Walking

I often wonder when I began to walk, I know that mom or dad have told me but since it was most likely after my first year on the planet, it was not as earth shattering as I would have thought based on how much enjoyment it brings to my life. And if you become a parent, the first footsteps by your offspring is pure euphoria, as well as numerous other “firsts.” Now for those who knew me back when I was a teenager, they would inform you there was not one solitary moment in their recollection where they ever saw me walk. This may be correct because even I recall once my feet were outdoors, the urge to run everywhere and anywhere took over just as naturally as nurturing oneself or someone else when it is time for breakfast.

Running was my primary source of amusement as I would challenge myself to beat the Eighth Avenue bus to my house from 46^th street to 53^rd once it pulled in across the street from Dan’s Supermarket. The bus driver would leave the door open thinking I was going to board, but I would walk in front of the bus to cross the street and wait for him to pull out. Once he did, the competition was on as I knew there was a decent chance that there was no one waiting in front of Key Food on 49^th street and if the light were green a block before when I passed Izzy’s, the driver would have an open field to step on the gas because he recognized what was going on. And if he was a bus driver in Sunset Park, chances were good that he was reared in Brooklyn, so backing down was not an option. Every five “concrete boxes” on the sidewalk I would glance to my right and I could see him lower his head to look towards me as the race intensified. Passengers had no idea what was occurring as I could hear the bus accelerate knowing that his foot was pressing harder to the ground. The goal line was always my front door, as opposed to just getting to “fifty-third” and I never lost. The driver would give me a thumbs up and smile as he cruised through the fifties with Poly Prep being the final destination.

As a teenager I remember that each Tuesday there would be new album releases and there were instances when I needed the B-70 to take me to 86^th street, so I could walk over to either “The Record Factory” or “The Little Record Store” that were three avenues away from Eighth. Since I could never sit still, I would look to the pole to view the stated hours and minutes when the bus was supposed to arrive but of course when you need to go somewhere, it was never in sight. So, I would begin to run, in part to maintain that image of always running but also to have more time to browse through the thousands of albums in both stores. Once I passed the “Dust Bowl” and “Zeke’s” I was less likely to be recognized, so I would start to walk. But of course, it became a competition because I would constantly turn to see if the bus were in all that traffic. Sure enough I would see it sitting at the light on “Sixtieth” and now instead of using my sixty-five cents to have it take me to my destination, I was going to show the city that I could get there by foot before this mode of transportation. I would make believe that I was being chased by that guy in my dreams who drags his leg that was busted in an accident and each time I turned he was right behind me, even though I was running for my life.  Again, the B-70 never passed me and there were moments of gasping for air, as well as becoming a human sweat ball, but I beat it.

Fast forward to about thirteen years ago as I was still mainly in the “weekend warrior” mode with one additional softball game in the “over 40” league during the weekday in Danbury, so to offset father time from setting in, I would continue to run about twice per week. Keeping active four days was acceptable in my mind as I have never been a “long marathoner” like my uncle and brother, hence my enjoyment was somewhat limited, especially with all the steep hills in and around my town. But I did it until I couldn’t anymore.

Hip pain began to set in, and I decided to throw caution into the wind by attending a session with my bride’s masseuse. If you recall, I have all kinds of things wrong with my psyche, with being massaged near the top of that list, but the fear of becoming complacent afforded the ability to look beyond as the thought of exercising again took priority. After the second visit, the masseuse informed me that she would not continue to take any further payments because in her professional judgment, a chiropractor would be required as the things being performed would not achieve a positive result. I thanked her for the integrity displayed and moved on to Dr. Manfredi, marking the first time ever to such a doctor.

On my initial appointment, he told me to walk down the hallway as he watched from behind and when I turned around, he had this look of disappointment. “You are off-kilter, it is going to take time to level off, so whatever running you have been doing will have to end but you can take up walking after you are fixed.” His procedures paid off after about six months and at that point I began to roam around my town for six-to-ten-mile adventures on almost every Saturday. Rick and Brian supplemented my physical activity as we would typically throw the ball around on Sunday mornings.  

After departing S&P Global, I made a trip back to Chicago to visit with my friends and former colleagues with Linda as we were the New York contingent of the mid-west team. Of course, we had a wonderful time as the locals took us to many places that we had not seen before, and it culminated with a wonderful party at John’s house. And one of the things I remember about that trip was how much we walked. If you have ever walked with Linda, you better have comfortable footwear because most have to do a “slow-jog” to keep up with her. Of course, I had purchased new shoes for the trip and did not realize how flat they were as it felt like I was barefoot with each step. And believe me, when you are walking with Linda, there are tens of thousands of steps, which I do not mind at all. I can’t wait for the next excursion because I now have the proper foot gear.

After my seizure at the beginning of Covid in March 2020, it is Connecticut law that you are not allowed to drive an automobile for six months (N.J. is nine and N.Y. is one year), so my walking picked up immensely because there was no other option to get around. As previously mentioned, I would pull my offspring’s little red wagon through the roads to pick up groceries from “Johnny’s” as I lined up behind the vehicles to wait for the workers who were basically in “Haz-mat” attire dispensing the text message orders into your trunk; mine just happened to be a child’s mode of transportation. During this time, I loved to walk in the mornings just as the sun was awakening and the encounters with those who roam the woods were frequent.

On this one particular trek, I was making my way down Gillotti road and approached the home of the Priests at St. Edwards, when all of a sudden, a fox appeared out of nowhere as I froze in my steps to ensure it did not see me. But something must have told him to turn as then it was their moment to stop while staring in my direction. The assumption in my head was that most animals fear humans so I waited for it to keep moving on. But we all know what occurs when we assume. Without warning, the fox takes off and is feverishly running right towards me. I immediately turned to run back up Gillotti but knew I had no chance to beat this situation. As I am making my way up the road, a car makes a right turn and this time I am praying for the speeding that I usually encounter on my adventures. Once the car is about ten yards away, the fox turns and heads into the woods behind the former elementary school as I gave a thumbs up, while the driver thought I was saying hello. Breathing a sigh of relief, I continued on my journey passing herds of deer, but they did not move while waiting to see where I was going and if I stepped in their direction, they were gone in a moment’s notice. I purchased an airhorn just in case because there was one bear that was roaming in our town but then made the decision to end the early morning hikes as the fear was real and thought the later hours would keep them in their hiding spot during the day.

Over the past year or so, I received inspiration from a neighbor just three doors down. During my twenty plus years at our residence, I would see him riding his professional bike with all the appropriate gear as well as running around town and he would always have a garbage bag with him. During my walks, I would see him get off his bike to pick up any kind of trash along the sides of the road and my jaw would hit the ground. More recently, as our paths do not seem to cross as much, I decided to “take the baton” and I began to take two bags, garbage, and recycling, with me on my saunters around town. In the beginning, I would put my protective glove on while picking up any type of garbage as well as bottles and cans with the intention of discarding into the private dumpsters outside of Starbucks. But then realized that if the local police saw me throwing it away, without knowing that I had picked up this trash along the way, I could receive a ticket for illegal dumping. So now I do it the opposite way, I walk to the center of our town, then start the sanitizing practice, remembering from my car rides on which spots needed the most cleansing and by the time I arrive back home, I truly look like Santa as I have two full bags over my shoulder as I put them in my own garbage receptacles. Hopefully, Norman has witnessed me as he was truly the inspiration. And with Earth Day fast approaching, maybe this will motivate others to take care of the place that we live in.

In honor of it being National Walking Day, (the first Wednesday in April each year) today’s setlist will contain songs that have “walk” in its title, tunes that relate to walking or I will give you the reason for its inclusion. (Enjoy!)

Okay, on a side note, I feel like I have utilized the following songs on other setlists more than a few times so I will mention them here but are not included today: “These Boots are Made for Walking” by Nancy Sinatra (Mom); “Walk” by the Foo Fighters; “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina & the Waves; “Walk this Way” by Run DMC & Aerosmith (New Year’s Eve post); “Walk Away from Love”- David Ruffin (Baseball post); “Walk Away”- Christina Aguilera and Joe Walsh (Tuning Out post)

1— “Walking My Baby Back Home” by Nat King Cole—I know there are numerous renditions of this song, but I had to start off with the untouchable, otherwise known as, Nat King Cole. This is pure beauty in every facet of a tune with elegance, grace, and wonderful musicianship. Although I could not walk my bride home while we were courting, if I could go back in time and if she lived nearby, I would try to serenade her with this phenomenal track. There is something magical about these types of songs that we should never lose, please pass it forward to the younger generation as I know there has to be current situations where someone is looking to walk that special partner back home.

2— “Walking to New Orleans” by Fats Domino— Fats sang a lot of tunes with the word “walk” in the title, and I have included him twice on this list because he is a National Treasure, in my opinion. It makes me sad the way things ended for him but Fats if you can hear me, please know that my life would have never been the same without your sensational music. And I know there are millions of us out there who feel the same way. Every Sunday my dad would put your music on, and I would drift off into another world. Folks, please tell me that Fats is somewhere in your catalog or heart.

3— “Walk Right Back” by The Everly Brothers— Their influence on hundreds of artists or bands is tremendous. One of the best duo’s in the history of music and they were Paul Simon’s heroes. And just like Simon & Garfunkel, the brothers had their moments but, in the end, they were able to patch things up. Phil passed in 2014 and Don in 2021. I remember when I played the alto saxophone in junior high school, one of the first songs I played was “Bye, Bye, Love.” Their music is wonderful. 

4— “Walking by Myself”—by Jimmy Rogers– Who does not love a blues tune? Wow, put this on and let it take you to the moon. The groove is delicious and infectious. “You know I love you… you know it’s true.” The solo in the middle of the song is almost too much to take. The next time you go for a walk, have this playing in your ears and people everywhere will notice the kick in your step. Talk about influential? This gentleman was at the forefront of the Chicago blues scene.

5— “I Walk the Line”—by Johnny Cash– This has to be on this list, arguably one of his greatest songs, no? Music was his life, and he was creating up until the day he left us. Posthumously there were songs that were released and sung by multiple star-studded artists. His legacy will live on forever.

6— “Walking Shoes”— by Tanya Tucker-In the vein of Nancy’s anthem, this catchy tune by Tanya sends a solid message that she was not going to put up with any further nonsense. It makes me sad when I think of situations where mothers, sisters, aunts, or anyone else has to endure unwarranted pain. Our mothers and sisters should be treasured and treated with respect.  

7— “Walking in the Rain”— by Johnny Ray- I remember hearing this tune in our living room while we were kids, and I could feel Johnny’s pain as his voice caught my immediate attention. And who does not love the whistling? I have a feeling that my dad is loving this list so far… but that will change later on. LOL.

8— “I’m Walkin’”- by Fats Domino– Ever since I was a kid, this has been one of my favorite tunes of all-time. Each time I hear it, I can picture Richie, Ralph, Potsie, and the Fonz hanging out at Arnold’s. Folks, there is a nice tribute album for Fats that was released in 2007, called “Going Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino” and it has thirty songs. Luckily, Fats had ten years to enjoy this album as he was able to hear such artists as John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Elton John, Buddy Guy and many more. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers cover this tune, and it is incredible.

9— “Walk Away Renee”– by The Left Banke–This could be one of the greatest “one hit wonder” (I know, they also had ‘Pretty Ballerina” but it was not as huge as “Renee”) songs in the history of music. I know that I had already proclaimed “My Sharona” as the ultimate but I am saying “one of the best” ever. This song creates immediate emotion, and the background vocals are reminiscent of the Beatles. What a song.

10— “Walking in the Rain With the One I Love”- by Love Unlimited –Each week I preview the blog to my bride, along with the song choices and once this tune kicked in she recognized it as it took her back to the wonderful days of the 1970’s. This unit provided backing vocals for the infamous Barry White and had a career of their own. Glodean White, the lead singer, was married to Barry and despite their differences, never divorced. Barry passed in 2003 at the youthful age of 58. Glodean and Linda James (now Hunziker) made a Christmas album in 2020. Glodean dedicated it to the love of her life, Barry. Sadly, Diane Taylor passed in 1985 from cancer. 

11— “Walking in Rhythm”- by The Blackbyrds – Arguably one of the greatest songs of the 1970’s and it brings me back to the golden days of my childhood. As I listen to this national treasure of a song, I am back at Omaha Beef on Atlantic Avenue during the 1980’s as I can picture Richie and Frenchie taking their butcher knives to mimic microphones as they danced in unison to this song. And of course, they sung this track like their life depended on it. One could see how much it transformed them. Music will do that to you.  

12— “Walk on By” by Bryan Adams– As soon as the acoustic guitar starts and the violin, the tears begin to well in the ducts of my eyes as I believe this is one of the most heartfelt songs ever recorded. I love the fact that Bryan is still going strong, and one can tell that he lives for making music. When you can craft songs like this, it has to move you. Please say that you understand what I am trying to say? Forget about any notions you have or what category it is because Bryan Adams is all about love. And does anyone appear to be having more fun than him? If so, please tell me who it is. 

13— “Walk on Water”- by Eddie Money– It feels like I have utilized this song, but I could not find it amongst the more than four hundred posts (but who is counting?) on this page. When Eddie’s vocals comes in at the beginning of the song, I truly feel like I could walk on water. I know I say this all the time, but this has to be considered one of the best “sing-along-songs” ever as I find it impossible to not sing along with Eddie. And who does not love all the “nah, nah, nah’s” by the background vocalists. I love when Eddie sings the following lines- “… all year long, I told you lies… to err is human, forgive is divine… don’t be a fool, don’t settle the score… cause I can’t take it no more… I can’t take it…”

14— “Love Walks In”- by Van Halen-5150. I’ll say it again- 5150. When the Van Halen brethren thought all was lost, in walks Sammy to save the day. (And do you know who produced this infamous album? None other than Mick Jones, the founder of Foreigner, Ha!). Listen, I will be the first to say that I have been tough on Sammy but that does not mean that I did not want to be him when he joined forces with the Van Halen brothers, and Anthony. When I lived in Ringwood, the downstairs was dedicated to “everything music” as I would blast this album and make believe that I was the Red Rocker. I will always be partial to the Diamond Dave era, but Sammy’s contributions can never be ignored.   

15— “Walkin’ Shoes”- by Tora Tora– I also feel like I have used this song before, but I am building up with the “heavier” songs and despite this being from the “hair band” era that I know Mr. Anselmo despises, it is part of my plan to get to Pantera. The year was 1989 and I was knee deep into this “hard rock” scene, otherwise known as the aforementioned period of time, and Tora Tora blew me away with their sound as the walls would shake inside my bedroom. No, mom did not ask me to open the door for this as I slowly started to drift away into the heavier (but not yet “dark”) side of town. Will never forget Jimmy running outside in Pennsylvania with a bat looking to break the boom box as this was screaming through the speakers. I always think that everyone loves what I listen to… oh well.

16— “Walk”- by Pantera – “Why would you ruin this setlist with this song” was what my bride said when I played her the tunes in order. Folks, I’m begging you- give it a chance. Maybe you can pull up the original video to this track when the boys were in their prime and sing along? LOL. Oh my, it is absolutely incredible. But I know because Paul said he tried but couldn’t get there. My cousin, Michele, told me when she heard the guitar she was in until Phil began to sing. LOL. My dream has come true as I have been able to see them (obviously without the brothers) twice in the past year and everyone knows this tune, no? “…. Re… Spect… Walk… what did you say?… Re… Spect… Walk… Are you talking to me?… walk on home boy!!” Crank this one way up. On a side note, I was in my glory when they played “5 Minutes Alone” at the Garden show in February, it was an “outer-body” experience. “Something told me… this job has more to meet the eye!”

17— “Walking On The Sun” by Smashmouth -Okay take a deep breath and begin to dance as I have totally gone in a sweet direction. How addictive is this song? I forgot how much I love this, and the video is exactly the way to dance to this track. And who better to sing this than the late Steve Harwell- still hard to believe he is gone at such a youthful age. I love the organ part as it reminds me a little of the B-52’s. “You might as well be walking on the sun!”

18— “Walk of Life” by Dire Straits – I believe this is only the second time that I have ever listed a Dire Straits song on any of these lists, but this tune is too good to ignore. I acknowledge Mr. Knopfler’s acumen on the guitar, but “Brothers in Arms” was the only album that I ever returned to “The Record Factory” as I tried to like it, but I could not get there. I know this tremendously upsets my friend, Stuart, as he is amongst the many who absolutely love this album and will never accept that I gave it back. (for store credit since I shopped there each Tuesday, the guy knew me).

19— “Sec Walkin” by My Morning Jacket – This will forever remind me of my offspring as there was one summer where we listened to “Evil Urges” on the way up to the Cape as well as the ride back home. Of course, “Highly Suspicious” was the draw but we all loved the entire album. MMJ is another special band that has created some of the world’s best music. I can listen to Jim James sing all day long.

20— “Walking After You” by Foo Fighters – Since I have put “Walk” on other setlists, I decided to go with this lesser-known classic from the unheralded album, “The Colour & The Shape,” which will turn 27 years old this May. I love the chorus- “… if you walk out on me… I’m walking after you… if you walk out on me… I’m walking after you…” The live version is absolutely incredible, Dave Grohl is a musical genius.

21— “Walkin’” by Willie Nelson feat. Norah Jones– Have you boarded the Willie train yet? If you have not, maybe you can start with the album- “To All the Girls”- as this is a masterpiece, in my opinion because it highlights his fabulous song writing and singing abilities. And then you add in Norah’s vocals, the result is pure magic. I am so grateful that I have been able to see him a few times in concert and would go back in a heartbeat, he is a National Treasure.

22— “Walk On By” by Dionne Warwick– This is a generational song, no? There is an argument to be made that the Warwick/Bacharach combination was one of the greatest in music history. Add in the professional session musicians and the result is pure genius. It is hard to believe that this song was recorded in 1963 and whenever I hear it, I think back to 46^th street during the 1970’s when I attended P.S. 169. I’ll never forget when mom allowed me to walk by myself to the school and I assume she or my dad followed me.

23— “Walkin’ After Midnight” by Patsy Cline– This was Patsy’s first number one single, and it was released in 1957. It sold over one million copies by 1961 and is often considered the ultimate Country song ever. Of course, any time I hear Patsy, it is a message from mom as I know she is around and in the beginning after mom left us, I would walk after midnight hoping somehow by some miracle she would come back. But I have her memories whenever Patsy enters my ears. I often utilize her songs in my walks around town. Pick your “Patsy” and enjoy National Walking day today!