing "Waaay kewl (your name here)! Thx for sharing."    

New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR) featured Kerry Candaele's Song Story on it's program, “Word of Mouth” this week. Kerry's story, about how hearing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony for the first time literally changed his life, is a wonderful example of the power of song and the power of a great story. Listen to NHPR's piece here.

Easy.  First, you need to think of a song that, every time you hear it, raises a specific memory. Not hard. When I hear The Beatles' “Girl,” I remember parties in friends basements when the idea of having a girlfriend first became real. Remember “In A Godda da Vida” by Iron Butterfly? Me too, and I remember smoking some hash at the furnace intake in the basement, then lying between the two speakers of our console stereo spacing out to that growling, whacked-out song. Ten years later, I used to drive from Thousand Oaks, CA, over the hill to Camarillo and then down through sod farms and fields of vegetables to the Pacific Ocean, speeding on an open, curving road with Genesis' “Carpet Crawlers” blasting on my car's cassette player and – wait for it – singing along at the top of my lungs. There are more, but you get the idea. 

Next, you have to write your story or, if you're good, just think it through. 

Step three is to record it. Easy on your computer, laptop or smart phone. Easiest is on your phone, using one of the many recording apps you can download for free. I like Sound and Voice Recorder from ASN https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nll.asr&hl=en. 

Finally, email your recording to me. Drop me an email on the Contact Page and I'll send you the address. A few days later, I'll send you your VERY OWN COPY of the edited Song Story. Could it be any easier? I don't think so.

“[I listened to] Deb's story about Cinnamon Girl, which I thought might be the best of the stories you have posted.  At least, it touched me in a very personal way.”
-- Sandy


“I have really enjoyed quite a few of these.”
--Sally


“I finally listened to this and some others.  Now that I've stopped weeping, I can email you.  Very, very cool!  Scott is so good at telling stories--still.  Sheila's is sweet.  Patrick's is a tear-jerker.  And I've got a story in response to Mike's and Herb Alpert.  Definitely want to finish listening to the others.”
-- Molly


“That was particularly touching.  I guess it's partly my age and also the fact that I've always had a sentimental streak but it brought a tear to my eye.  I've been searching my past for such a story attached to a song, but none approach the emotional weight of Ms. Dorey's.  Good job.”
-- Dave


“The Song Story is working so well.  Congratulations for your efforts.  It has only just begun.  Pleased, privileged and inspired by your efforts.”
-- Michael


“This is such a wonderful idea. I'm surprised it hasn't been syndicated across the globe.”
-- Kerry

I used to co-write and edit a music and chat podcast called New Times Radio (NTR).  We came up with an idea to invite listeners to tell us a story about a memory they have whenever they hear a certain song.  Listeners sent in their stories in an email and one of the co-hosts (Frank or Robbie) would record the story.  I would then create a little piece by mixing the story and the song.  It was a nice project and our listeners seemed to like it.  When we put NTR to bed, it occurred to me that there are millions of people out there who have stories just like these.  And that recording those stories in their own voice was actually creating a little history of a time, a place, an individual and a song.  If you've heard NPR's Story Corps, you know what I mean.  What I'd also like to do is open up this site to your comments.  Do you like the Song Stories you've heard?  Do you look forward to hearing a new one?  Do you think you have a Song Story?  What do you think about the whole idea?  Let me know.