ABCs of love, marriage and commitment

By Jerrad Fenske

“At Last” : this iconic love song, ranked as one of the most romantic love songs and has been a prominent choice for first dances and like so many stars in the heavens, labeled as “our song.”

Interestingly enough, it was first introduced in 1941 by Glenn Miller and his orchestra in the movie “Orchestra Wives.” Jump ahead 20 years and Etta James — battling drug addictions, personal challenges and career difficulties — recorded this hit. Her voice is the voice we hear in our minds when we are reminded of the song. Dim the lights, close your eyes, sway back and forth and you’re there, on the dance floor: “ I found a dream, that I could speak to, A dream that I can call my own, I found a thrill to rest my cheek to, A thrill that I have never known!” Sounds like an arrival point that puts the heart and soul at ease while casting hope for the future.

“Born to Be Together”: a great love song sung by the Ronettes in 1963; oh, the fire of love from the ’60s and its indelible mark upon the future generations. It was a time when the norms were questioned and people sought out expressions that moved them beyond the norm. “ The moment I saw you my heart knew it was forever. You touched me and I swear I knew then and there that I’d never, No I never want somebody else...”

This song may not come as quickly to mind as Etta’s version of “At Last” but it was definitely the style and genre that was so emblematic of the ’60s. Etta James was able to convert the style of “At Last” by her approach to her per- formance, moving the song beyond the quiet reserve of the previous generation to the present time where she used it as a vehicle to put her thoughts to the actual person. Similarly, the Rosettes were given a song with the lyrics and intention, boldly expressing love directly to an individual.

“Can’t Help Falling in Love”: How can you even think of the ’60s and not think of Elvis? In 1961, at the same time as “At Last,” the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll was causing audience listeners to swoon, collapse and lose control with his new hit. The melody is based on “Plaisir d’amour,” a popular French love song composed in 1784. This version was featured in Presley’s 1961 film “Blue Hawaii.” It was listed as one of The Greatest Songs by Rollings Stone Magazine, ranking #403 in the list’s 2012 edition.

Elvis Presley’s version of the song topped the British charts in 1962, spending four weeks at No. 1. During Presley’s late 1960’s and 1970’s live performances, the song was performed as the show’s finale. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” was the last song he performed live, at his concert in Indianapolis at Market Square Arena on June 26, 1977.

Regardless, if the year is 1784, 1941, 1961, or 2023, music is timeless, just like love, marriage and commitment. Music is the element that strings life together and imprints on our mind the song and the memory attached to it. Pick what you love and what connected you and your betrothed; not everyone has the same taste or memories and this is about making yours for your lifetime together.

Jerrad Fenske is a freelance musician and teacher with 40 years of experience in wedding ceremonies. Visit his website at www.jerradfenske.com.