So I learned on Sept. 30, 2020 that Helen Reddy passed away on Sept. 29th. This lady…as I sit here and think about my childhood, it brings back so many happy thoughts. Mama used to play her records, yes records, over and over. So many memories….tears come to my eyes! For one thing, she was such an inspiration to me. Her words taught me to stand up and be my own person; “I am woman, Hear me Roar!” I was a kid, not thinking about some women’s movement. Frequently, many people viewed her as a feminist, but I just viewed her as a beautiful woman who sang beautiful music.
Who Was Helen Reddy?
Helen Reddy was an amazingly talented Lady! Now, if you don’t know who Helen Reddy was, that is crazy! She was an AMAZING Australian-born singer whose 1972 hit song “I am Woman” became the feminist anthem of the decade. I did not care about the feminist stuff, I was a kid. But her voice, that was just beautiful. There was just something about it that gave me confidence. I knew that one day, things were going to be OK!
“I am Woman” reached No. 1 on the Billboard chart at the end of 1972. She earned herself a Grammy Award for best female pop vocal performance. I thought that was really cool, even though I was only 4 and didn’t even know what a “Grammy” was. I figured it out later! She was the first Australian-born artist to win a Grammy AND the first to make the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
For example, one of my fondest childhood memories is lying on the floor in our tiny living room for hours, just listening and singing along. That was such a happy time! We had one of those old stereo consoles. I loved playing Mom’s records.
One of my favorite Disney movies as a kid was Pete’s Dragon! Helen Reddy had the starring role and she was just incredible in that role! In fact, it makes me want to watch it again now! She was the skeptical New England lighthouse keeper who doubts an orphaned boy’s stories about his animated fire-breathing pet, Elliott. Whenever possible, I was watching that movie. With this in mind, it brings back the memories of going to Blockbuster to rent the movie. Who remembers Blockbuster?
My Favorites
Today, I decided to open a bottle of wine to write this page. I just wanted to relax and let my creative juices flow, so to speak. So, while I sit here and enjoy my glass of my More than Muse Rosé. I am listening and remembering. Seriously, now I feel the need to share some of my all time favorite songs of hers with you:
- I am Woman
- Angie Baby (Of course, that’s a favorite! You guys know she wrote that just for me, right?? LOL)
- I don’t know how to Love Him
- Ain’t No way to Treat a Lady
- You and Me Against the World (A special one for me since my mom was a single mom)
- Delta Dawn
- Candle on the Water (I LOVE Everything Disney!!)
- Leave me Alone (Ruby Red Dress)
Now, most of those bring happy tears to my eyes. Furthermore, it breaks my heart to know that she’s gone. It saddens me to learn that she suffered from dementia in her later years. Her music left a lasting impression on my life. She will be missed. I hope that I have brought a little of that to you.
Dementia is a frightening disease. My mother-in-law suffers as well. She has good days, and bad days. What specifically scares me is that you can lose the memories of who you are and who you have touched throughout your life. When I visit, I remember the person I met almost 30 years ago, a vibrant woman who travelled the world. Then, I see how hard she is struggling to remember a daily routine today. This woman lived organically for so many years, but that does not keep this disease at bay.
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