Mark Easley Jr. - Vocals
Mark Easley Sr. - Guitar
Click to listen to
"Long Black Train (Live)" mp3.
When my son was in eighth grade, he came to
me one day and said "Dad, we are having our school chorus
spring show soon. Can you help me with a song?" I play
guitar, and I had always encouraged my son to sing, so
naturally I was interested to hear his idea. He liked to
sing, but he had never tried to get up and sing a solo in
front of everyone before. "Sure," I said, barely hiding my
excitement, "what did you have in mind?"
A few weeks later, he and I found ourselves on stage at
school in front of the entire school community of students,
teachers, and parents, a crowd of about 500 people. We wore
our matching outfits of jeans, western shirts, and cowboy
hats that we thought would be a good match for the song. I
was a little nervous, but I'm sure nothing like what my 14
year old son must have been feeling. I started strumming my
guitar, and then my son burst into his well practiced song
"There's a Long Black Train, comin' down the line…"
His voice was strong and clear, his attitude was fearless.
He reached out to that audience, brought them along with his
song and its meaning, and sang with everything he had. They
listened with rapt attention, and then on the final chorus,
they all jumped in to clap along with the song and the
singer. It was a great moment of bonding and appreciation by
the entire school community.
I was able to take in this entire wonderful scene from
slightly behind and to the left of my son as I strummed my
guitar. My son and I will never forget that moment, but for
different reasons. For him, it was a big step in overcoming
his fears and learning that taking risks can be rewarded.
For me, it was one of those proud Dad moments, when you
recognize that your child is growing into a terrific person.
Mark Easley Sr.
Recording and Photos by
Mark
Manring Recording and Photography.
Used by permission.
Click on photo to enlarge.
