In 1971 when I was quite young, all I wanted for Christmas was Jimi Hendrix’s “Rainbow Bridge” LP, on vinyl if you remember what that was. I didn’t want a bike or a sled or anything else. All I wanted was that Hendrix album. There it was under the Christmas tree, and I played that album until the grooves wore flat!

I remember an internship I had to do at a recording studio as part of my undergraduate program. After searching for several studios in the area, I found one that was quite prominent. I was nervous going in. My first day, the owner asked me to make a track. I created something using his MPC, ProTools, an alien bass guitar, organ, and some percussion instruments he had. He then started playing a sample from a record that was already in the key of the song I created. The sample fit right in. That was a great experience that helped me to realize that I wanted to be a music producer…

In 1987, I went to visit my uncle. Near the end of my visit, he bought me my first albums I ever owned, “Raising Hell” by RUN-DMC and “Bad” by L.L. Cool J.

I traveled from Boston to New York City to see Goldfrapp on September 12, 2008 for the Seventh Tree Tour. I bought a Seventh Tree t-shirt, and promptly adorned it with pride. I was exhilarated to see Goldfrapp again; I was at the Beacon Theatre concert on April 29th, 2008. So I saw her/them twice that year. So amazing. She shines in concert, dancing freely without any commercial misgivings or faux repose. The entire band was wearing white, except for Alison Goldfrapp. I recorded a video of Utopia on my camera, and took many pictures. I listen to her music frequently. I’d love to watch her win a Grammy in Los Angeles. It would make my decade.

As a fan of music, I’ve traveled to see some great musicians throughout the years. After the 2005 Katrina Hurricane, for a moment I thought I’d never see Fats Domino perform live after he was feared lost amongst the devastation of the city. However, Fats Domino like New Orleans was still alive. In May of 2007, I found out Fats Domino was planning his first show since the hurricane at Tipitina’s, a 1,000 capacity music venue in New Orleans. I bought my ticket and drove from St. Louis to New Orleans hoping that there wasn’t a last-second cancellation like the N.O. Jazz Festival booking a small time beforehand. When Fats Domino took the stage that night, with his large trademark big grin, everyone in the place smiled with him. The show -his last since- was perfect in every way. An unforgettable moment topped with the Mayor of New Orleans declaring the day to forever be named “Fats Domino Day” in New Orleans.

I remember when the Beatles came to Dallas and my sister took me to the concert. I was in the 7th grade and was so excited. We hollered and screamed and cried, and I honestly can not remember HEARING the music through all the girls and boys screaming! My mother loves the Beatles to this day – and she is 82 years old. My older sister Julie still does, too.

Everyone used to tease me when I listened to Miley Cyrus, Hilary Duff, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato and Lindsay Lohan because they think it’s all girly. Some of them still continue to do this, but I don’t care what they say. I’m gonna listen and love these artists for the rest of my life, no matter what others will say….

I am a major Killers fan! For my birthday, I got tickets to a live concert. I never would have imagined the experience I had! It was my first concert and I just got the chills! Everyone was singing along. The music was amazing. I love all of the stage effects. They sound just like the CD, but live!!!! One of the best nights of my life! I’ll never forget it.

I remember my life changing one afternoon after coming back home from the grocery store. I watched the news state that Michael Jackson had passed. It really opened my eyes about how precious life here on earth is. Also, that event helped me to start encouraging people I know not to participate in illegal file sharing. No matter how financially wealthy an artist is, the gift of legitimate music is the most heart felt.

I was in Vegas in 2008 to see my idol, Mr. ALICE COOPER. The nicest band EVER!!!! Hung out with them at the bar after. BUT, the best part was being picked to be UP ON STAGE with the MAN himself! During his rockin’ song, “Elected,” a select few were chosen to hang backstage, and then run out mid song toting signs about ‘electing Alice.’ It all happened so incredibly fast, but will last in my memory forever! Alice performs hundreds of shows per year still, and it’s the best concert you will ever experience!

I was in the first row at Lady GaGa’s last concert in Milan on December 5th. Despite the snow, I spent the whole day outside the concert venue, but I made it, and reached the first row! It was amazing. I was so happy! I had attended her two previous shows in Italy, as well, but not from there – I was so near!! At one point, while talking to the audience, she looked into my eyes. I can say that that is the most beautiful music memory she could ever give me!

Jesse Lacey finally giving in and playing “Moshi Moshi” cuz I wouldn’t stop shouting it at every Brand New I went to, and then saying “you’re welcome” right to me when I yelled “thank you” to him after. It was bromantic in the Wayne-glamorizing-Cassandra-in-his-mind-the-first-time-he-sees-her-in-Wayne’s-World way, except that wasn’t two dudes.

I participated in Chamber singers for 4 years. I remember, during my senior year in high school, we visited an elderly home in Upland California during the Christmas Holiday season. When we first walked in and the elderly were waiting for us to sing, I noticed that they did not look happy at all. There were no smiles there to greet us. My first thought was that they did not want us there, but I was determined to do all that I can to have them smiling by the end of our singing. I would smile and use as much facial expression as I could and put so much love into the words I was singing so that it would convey to them. After a few songs I started to notice the guests singing along with us and even rocking back and forth. At that point I was feeling good. After the mini concert in the lunch room, we did some caroling around the halls and went into rooms that had people on bed rest that could not walk. We asked them what song they would like to hear and then we would sing it. The responses were over whelming. They would mention that they did not get guests a lot. One man, I think his name was Brian, wanted us to stay the whole night and sing to him It just warmed my heart to see so many people happy. I was so proud to have touched so many people’s hearts with the joy of music. That is why, from that day on, I strive to make others happy. I do whatever it takes so that those who are down are brought to happiness with just a simple song I will never forget that day .

Well an ex-love of mine were living together, and my birthday was coming up. I knew we didn’t have a lot of money, so I figured no need for presents. Well it was the afternoon of my birthday,  I was taking a nap and there was a tap at the door. It was a delivery guy. I got the package with my name on it and opened it up only to discover she bought me the “John Mayer – Heavier things” tab book I’d been wanting. She had a note with “I love you, I hope you like it.”

I remember, when I was little, my mother wouldn’t let me listen to Michael Jackson. I would always sneak around and listen to his songs whenever I had the chance. I used to dream of walking down the aisle to his song, “You are not Alone,” and then freaking out my grandmothers by dancing to “Dirty Diana” at my reception. I hope to make this a very special and hilarious memory in my life.

The best music memory I have is one that is fairly recent. I have been to a lot of concerts, considering I’m only 19. It’s my absolute favorite thing to do, and each experience changes my life in ways I can hardly put in to words. The feeling and the energy of being squished into a huge crowd of die-hard fans, fighting for that front row spot just a few feet from your favorite artist; there’s nothing like it. The best concert I have been to – so far – was the Mumford & Sons show in Atlanta this past November. My sister and I waited hours in the cold to get that amazing spot right in front of the lead singer. We jumped, danced, and sang along all night – along with every other person in that theater, which is something that I usually don’t see. Sure, the general admission crowd and some groups in the stands/balcony will be singing along, but never have I been to a concert where literally every single person is participating whole-heartedly. The feeling was absolutely amazing and truly uplifting. Singing along with hundred of others, watching the band respond wonderfully to our energy – it’s a memory that I wish I could relive over and over. And I only hope I have many more of those to come.

I can remember two remarkable music gift memories. The first one: I planned my wedding around the U2 2005 show in Miami because I knew so many of my friends and family were coming to that show! I bought two great seats and took my husband to the show. It was the first time he ever saw them and it was magical! Fast forward three years later: For Christmas, my husband (a talented graphic designer) did a job for a concert photographer and his payment was five live shots of U2 throughout the years. The oldest picture is of Bono, circa 1985 (mullet and all!), in Florida. There are shots of the Joshua Tree Tour, Elevetion and Vertigo tour! Best gift ever!

One day out of the blue my dad passed down his song book of Burt Bacharach. Learning those classic songs at a young age was the best gift I could have ever gotten. To this day he is one of my biggest inspirations as a songwriter.

I remember this: I was 16, flirting around with boys, and not realizing that one boy in particular was infatuated. Gil came to my house, (I didn’t even know he knew where I lived), knocked on the door, and handed me a 45 single that had just been released. It was James Taylor’s “You’ve Got a Friend”. Then Gil ran away, not saying a word. It was my first gift from a boy. Such a beautiful song, and such a nice way to tell me how much he liked me.

I remember going to my first concert ever last year to see David Cook; one of the best days ever! We didn’t have that great of seats, but when he sang his last song, we put our glow sticks in the air, he saw them, smiled and pointed to us. I also recently went to a Danny Gokey concert, where I had backstage passes and got to meet him before the show =) We had front row seats! He sung every song on his album, plus so much more. It was pretty much the best day of my life!