Influential Musicians in My Teen Years: From Denis Brain to Pharell Williams

As a teenager, the music that impacted me the most can be traced back to several influential musicians who had a profound effect on my musical journey. In this article, I will explore the impact of musicians such as Denis Brain, Bono, and Luther Perkins, and the way their unique styles and sounds inspired my own musical interests.

The Sound of Denis Brain: A French Horn Virtuoso

Denis Brain, a virtuoso player of the French horn, had a profound influence on my early musical journey. His pure and incredible sound, derived from a single horn, was something that I was captivated by. At around the age of 13, I joined a brass band, and although I couldn't play the French horn, the concept of emulating such a masterful sound on a different instrument, like the bass tuba, resonated deeply with me.

Winerfred Attwell and the Honky Tonk Piano

Winerfred Attwell was another musician who left an indelible mark on my musical journey. Attwell was a skilled Honky Tonk pianist who traveled the world, performing with her unique instrument. Going back to the 1950s, she was a awe-inspiring figure, and her music has been a nostalgic reminder of the vibrant music scenes of the past. My affection for Attwell and her honky tonk music has remained a steady presence in my musical life, even though I can only hear her music from the 50s and 60s.

Bono: Vocals and Lyrics That Resonated

Next, comes the legendary Bono, frontman of the iconic band U2. Starting from around 1987 with their album 'Unforgettable Fire,' I became a dedicated fan. Every album, every song, and every lyric was part of my everyday experiences. I even bought bootleg concert tapes and books, showing how deeply his music resonated with me during my teen years. Despite not listening to U2 as much in the past decade, their influence on my musical journey was and remains significant.

Simple Guitar Riffs: The Sounds of Luther Perkins and Bob Wooten

Music was not just about vocals for me; the rhythm and guitar riffs played a crucial role. Luther Perkins, guitarist behind Johnny Cash, played the iconic "boom chicka boom" sound that was simple yet strikingly effective. This influence was so strong that when Perkins died in 1969, his duties were taken over by Bob Wooten, who continued to deliver an even better sound. Perkin's approach to guitar playing was a major source of inspiration for me during my formative years.

Pharell Williams: Versatile and Fearless

Lastly, Pharell Williams, a multi-talented musician who plays instruments, makes hip hop beats, raps, and sings, stands as a beacon of musical versatility. His production company, The Neptunes, and his bands, N.E.R.D. and The Roots, have all left a lasting impact on the music industry. Pharell's consistent ability to create hits and his fearless approach to blending different genres are qualities that continue to inspire me today.

In summary, my musical journey during my teenage years was shaped by a variety of artists, each contributing uniquely to the diverse sounds and styles that became part of my musical identity. From the pureness of Denis Brain to the passion of Pharell Williams, these musicians and their music played a crucial role in my development as a music enthusiast and future music lover.