Music: the mind, emotions

by Jeffrey Brasie
Alpena News
October 28, 2024

This past week, I listened to a radio interview with Canadian neuroscientist and psychologist David J. Levitin.

He teaches at Montreal's McGill University.

A significant portion of his research career has focused on how music affects the human mind. He shared with the listeners that, when folk and rock vocalist Joni Mitchell experienced a severe brain aneurysm in 2015, her career came to a standstill and she underwent extensive rehabilitation.

Levitin offered insight into his relationship with Mitchell, which went back years. At the request of Starbucks (the coffee folks), they approached dozens of vocal artists requesting they prepare a CD of their favorite songs they would listen to on a deserted island. The CD collection was under the title of "Artist's Choice." Starbucks sold those CDs at their stores up until late 2015.

For days on end, Levitin helped Mitchell select her favorite songs.

As Mitchell went through therapy, Levitin suggested to her rehabilitation team that they play that particular CD for her.

Jointly, the rehabilitation and the music worked. In 2022, Mitchell reemerged, singing "Both Sides Now" at the Newport Jazz Festival and this year at the Grammy Awards. She didn't miss a word or note.

A recent Facebook post on Mitchell singing that song cites a writer comparing a younger Mitchell and older Mitchell singing that same song and said the younger sang the song optimistically while the elder sang it from experience.

Listen to that song and you will fully grasp.

In a September 2024 Rolling Stone magazine interview, Levitin saw the same dynamic effect music had upon Tony Bennett and Glen Campbell. They recalled the words and the tempo.

I personally saw that with Bennett when he performed on a Detroit stage several years ago.

My career has been in health care for the better part of three decades.

A significant portion was spent serving geriatrics and people with disabilities.

In one of the facilities for which I was responsible, we had 45 dementia and Alzheimer's patients. When particular vocal music was played for them, they lit up and sang along word for word. One patient enjoyed viewing classic television reruns. She became a vocal artist, recalling every word to the "Green Acres" theme song.

Similar accounts occurred with stroke patients where the memory "clicks back."

Music can dive deep into one's mind. When a particular song might be played, you might recall that very first kiss. Or, if you served in the military and were stationed overseas, you might recall certain aspects of life back home.

On the other end of life's journey, music played at funerals tends to blend in and exhibit the deceased's life. Several years ago, I experienced that in a unique fashion at a Hindu ceremony.

During houses of worship services, no matter how good or bad the congregation's voices, they seem to bring a combined sound of reverence and joy. "Amazing Grace" seems to float to the top.

Vocal attributes tend to surface when listening to a song on your vehicle's radio or when you might be conducting household chores.

With my bride, Penny, our song performed at our wedding is Etta James singing "At Last!" Our eye contact, smiles, and mouthing the words recall early dating.

I can fondly recall my mother and other dear relatives who enjoyed the same song or musical score and sang it or hummed it over and over while conducting chores. It was like a part of their life's fabric.

Finally, I have attended numerous military funerals and, when taps is performed, I find the mind acts like a video, playing snippets of the person you are saying farewell to.

Hand salute.

This week, I offer you this challenge: When you are alone or with your dearest family member or friend, pull up a song that instills memories and sing it. You will feel good and then giggle for a few minutes.

For me, circa 1965 is the Rolling Stones with "I Can't Get No Satisfaction." That song has lasted for decades!