People often ask me who my largest influences are, and I generally reply with the names of John Williams, John Carpenter, Vangelis and Tangerine Dream. However, as I was driving this morning and reflecting on these things I came to realize it was truly none of these.
The first time I heard the music of John Williams was through the wonderful soundtrack music he has created, and in which I was initially introduced to in the mid to late 70’s. You can read about that in my History of Musical influences here. My dad took us to see Star Wars, and he had the soundtrack, along with other Williams soundtracks such as Close Encounters, Jaws, and others.
The first time I heard the music by The Cars, was while riding during a road trip with my father. And as for Vangelis? Once again it was by listening to the soundtrack for Chariots of Fire, and the soundtrack for the Cosmos T.V. series which my dad also owned.
As for Tangerine Dream, once again it was because I was introduced to the movie Firestarter by my father, and immediately being hooked on the haunting opening (Crystal Voice) and the end credits track Charly the Kid.
And for John Carpenter. In the early 80’s one Halloween we watched both Halloween I and II together, and I was hooked.
So I guess I would really have to say, my largest influence on my musical tastes and influence on the music I create would have to be my Father.
My father had a very wide range of musical tastes, and introduced me to music I’m not sure I would have heard if it were not for his vast collection of albums, soundtrack scores etc.
So thanks Dad! Thank you for sewing a seed in me that has grown over time. Thank you for encouraging me all these years. Thanks for being the best dad ever. You truly deserve it! I’m fortunate to still have you with me. Someone I know I can always count on.
Thanks Dad, for being the type of Father everyone hopes for. Someone amazingly supportive and loving. YOU sir are my inspiration. You are everything I aspire to be!
Happy Fathers Day!
Your son, Keith.
Keith Richie 