He Was Quite The HUNK!!!

When I first heard about this blog assignment, I was so excited! Unfortunately, my computer will not allow me to set up any video conference for the interview. Yet, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. Hence, I will be quoting what I was told and the meaning behind the answers. With this being said, let's get into it!

I decided to interview my grandmother Judy Singleton, better known as Momma Judy. A little background information on the infamous Momma Judy. Judy was the daughter of Nell and Quinn Cooper. She was born in 1944, as well as her future husband Roger Michael Singleton the first. (better known as Daddy Duke or Duke) The two began dating in January 1962 at only 17 years old. A little over 2 years later, they were married on August 15th, 1964. Which makes the final question even more special. 

(Judy and Duke Singleton)

 I chose Momma Judy because of the close-knit relationship that we have formed over the years. Despite having this close relationship, I was pretty surprised with the amount of information that I didn't know about her. I found out things from her college days and even about my grandparent's "song." 

1: Who were your favorite artists as a kid, as a teen, and how about now? 

Kid- As a kid, she said that her favorite artists were Frankie Avalon and Ricky Nelson. Then, she went ahead and told me that she never really liked Elvis, which for the time, seemed like a big deal. However, as I sit and think about it, it's no different than how I don't like Justin Bieber all that much. As I grew up, I remember girls SWOONING for this boy, yet I never understood all the buzz surrounding him. 

Teen (well 20's)- Instead of going down the teen route, Momma Judy decided to skip ahead just a little bit to the next big thing, The Beatles! This was when the Beatle stars began their upcoming stardom with the U.S. after they began in Europe. 

Now- Today, Momma Judy's favorite tunes tend to be old hymns from her hymn book. One of my favorite memories I have of her is around Christmas time. While we're all gathered around, we will ready the story of Jesus' birth, and she will always include performing a few hymns for us. I also got some intel on what current music she enjoys. Which include Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. Let's just say the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, as these are some of my favorite artists too. At this point, I'm sure you all know this already. Yet, I found it super interesting what she told me about Carrie Underwood. As many people know, Carrie Underwood found her way to fame on American Idol. Momma Judy told me about how her, Daddy Duke, my aunt, and my cousin watched her win American Idol on live television!

2. What were your school dances like?

As I asked Momma Judy this question, I can't lie; I saw her face light up. Let me tell you, the response I got was even better. She was quick to let me know of all the dances they did as teenagers in high school. Such as the bebop, the twist, and the jitterbug! I even got to learn about how Daddy Duke was quite the dancer himself back in the day. Which brought one of the biggest smiles to my face.   

3. In college, did you have any musical experiences? (choir, radio, musicals, etc.)

During college, Momma Judy was quite the multitasker! Not only was she studying for a degree in education, but she was also in a singing trio called the Trojanettes. One of their favorite songs was Madonna's famous hit, Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend. They all had fake diamond rings that they would use as props until the day Daddy Duke finally popped the question. Then she was "The only one with a real one." Similarly, she was also in a musical produced by her university, The Married Widow. In which she played a barmaid.

4. What kind of music during the tough times?

Momma Judy said that she typically listened to slower hymns, specifically the songs Victory Of Jesus and Amazing Grace. She said that these two songs are the ones that first came to mind that she remembers leaning on the most. 

Finally, my favorite question,

5. Did you and Daddy Duke have a "special song"?

The answer is YES! Their song is When I Fall In Love by Nat Cole. However, NOT the version by Michael Bublé. She says that it's way too drawn out for her taste. She says that this song has always been special to them not only because she thought he was the sweetest, cutest, and most handsome hunk, but also because they fell in love so fast.  (after the video I have included the full lyrics)

When I fall in love it will be forever 

Or I'll never fall in love 

In a restless world like this is 

Love is ended before it's begun 

And too many moonlight kisses 

Seem to cool in the warmth of the sun

When I give my heart it will be completely 

Or I'll never give my heart 

And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too 

Is when I fall in love with you.

[Instrumental]



And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too 

Is when I'll fall in love with you