Parental Inspiration-originally featured in The Voice of Chicago

Article originally featured in The Voice of Chicago

As I begin my second year of writing this column, I was thinking that while I have given some glimpses into my musical inspirations, journey and career, there have been two people whom I have not yet focused on, but deserve all the credit in the world for who I am today. I am sure you have guessed by now that I am referring to my parents, Shlomo and Eileen Atlas.

Before I was even born, they introduced Chicago to the very first frum-owned and operated band in the city, HATAV Orchestra, so it’s safe to say I had music flowing through my veins from day one. Most of my music education was not from taking lessons, but from the music that filled the house. There was music playing in the house all throughout the week, and on Shabbos, my parents taught us all the zemiros so we could sing together at the seudas Shabbos. We sang, we listened, and we learned how to sing harmonies, different rhythms, and styles. And most of all, we learned how to sing together as one cohesive group.

Growing up, I did take piano lessons briefly from my mother, trumpet lessons even more briefly from my father, and spent several years taking guitar lessons from a few different instructors, including my mother. Inevitably, as much as I enjoyed playing those instruments, I was not as diligent as I could have been and did not advance to even a small level of professionalism. However, I did sing, and that was something I focused on and worked on. My parents encouraged my singing, took me to choir practices, and when the time came, even held a spot in the band for me so I could be their lead singer.

The joy I experience when I sing at a simcha is exponentially greater when I share the stage with my parents, since it is only because of them that I am where I am today. They imparted such a love and importance of music to me, and also taught me how to balance the enjoyment and business side of my career so that my music will remain authentic, genuine, and gratifying.

Even today, despite not being as active in the music business as they once were, my parents are my biggest advocates and fans and do whatever they can to help me succeed. In fact, this tribute, along with the articles from this column, will be lovingly cut out and placed in a special binder and shown to all my siblings when they visit. And, as they read it, they will nod their heads and agree that we’ve got the best parents that anyone could ever ask for.

If your child shows a passion for music, the best thing you can do is help nurture that talent. I am sure you’ll see the fruits of your labor, and the resulting extra simcha will be a wonderful addition to your home.