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July 11, 2009

Summer Reading: I Was a Walkman Baby

A few weeks ago, I told you I was working on a piece for the Walkman's 30th anniversary (July 1, 1979). Due to one of life's curveballs, I was unable to get the story done on time. But I still wanted to do something; after all, I grew up with one of those suckers attached to my hip, orange 'phones snugly over ears. So I wrote a story that blended personal, pop-cultural, etc. Maybe it's a little too personal? I dunno. You be the judge. Here it is. Enjoy.

Posted by Sean Daly at 12:30:00 AM on July 11, 2009
in Bruce Springsteen , Daly Life , Let There Be Rock | Permalink

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What is funny though is that about two months ago I bought a Sony Walkman radio (for something to listen to while I exercise and ride the bike). I remember the originals though - I had one that was bright pink and played tapes. I thought that was so cool and I took it everywhere.

Posted by: LEJ | July 13, 2009 at 01:00 AM

We've come so far with walkmans.

Posted by: Blake Britton | July 12, 2009 at 04:33 PM

Don't know what your curveball was, but I hope you're back on even keel.

Wonderful writing in FLORIDIAN section today Sean!

Posted by: me | July 12, 2009 at 09:50 AM

Great piece of writing Sean.

I was a dreamer in the 80s. The Walkman changed my life. It gave me soundtrack for my daydreaming. Everyday life is so much more interesting when set to music.

It makes me think of the movie 'I'm Gonna Git Ya Sucka' by Kennen Ivory Wayans in 1988. John Slade played Jack Spade. (How did they ever get this movie made?) Great 80s dialog. He had actual musicians following him around.

Character:[looks at musicians] Who are these guys?

John Spade: They're my theme music. Every hero's got to have some.

Classic! That is just how I felt about my Walkman.

Posted by: GAGirl | July 11, 2009 at 04:10 PM

I used to make lots of mix tapes to play on my Walkman.As you wrote,we could make our own soundtracks. I still have my walkman and discman as Bassnote,but they`re both broken. iPod days.

Posted by: Miguel | July 11, 2009 at 12:54 PM

Nice piece Sean. I still have both a Walkman and a Discman, but have moved on to the iPod.

Posted by: Bassnote | July 11, 2009 at 10:35 AM

So, it's 7:38 am and I have tears streaming from my barely awake eyes. That was an awesome piece, Sean. Thank you for sharing a bit of you with us.

Posted by: Marissa | July 11, 2009 at 08:41 AM

Nice piece, SD.

I've always seen the Walkman as one of the first steps away from "broadcasting" (which I love so dearly) to today's "narrowcasting".

Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | July 11, 2009 at 07:42 AM

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Sean Daly is the pop music critic for the St. Petersburg Times. His CD collection -- from Journey to Dylan, Prince to U2, Public Enemy to Stan Getz -- is much bigger and better than yours.

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