“Private Eyes”
Hall & Oates

People recall songs from their lives that evoke strong memories. Independent producers Ann Heppermann and Kara Oehler talk with Mike Daisey, who says “Private Eyes,” by Hall and Oats conjures up some serious memories for him.

? and the Mysterians
“96 Tears”

Rebel Chef Anthony Bourdain is best known for his raucous ways in the world of the professional kitchen, which he details in his book “Kitchen Confidential.” We asked him to put away his pans and think back to when he was a kid — is there a song from childhood that brings it all back? Bourdain can pinpoint his desire for a rebellious drug- and sex- drenched youth to one song: “96 Tears” by ? and the Mysterians. Weekend America asks him what he loved about that song.

Luc Sante, Christmas 1965. (Check out the New Christy Minstrels album at his feet!)

In our latest installment of Song and Memory, we hear from acclaimed non-fiction writer Luc Sante. He was born in post-war Belgium, but his parents soon emigrated to New Jersey. It was while living in the suburbs of the Garden State that Luc Sante first discovered folk music. At the time, folk was so big that it had its own television program, “Hootenanny.” The show made quite an impression on a boy from a strict Catholic family in post-war Europe.

James Palmer
“My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean”

James Palmer grew up in small town in Michigan. For much of his early life, his family consisted only of himself and his mother. She was a college undergraduate, and because of her own youth the two of them struggled a bit. The struggle also made the pair quite close. One of James’ earliest memories is a popular lullaby his mother used to sing to him. Years later, after quite a bit more hardship, the memory of the song became even more significant, if also bittersweet.

Ruth Shaver
“Family of God” by Bill and Gloria Gaither

Ruth Shaver is a minister with the United Church of Christ. The song “Family of God” by the contemporary gospel singers Bill and Gloria Gaither, was the first song she sang with her father in church. She has sung it ever since, including her first time as the official pastor for the small church in Pennsylvania. She talks about her memories of the song as well as how it has shaped her personal ministry.

Hannah Marcus
“Where Did Our Love Go?” by the Supremes

Hannah Marcus grew up in Manhattan during the late sixties. She loved listening to her mother’s soul records, especially to “Where Did Our Love Go?” by the Supremes. She had an elaborate story about the beautiful women on the cover. Then one day, a baby sitter came told Hannah some information that changed how she thought about the Supremes and the world around her.

Jules Shear
“Something You Got” by Chris Kenner

Remember what it was like when you were young and you saw your teacher at the grocery store? It kind of blew your mind. Now imagine that you’re on a train and you see your principal, and your parents make you sing for her in a crowded train station. That happened to musician Jules Shear. He remembers the song “Something You Got” by Chris Kenner and how singing it to Mrs. Pardini changed his life.

Nina Katchadourian
“You’re Only Lonely” by J.D. Souther

Nina Kathcadourian spent many summers with her family in a small cottage off of the coast of Finland. She and had brother were often each other’s only companions. They often entertained themselves by coming up with elaborative stories about their Playmobile toys. The song “You’re Only Lonely” by J.D. Souther reminds Nina of the time when she and her brother were each other’s best friends.

Kelly Kinsey
“Eleanor Rigby” by the Beatles

Kelly Kinsey says her family life was full of secrets when she was growing up. Her father was an alcoholic and her older brother suffered from delusions caused by schizophrenia. Kelly did not seek solace through her friends. Instead, she found comfort in the song “Eleanor Rigby” by the Beatles.

Mohammed Naseehu Ali
“Kyenkyen Bi Adi Mawu” by Alhaki K. Frimpong and his Cubano Fiesta

Mohammed Naseehu Ali is a native of Ghana. He is the son of the emir, or king, of the Muslims in that African nation. Unlike his brothers and cousins, Mohammed left Ghana to be educated in the United States. Instead of returning to tribal politics, he became a musician and writer. But he hasn’t left behind the memories of a song so important to his childhood in Ghana: “Kyenkyen Bi Adi Mawu” by Alhaki K. Frimpong and his Cubano Fiesta.

Kathleen Napoli
“Harrigan” by George M. Cohan

Kathleen Napoli’s father was extremely proud of his Irish heritage. Every St. Patrick’s Day, he would gather men from around the neighborhood and have them sing Irish songs in the family’s Brooklyn tenement apartment. Kathleen remembers how much she loved watching the men perform as she sat on the family’s couch in the living room. Her mother, though, was less than happy. For Kathleen, the Irish-American tune, “Harrigan” by George M. Cohan brings it all back.

Julia Slavin
“Manhattan” by Rodgers and Hart

The house Julia Slavin grew up in a house filled with brothers, pets and a little bit of chaos. Often, her father’s piano playing was a part of the chaos. One song he played, “Manhattan” by Rodgers and Hart, serves as a backdrop to Julia’s childhood memory that brought together her brother’s hamsters and the family cat.

Jeffrey Carpenter
“Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver

Jeffrey Carpenter spent summers at a Christian camp in Colorado where his father was a youth minister. It was the seventies, it