Dennis M. Reed "Califa" - My Mainly Musical Autobiography - 1940s

Page Last Updated: 2011-10-30 04:32:33 PST

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Autobiography Pages: Overview   1940s   1950s   1960s   1970s   1980s   1990s   2000s   2010s
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Dates or Sequence
Narrative including Bands & Personnel and Musical Influences
1940/05/07

A "gringo" was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana ... ME!

1942/00/00

In 1942, thinking that when I grew up I would have to shovel snow in winter time, I decided to move to Southern California (I took my parents with me).


Me - Nov. 1942
1945/00/00

I remember, sometime around this time, sitting on the cold cement steps of 1629 Bonfair, Bellflower, CA in just my underpants and watching the sun come up...maybe the beginnings of my Spiritual Quest(s).

1947/00/00

As a young child, I often listened to the radio with my folks including swing, country, classical, and popular music.

I remember memorizing the words and singing Anniversary Waltz. I still remember most of the lyrics.

 Influencial Radio and 45s:
  • "Anniversary Waltz" - probably by Al Jolsen - I still remember a lot of the lyrics
  • Roy Rogers
  • Gene Aurty
  • Benny Goodman
  • Hill Toppers - "To Be Alone" [first 45 I ever bought probably around 1951! I still have this 45.]

See Sonora Marianao 1968/00/04 autobio-1960s.php for a description of an interesting performance of Anniversary Waltz as a mambo.

Autobiography Pages: Overview   1940s   1950s   1960s   1970s   1980s   1990s   2000s   2010s