This is a "swing era" tune. I wrote this for my Dad soon after his passing in 2007. We used to listen to music together when I was a little guy. I credit him with (or blame him for) much of my passion for music. He had a beautiful console stereo and would often put a record on and then share the details about what we were listening to. It was fascinating and another great way for us to bond. I was exposed to such a broad spectrum of music. My grandmother in Pennsylvania also had a console stereo in her living room. When we visited, I would lie on the floor between the speakers for hours and be captivated by the talents of Paul Whiteman's "Whispering", Fritz Kreisler's - "Leibesfreud", Arthur Rubenstein's - "Ritual Fire Dance", Hugo Winterhalter's - "Canadian Sunset", Perez Prado's "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White", Glenn Miller's "Sunrise Serenade", Artie Shaw's "Begin The Beguine", Jascha Heifitz' "Hora Staccato", Al Hirt's "I Can't Get Started". The list could go on for days. I loved them all. Still do.

My Dad had a great soul and lived a happy life. Despite life's obstacles and hurdles, he seemed to enjoy every moment. As I matured, I am delighted to say that I recognized and appreciated this and many other qualities in him. We see our parents differently as children than when we become adults. I was at a friend's wedding and looking over to see my Dad having a beer at the bar with a group of my friends. One of my buddies approached me and commented, “Hey, your Dad's really cool!” I turned around and realized my buddy was talking to me. “Yeah… you know, he is, isn’t he?” I walked over to the bar and joined in. My friend was right. My Dad was pretty cool! He would've liked this tune.

My Dad had a steadfast heart. As much as we butted heads when I was young, I am grateful to recognize that in him I won the lottery. There is no higher praise. He was an amazing Dad who was consistently there for me, day after day.