Music-wise, there's lots to be thankful for

So as we gear up for Thanksgiving week, I'm sure there are a lot of you who have family, food and friends on your mind.

Me? Well, it's music, of course.

So I decided to make a little list of music things for which I am thankful.

Here it is in no particular order:

Elvis Presley: If it weren't for him, rock music would not be the same as today.

My mom: She was, um, instrumental in my musical development. Being a dancer, she constantly had classical music playing in the house. And she didn't complain when I started playing the drums.

My aunt Jeannie: It was she who taught me to sing "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" before I learned how to sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."

My dad: He played everything from Sammy Davis Jr. to Simon & Garfunkel on a reel-to-reel, and he played the guitar.

Kansas (the state): While I've made it known I didn't enjoy my time in the Sunflower State, music let me escape the "Land of Ahhhs."

Styx: I first heard "Lady" on the radio when I was in elementary school, and my appreciation for any kind of music changed forever.

My mentor and former department head Chris Hicks: He sent me to review my first concert (Tesla) for the Deseret News in 1992, and he showed me the ropes of being a critic.

My first band: We were all sophomores in high school and originally called ourselves Orion, but we changed the name it to Predator when the Boston off-shoot Orion the Hunter released its debut in 1984.

My daughters, Allyson and Kaitlyn: Among many other things that are dear to my heart, Ally learned how to play the drums and KT, as I call her, plays the violin.

My wife, Tammy (I saved the best for last): She understands more than anyone how important music is to me, 'nuff said.

To all of the above — thank you for supporting me and my musical habit.

e-mail: scott@desnews.com