Sharing the Songs We Love with New Generations

Patsy Rose and I have had the pleasure of performing hundreds of songs from years gone by for residents, families, and staff at retirement centers, assisted living communities, nursing homes, memory care communities, and adult day centers throughout Eastern Iowa.

We call them “Songs They Don’t Play Anymore... But Should!”

After seeing how much joy these familiar melodies bring to our audiences, I had an idea: Why not record some of these wonderful songs so that people can enjoy them whenever they wish—and share them with others?

I especially love the thought of grandparents and grandchildren listening to these songs together, perhaps even singing along! We've included the lyrics at the bottom of this page so everyone can join in.

Of course, many of these songs can be found on YouTube, Apple Music, Spotify, and elsewhere. But how often do we think to introduce them to younger generations? Sometimes all it takes is a little invitation!

That's why we're making a special effort to share these recordings with the communities where we perform—and with anyone who might enjoy them! We invite you to pass these songs along to family members, friends, neighbors, and people of all ages. Perhaps you'll introduce someone to a song they've never heard before, or bring back a cherished memory for someone who knows every word. Whether you're together in the same room or miles apart, these beautiful old songs offer another way to connect, share a smile, and keep the music alive!

These six songs have roots reaching back a century or more. Some belong to the beloved tradition of the Great American Songbook, while others come from the rich heritage of American folk songs and traditional lullabies.

They offer something that can be easy to overlook in today's busy world: beautiful melodies, memorable lyrics, humor, tenderness, romance, and vivid images that invite our imaginations to wander.

And although these songs may not always find their way into today's music classrooms or family gatherings, we believe they still have so much to offer. We'd love to help keep them alive for generations to come.

Our hope is that these recordings will bring you, your family, your friends, and other loved ones together for some delightful moments of heartwarming music.

Who knows? A grandchild might discover a new favorite song—and a grandparent might discover a new singing partner!