Four Summer Song Stories

We all know that Labor Day signals the unofficial last days of summer. Yep, sadly summer, 2022 is almost behind us.

In Austin, we’re actually sending up a little cheer because this sweltering summer is one for the history books.

But, of course, as Beth packs away her white pants and beach hats, she sheds a little tear knowing what’s coming.

But before the season truly starts its beautiful transition into autumn, we thought it would be fun to relive summer through some of our favorite summer songs.

Summer Song Story #1: Beth

Where the Boys Are. Connie Fransis

Most of our summer vacation in the 60’s was spent outdoors. My sisters and I along with Julie, our next-door neighbor, played hide and go seek, or touch football for hours on the sidewalk and in the street.

One particular day, as the sun was setting, we piled into Julie’s house to watch a little TV. Julie, who seemed to always be the “leader of the pack” controlled the TV dial and landed on a movie called Where the Boys Are.

The movie is based on four college girls from the Midwest taking a spring-break road trip to Fort Lauderdale where they searched for romance.

I, of course knew nothing about spring break. Could not have found Fort Lauderdale on a map. And had never kissed a boy or probably worn a swimming suit at that point.

But between the sun, the sand, the boys and the pretty girls I was forever in love.

I still love hearing Connie Fransis sing Where the Boys Are. It is and will remain my sound of summer.

Summer Song Story #2: Beth

Last Dance. Donna Summer

It was the summer of 1978. By then I’d given birth to my three children and was separated from their father. Obviously, I was living with tons of responsibility.

Occasionally, I could leave the kids with a sitter and go out for the evening. Almost always, I’d go with my older sister, Cookie.

Bonnie and Clyde was a crazy popular club in downtown Lansing. Directly across the street from Bonnie and Clyde’s was a restaurant that had a fabulous nightclub on its lower level. Cookie and I would start at one club and dance our way to the other club during those hot summer nights.

It was disco fever. Bell bottoms, gold lame, platform shoes, halter dresses and hot pants, everybody dressed for the night and Cookie, and I were part of the party. It was Saturday Night Fever, the Bee Gees, and of course, the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer.

Yes, for sure, I had a lot of responsibility during those days. But on those warm summer nights, with the sound of disco in the air, I didn’t have a care in the world, flying free as a bird.

Summer Song Story #3: Penny

The Voice of Love. Johnny Nash

I was probably around eleven or twelve years old when I heard my first love song.

I can’t remember if it was my mom’s old “45.” Or it could have belonged to Ginger, my sister that is four years my senior.

It’s apparent I’ve forgotten some of the details, but after all of these years I can still remember how The Voice of Love made me feel.

I had never heard anything like it. That smooth, soulful sound of cute Johnny Nash. At twelve, I knew with certainty that this is what love, real love must feel like.

There I stood, in my cotton summer pj’s listening to this song morning after morning, on repeat. Fifty plus years later, I still remember the lyrics.

And as I hum it, I smile. Because it takes me back to a summertime that was simple and sweet and for me, so romantic.

Summer Song Story #4: Penny

The Best of Burning Spear

He called it “Roots Reggae.”

I think I’d heard of it before he entered my life. But with him, this new man I’d fallen in love with, reggae music came alive for me.

We’re all familiar with Bob Marley. But through him I listened to other reggae legends like Burning Spear, Black Uhuru, Toots and the Maytals. U-Roy and more.

Hot, hot nights in Austin found us standing outside waiting for the reggae sets to begin at downtown clubs like Liberty Lunch or Flamingo Cantina on 6th street. The clubs would fill up fast and were standing room only, no place to sit.

And then the music would start. The sound was so soulful, so unique and distinctive. It carried me to another place and time. We’d sway to the rhythm and steady beat and danced the night away.

We still listen to a lot of reggae music. Most times now are living room has become our dance floor. But after 30 years together the love is still there for my partner, for reggae music, and for warm summer nights.