Can't Get Enough of Family & Music

 Welcome to my nana's musical journey; I am so glad you're here

How I am feeling talking about music with my nana!

Allow me to introduce you to the person who has shaped me into the person that I am today; my sweet Nana, Tessa Swofford. She is a mother of three, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a nana to three grandchildern (me being the favorite of course), but most importantly a lover of music and Jesus. She truly is the embodiment of what a diverse catalog of anyone I have ever met. Music has and always will be at the center of her life no matter what comes her way. This interview, was magical to see little sparks go off from her knowing she was getting interviewed about music. 

Pictured above is me and her at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC seeing some of our favorite country classics; Wynonna Judd, Tanya Tucker, and Martina McBride the concert celebrated the Judds music and life of Wynonna's mother Noami who unfortunately passed away due to mental health issues. Going to concerts with my nana is one of my absolute favorite things to do and has quickly became a core memory of mine that I will carry on forever. But, now this interview isn't about me nor my music taste; its about her and her music. So, let me now officially welcome you to her musical journey. 

            1) What is your favorite song of all times? And, Why? 

She begins to smile from ear to ear as she prepares to share; "My favorite song is hands down, “My Girl” by the Temptation. This song brings me the utmost joy and put me in the mindset of the beach days (which is my favorite place to go to with my family) and me and my sisters growing up on Georgia Avenue in Chesnee."

Now, grab your dancing shoes and get carried away across the dance floor!

   2) So going off of growing up, what song from living on Georgia Avenue or even during high school brings you back to those days?

She begins to close her eyes to picture that moment in time; "Is “Watermelon Moonshine” by Lainey Wilson; although this song is new it allows me to sit back and escape reality for a minute. And, going back to that time with my husband when we were dating in high school, we were just crazy in love with each other trying to figure out the future."

See even my nana can get down to the new stuff! 

   3) Let's go back to when you were growing up; what song was the most meaningful back then?

She sits back and reflects then turns to me to turn on THAT song; "Is “Stop In The Name Of Love” by Diana Ross & The Supremes, it was one of those songs that had you in all of your emotions, but most importantly had you grooving. That’s what me, my two sisters Lisa and Leslie, my momma, and her sister Vickie did on the weekends blasting this classic on our little 7’ inch record (that I stole from my cousin Marsh)." She bursted out laughing to that incedient.

Grab your love ones and get carried away with the motown flow!  

4) How has music played a role into a core memory that you will forever cherish? 

The tears start to drip from her eyes down to her cheek and grab her hand; "My daddy wasn’t able to talk or function as well as he used to once he got older and a tragic event happened to him. One day we were in the car coming home from the local convenience store. And the song,  “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers came on the radio and my daddy immediately started singing it. To this day this song brings tears to my eyes because it allows me to go back to that day with him." One day we have

got to get her to one of their concert.

Yes, I do in fact cry to this song now after hearing this story. 

5) How has music shaped me and yours relationship together?

She started smiling and staring at me (like all grandparents do they give you that loving look); "Music is at the core of our relationship. It bonds me together with Bryson. I get to teach him about the oldies and how it’s important to listen to older music today. One of my favorite moments was present when one of Bryson’s favorite artists Carly Pearce put out her single “Fault Line”. Every weekend Bryson comes home and plays it, so me and him can just dance across the house with no care in the world." Finally, she featured one of my favs!

Now, grab your cowboy boots and start scooting the floors.

6) So, me and you have been to a good many concerts together! What has been your favorite so far and why?

Oh my! What part about the concert experince do we include cause something is always bound to happen. "My favorite concert that I have been to is Dwight Yokam, I have seen him two times here at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium (2022 and 2024) with Bryson. Dwight, sure does know how to put on a show and allows his music to fully captivate the audience and the room as a whole." Yes, I agree he does put on a great show!

Lets stay in the honkey tonk for just a few minutes longer if you don't mind!

7) Now, we have been talking alot about your favorite songs or moments. What is that one song you can't stand or just dislike?

Inserts an eye roll here, because this is uncalled for nana. But I must remeber this is her interview; "The one song I can’t stand is “On My Way” by Jennifer Lopez. Bryson, have overplayed it WAY too much and she is so repetitive with that one line it just drives me nuts. But, I do know about the  importance of  Jennifer’s music for Bryson. " Well, atleast she finished it off on a good note, I don't play it th\at much (it's only been 800 times).

Now, listen to my mother sing her heart out! It's one of my favs; my nana is just acting like a hater. 

8) Okay, we get the point nana. What song do you feel is needed for today's society? "That would be “If I Can Dream” by Elvis Presley, because we need more love and understanding amongst everybody. That everyone's dream can come true if you set your mind to it. It allows everyone to express who they fully are, that was Elvis's intention with this song, to bring awareness." AMEN, nana I agree with you.

Allow, your dreams to take you to fullest possiblites!

9) Nana, I have enjoyed interviewing you today about your musical journey, I have one finale question for you. How has music helped you and why do you feel like it's important? "Even through the toughest times, music manages to creep in and allows me to escape. It also helps me go back to those days when I had nothing to worry about. Music is the quickest thing to bring you happiness. Whether that be from the Temptations and Tom Jones or even rising stars like Carly Pearce. Here’s a clip of one of me and Bryson's favorite Ms. Carrie Underwood singing "How Great Thou Art" which i think is the best clip to close this out with."

Amen! Sister you better sing your heart out this.

In conclusion, this interview with her was very rewarding getting to hear from side about music and getting a deeper understanding. It's truly remarkable to see how music impacts SO many different generations all around. No matter what background, music is still at the center at whatever walk of life you're on. Now, if you will excuse me I am going to blast me some Kelsea Ballerini so I can get prepared for her concert.