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Sara Jane Armstrong Rutherford went to the University of Texas from a small farming community in south Texas in 1944, at the age of 17. She quickly acclimated and always said that in spite of the tragedies of WWII, it was a fun time to be at college, especially one with several military bases near-by.
She loved to dance and had a gorgeous voice. Back then, there were lots of dance clubs where the university girls and military guys matched up and danced the evening way. She assured me it was always safe because they stayed in large groups, never going off in pairs with “strange men.” She must have sung along to the songs of the Big Bands at her table because soon after frequenting these dance clubs, she was asked by management to sing along with the band and became the most popular torch singer, as they were known back then. If Sara Jane was singing, the house was full.
I grew up enjoying her voice and later singing along with her, accompanied by our player piano. We had all the songs from the 40’s and we would sit for hours singing together, much to the delight of my Daddy. So, as I prepare for this Valentine’s Banquet, Mother is constantly on my mind and close to my heart. I am remembering her gorgeous voice and love of singing. One of the songs that a friend is singing at the banquet is Always, a song Mother was always asked to sing at weddings and one we used to sing together. I already know I will shed a few tears when I hear that song, but I will always treasure sweet, sweet memories of her voice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jZhrUZ_gk4&feature=related
Such wonderful memories you have of your mother. It's funny how music seems to bring out all the old memories and emotions. I know there will be tears for you but I hope they will be tears of happiness and gratitude for the years you had your mother with you.
ReplyDeleteThey don't make music like that anymore. What a beautiful song. If they sing "I'll Be Seeing You", that's one of my parents songs they had together.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful picture of your mother. She looks like a movie star. I agree with Lori, music stirs emotions inside and bring memories to the surface. I know your mother will be singing right along when they play Always.
What a knockout your mother was! I got used to all the old songs as my Dad always played them on our "Hi-Fi" as they called it then. I have more memories of the older songs then of most from my generation. And they do bring back some wonderful memories.
ReplyDeleteJackie