By the age of 4, I spent a lot of time at our family piano and started lessons at age 5. At that time, I was intrigued by and already listening to 45’s and LP’s. I remember asking for record-albums, specifically Paul McCartney and Wings, “Band on the Run.” Ironically, I spent more time listening to the flip side “Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five”.
In 1976, at age 8 I had many albums, including Elton John’s “Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy”, Steely Dan “Can’t Buy a Thrill”, Free “Fire and Water”, Motown, of course “K-Tel”, “Burt Sugarman’s Midnight Specials”, and so many more. It was then when I realized that it was more than just singing to the lyrics and dancing to the beat. I recognized the talent behind it all and fell in love with the artists, instruments, lyrics, linear notes and different genres of music. While loving the piano and listening to Aretha Franklin, Motown, The Beatles, Elton John, Jefferson Airplane, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Genesis, YES, etc., I knew that music was in my soul.
Now, 40 years later, I have had my share of learning the business and playing different instruments, performing in bands, and watching, meeting and listening to some of the greatest artists of all time for many years. Working Side by side and becoming friends with most of the artists I grew up listening to! In my opinion, the best music and greatest talents spin from the late sixties through the 70’s; The Beatles, obviously being the most influential band.
Kim Reilly – “Integrity is the Key to Success”