I love to sing. I have been that way since I was 5 years old. I would listen to music, and I would sing along to the Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, The Manhattans, and the O’Jays. Stevie Wonder was my favorite. I wasn’t the best looking or the smartest kid. I was quiet and I kept things held inside. But when I sang, I found my voice. Music was my opportunity to express my emotions. I was able to be that person I kept hidden inside. I was strong. I was outspoken, and I was confident because in my mind it was the one thing I knew I could do, and it could not be taken away from me.
In these posts I often share my struggles, my victories, and my failures. It is a normal part of growth to look at your life and hopefully learn from your past. Today I want to talk about the one part of me that was always there to get me through and that is my love of singing.
I was able to do some amazing things in my life because of my love of music. In 1976 I sang to Micheal Dukakis and Kitty Dukakis for a PBS show called “For Kids Only.” I was in eighth grade and my school was chosen to interview them. They asked me to sing. I was so scared. It was the first time I sang in front of anyone other than me and my record player. I remember my English teacher asking me to audition in front of a small group of students. I was so afraid I cried. I got the courage to sing, and I sang “Oh Holy Night” that was the moment my voice came to life. We did a Christmas special for Govenor Dukakis and his wife and I sang “Silent Night” and on Christmas day my whole family watched me on television sing my heart out.
I would sing for coworkers on their birthdays or to patients when they were sad. I used music to give people those moments when they can relax and forget about their troubles even for a few moments. There was a part of me that thought about a career in music, but I looked at singing the same as nursing. It is an opportunity to make a difference. Whether it was singing in church or raising money for charity. I am most fulfilled when I can use my talent to make a difference.
Since 2001 I have been part of a group of volunteers called the Oldies but Goodies Rock and Roll Show. We raise money for local charities in Berkshire County. It is something I am most proud of. We are all volunteers and come with different talents and we have stood the test of time. If I am being honest, if I could, I would sing for the entire two-hour show because I love to sing. But I get to be on stage with some great people with hearts of gold. We are blessed that we can continue to do these shows and raise lots of money. I get to use my voice to help others. I couldn’t ask for a greater opportunity.
We have a show coming up on November 15th and 16th at 7pm at Wahconah High School in Dalton, Ma. “We’re a Little Bit Country, We’re a Little More Rock and Roll” It will be fun, and we are raising money for UNICO of Pittsfield who have served this community since 1986.
I just wanted to share with you some of the joys in my life. I hope you get to do what you love every day. The world is hard and sometimes it is not fair. But I work to find moments to smile, and they come when I can sing and bring a few moments of joy to someone’s heart. What a blessing.
“Musicians want to be the loud voice for so many quiet hearts.” Billy Joel
Charles Redd RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 