Some people have asked how I ever developed an interest in the organ, given that I had little exposure to classical organ music as a child. I always get a bit upset when I see the results of church surveys about music programs that express that "organ music is pre-Vatican II". Given that I was the youngest of five children in the 60s and 70s, I was raised in an environment where the radio was ALWAYS on (I do mean 24 hours a day/7 days a week). My first exposure to organ music was when I first heard (and was completely smitten with) the song "A Whiter Shade of Pale" by Procul Harum. Not too long after that, my parents bought me one of those cheap record players - the one where the player was actually smaller than the records. Along with the record player, I got a flimsy vinyl recording (like the ones that came on cereal boxes) of Light My Fire by The Doors. I simply loved the organ melodies in those two songs. A few years later, "redneck" of "southern" rock became popular. One song in particular became the rallying anthem for this brand of music. Interestingly enough, it wasn't a hard rock song - but a ballad (that had some harder portions toward the end). Flick your lighter and wave your arm for "Freebird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd!
While I like Bach, I was raised on and influenced by the organ music of Procul Harum, The Doors and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Billy Powell, the keyboardist for Lynyrd Skynyrd passed away suddenly at the age of 56 a couple of days ago. I truly do feel a sense of loss. While he may not have led the cleanest life, he did have a musical influence on at least one kid.
Below are links to the big three organ songs that influenced me.
A Whiter Shade of Pale - Procol Harem
Light My Fire - The Doors
Freebird - Lynyrd Skynyrd
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