One of the questions I like to ask people I meet – young or old, business or personal, long-time friend or stranger – is “What are a few of your favorite bands?”.
The range and variety of responses is vast, as is the interest in using the question as a “springboard” to a fun music-focused discussion, after which smiles are plentiful. Very rarely does the conversation stop after a few sentences.
The pinnacle moment of this “springboard” discussion catalyst is the reaction people have when first hearing the bands on the list.
Someone recently surprised me a great deal when they talked deeply about Prince. The way in which this guy talked about Prince created an immediate picture for me into of this guy. Prince may not be my favorite band, but his passion and insightful thoughts on Mr. Purple Velvet were interesting and created a fun relationship bridge.
Music always brings joy said the bumper sticker on the violin teachers civic.
When two people I was with that knew each other for a long time used this simple question as the “springboard” into a discussion and walk down memory lane, it was great fun.
Driving my daughter to Jr high school the other day, I asked her the “springboard” question. We talked awhile over breakfast at a French coffee shop before I took her to school. When we got back in the car, she asked me the same question…
Yes immediately came rumbling from my mouth.
She asked me “why?”, a questions no one has ever asked back to me, I said (without thinking, like some sort of muscle memory), “because all the people I know that are into Yes and other music I like are enjoyable hang-out with.”
BTW…my daughter has since become a Yes fan and requests “I’ve Seen All Good People” when we are in my truck. Big fun.
Peace. Listen to the music.
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