TV Theme Memories

Music Therapy, Older Adults, Resources, Theme | 8 comments

English: TV receiver

English: TV receiver (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There was a time TVs were special. If you were lucky you had a black and white model in your home and a neighbor with a colored picture for special events. Stations signed on and off each day. Antennas where the mode of reception. People would gather together to watch.

I have fond memories of Sunday evenings eating leftover cold chicken while watch “The Wonderful World of Disney” as a child. Eating in front of the TV was only allowed for this show and when you were ill. Songs from shows became standards in our house like “Where O Where” from Hee Haw. Ed Sullivan was a great window on the world during my childhood. Christmas specials started with Thanksgiving: Andy Williams, Glen Campbell, “Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer”, were regulars we watched as a family.

TV was such a rarity it holds strong memories. Things with strong memories make for great conversations.Why not share some theme songs from a variety of old shows and see what kind of conversation comes forth? Older adults at home and in senior living communities will have a lot of fun with these:

The shows included (but not in order) are:

Here are some questions:

  1. Can you name the show?
  2. Do you remember watching it?
  3. Where were you when you watched the show?
  4. Who watched with you?

A big thank you to my Twitter friends and fans of Music Sparks on Facebook who helped create this list. You are the best!

* While the memories I have shared are good ones, know there are others that carry an emotional charge among them hearing about the Kennedy assassination, images from Vietnam. Be prepared for an emotional shift if these topics surface.

What memories of TV would you add to a musical conversation? Please share them in the comments below.

8 Comments

  1. Ann Becker-Schutte
    Ann Becker-Schutte on 22 July, 2012 at 9:43 pm

    JoAnn,

    We didn’t have a TV for a big part of my childhood, so one of my TV memories was the annual showing of the Wizard of Oz. We’d go to a friend’s house, and the moment when Dorothy opened the door and there was the incredible moment from black & white to color was always a highlight.

    Warmly,
    Ann

    • JoAnn Jordan
      JoAnn Jordan on 24 July, 2012 at 9:58 am

      That is one of my strong childhood memories, too, Ann. I would go to a neighbors house so I could enjoy the colorful world of Oz.

  2. Lynda Buitrago
    Lynda Buitrago on 23 July, 2012 at 3:56 pm

    I watched many of these in reruns as a kid! I remember watching Alex Haley’s miniseries “Roots” with my family and was gripped by the story even though I was only 8 at the time.

    • JoAnn Jordan
      JoAnn Jordan on 24 July, 2012 at 9:57 am

      “Roots” brought a lot of families to gather together if memory serves me. It saws a lot that it is a strong memory of yours.

  3. Rachelle Norman
    Rachelle Norman on 23 July, 2012 at 8:36 pm

    I’m younger than you, so I remember most of these shows on Nick at Nite. 🙂

    I do remember the special occasions when we got to eat dinner in front of the TV. “Alf” was the show I remember most clearly.

    • JoAnn Jordan
      JoAnn Jordan on 24 July, 2012 at 9:55 am

      “Alf” was a lot of fun. Wonder how many family dinners are media free these days?

  4. Arlene Johnson
    Arlene Johnson on 25 July, 2012 at 9:40 pm

    We didn’t have a TV either. My husband’s grandmother gave us her TV when we were married. What a treat. My kids always wanted to be sure we were home in time to watch Lassie. We love to watch Christmas Movies.

    • JoAnn Jordan
      JoAnn Jordan on 25 July, 2012 at 10:50 pm

      Thanks for sharing your great TV memories. Lassie was a favorite of mine.