A Teenage Ted: Music and Cars

Although Ted would have denied being anywhere near an accomplished musician in his teen years, this impressive song list for solo guitar seems to belie his memories.  I could tell by the handwriting that it was written by a young Ted, but his own personal note as to when, appears at the bottom.  In 1965 he was 18 years old, and even admitted to being a more than competent rock ‘n roll and rhythm ‘n blues player.  I suppose he had to admit it because all those who heard him play were astonished by his abilities.  However, Ted didn’t consider himself an accomplished guitarist; he aspired to higher forms of art on the guitar and as a musician.  Ted told me that he recognized his playing at that age for what it was, but knew how much more he had to learn before he could play everything he loved.

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I don’t know what happened to the original photos, but fortunately Ted Xerox-copied everything!  These photos are from a slightly earlier period than the song list.  Here is Ted and his ‘62 Corvette Stingray, which he loved almost as much as music.  His love for cars began as a young boy and he retained that love through his entire life.

I absolutely love the expressions on his face when he was in the photo booth. Remember those?

And just a note:  If you consider the song list was written in say, 1966, think about how long he’d been playing those songs (and other songs as well), combined with the daunting amount of hours he would practice, then is it any wonder how he could talk to someone while playing without missing a beat?

He once told me that one way to determine if one has really learned a piece of music is to be able to play it while carrying on a conversation.  Okay… try having a conversation while playing a fugue.