Over the coming months I plan on celebrating a few people who contributed in some artistic way or who were influential while creating Shine A Light On Me. Here’s my first inspirational and creative mentor:
Paul McCartney, Born June 18th, 1942
He’s known as one of the most iconic singers and songwriters of all time, from the historically influential music group, the Beatles. It’s hard to believe that younger generations are becoming less familiar with him. Unlike the weird process of fame in today’s world, the Beatles were a bunch of poor, determined English boys who marathon toured for nearly 4 years, before hitting global success that would last decades. Playing for hours, traveling in freezing busses, stacked like sardines to survive the cold, it wasn’t glamorous but the experience sharpened their talent and intention.
Most people know something about the Beatles. As a kid early one morning, I caught the absolutely hilarious Robert Zemeckis film, I Wanna Hold Your Hand. I had no idea who the Beatles were or what “Beatlemania” even was. As an 8 year old in 1989, I found myself falling for their early sweet melodies just as the teens in the movie had. In 8th grade, the Beatles Anthology came out on ABC over Thanksgiving break. I became a fanatic. It sent me from being the casual (Vol 1962-66 cassette tape fan) to buying every album and any print material about them I could get my hands on. Some people griped about the Anthologies being boring but I couldn’t get enough. I was enthralled.
Picture me in 8th grade PE, walking by the coach offices and seeing one holding up the newspaper with the fab four on the cover of the Houston Chronicle entertainment section; I screeched, “IS THAT TODAY’S PAPER?” I’ll never forget the confused look on her face. I was a kid who rarely spoke and then was suddenly a tree frog, dangling off the door frame, all because of a band 3 decades old. ( I went home and clipped it out.)
Being obsessed with the Beatles at a young age made their music synonymous with my joy filled memories and thoughts. Certain albums can remind me of specific ages and years. It was almost as if I grew up alongside their own changing personalities album to album. No matter how old I get, turning on the Beatles is the warm blanket and balm to whatever ails me. This last year I tracked down dvd versions of the Anthologies as well as finally curating 3 separate itunes playlists devoted to all of their albums. It’s all still as wonderful as ever.
When I was younger I was much more of a Lennon enthusiast, enchanted by his activism, raw lyrics and rebelliousness. With time I found myself shifting to the magic of Paul. Now he has become something of a symbol to me after enduring painstaking loss. He has such a positive personality, hard-work ethic and disinterest in fame. After feeling the sting of cancer, I was fascinated how anyone can endure losing a mom as a kid, best friend to murder, as well as wife and another best friend to cancer but still carry on with nothing but love.
Paul and John both lost their moms at young ages, something that bonded them together as teens. Paul’s family was much more stable and music was their past time, an act they all participated in daily. I am always in awe of how his mom’s passing didn’t make him any less happy, talented, determined or passionate of a human. It’s unfathomable that he had to see his wife, Linda, die of breast cancer as his mom did. Years later he was by his best friend and band mate, George Harrison’s side as he died of cancer as well.
I can’t begin to imagine the magnitude of shock with John’s death in his life. Even in recent times, when asked the option to meet anyone dead or alive, Paul immediately named John. He has had multitudes of loss but still remains true to himself. Paul serves as this aspirational reminder to me that it is possible to endure grief without letting it destroy you. He’s a testament to enduring with your heart and to keep creating. Music is one of the most powerful forms of art that can also be therapeutic.
Now when I see Paul McCartney, I don’t just think of the Beatles. I am inspired by his bright and straightforward approach to life. When you’re young people will ask who your idol is, when you barely know anything about life itself. Approaching middle age, the things I value and find inspiring are the courage to be happy in this world given the dire circumstances you’re handed. For me, he will always be the shining reminder to love and never let pain dim your light. A lesson that helped me write my book and find a way out of the grief. Thank you to Paul for sharing his positivity and reminding us so very eloquently, the movement you need is on your shoulders.
Shine A Light On Me 