The sharp strum of the G chord on a guitar marks the start of the song “A Day in the Life” by The Beatles, the melody and strumming pattern producing a mystifying sensation.

Nodding to the rhythm of the song while fingerpicking the notes, Coppell High School junior Alyssa Gray is washed with nostalgia as she is brought back five years ago when she began forming a love for music.

Gray’s interest began in the sixth grade through the inspiration of her father.

“I was the one who introduced her to a variety of music from the ‘50s and ‘60s during COVID,” Alyssa’s father, Adam Gray, said.  “After playing the first few songs, I could tell she was hooked, and her thirst for knowledge of history about the bands from that time period took off.”

Alyssa received a record player and her first vinyl record from her grandparents, Sounds of Summer: The Very Best of the Beach Boys. Her grandfather, Robert Gray, contributed to her interest in music, retelling stories of the past.

“My granddad likes oldies music because that’s what he grew up with,” Alyssa said. “We’ll listen to the vinyls at his house and he’ll tell me the stories from the past that he remembers during that time.”

Alyssa quickly became an expert on The Beatles, Buddy Holly, Simon and Garfunkel, The Beach Boys and many other artists.

She was also inspired by her mom, Leslie Gray, who taught her to play guitar.

“My mom got an electric guitar when she was 12 or 13 for Christmas and she’s had it ever since,” Alyssa said. “In seventh grade, I wanted to learn guitar so my mom taught me a little of what she remembered.”

With the holidays around the corner, Alyssa is drawn towards learning festive music. Currently, she enjoys playing the song “Snowman” by Sia on her guitar.

In addition to playing guitar, Alyssa taught herself to play the piano using an app on her phone called Yousician. She currently enjoys playing “Imagine” and “Love” by John Lennon, the pressing of keys creating the ambiance of pop rock mixed with a classical tune.

The Beatles holds a special place in Alyssa’s heart, its songs and lyrics enchanting her everyday life.

“There’s just a special feeling to it, especially some of the old slow songs that make you want to  slow dance,” Alyssa said. “The fan base itself is really fun to be a part of and it’s also really fun to collect all the merch.”

Alyssa’s love for music shines through in multiple ways, including wearing band T-shirts and decorating her car with musical aspects.

“If you have ever ridden in her car, which has a license plate cover of the Beatles, the radio station is always on The Beatles Channel on SiriusXM,” Mr. Gray said.  “Plus, attached to the air conditioner vent in her car is a tiny record player that actually spins when the air conditioner is on.”

While still enjoying current pop acts such as Sabrina Carpenter, Alyssa favors the charm of old music.

“There’s something special about oldies, especially the way they recorded it when you listen to people like Buddy Holly,” Alyssa said. “I do like some of the newer indie artists that have the oldies feel,  but I wouldn’t say the new pop is my go to.”

Listening to music allows Alyssa to decompress, creating an escape from her life.

“Music makes me feel really happy, especially when there’s dust on the record player that makes the crackling noises,” Alyssa said.

Hoping to share her interest in music, Alyssa inspires her friends to listen to various songs, introducing them to the world of old music.

“Her music taste has truly inspired me,” junior Savannah Trejo said. “It’s not only cool and unique, but it has also introduced me to new genres I might never have explored otherwise.”

Although Alyssa does not exactly share all aspects of her music taste with her friends, she is open to discovering new songs and albums.

“Her music taste is always expanding because she’s not afraid to give new artists and genres a chance,” junior Lauren Lee said. “Even though our music tastes don’t totally align, there are still many artists that we both love to listen to.”

Alyssa’s music taste contributes to her identity, connecting with the past and reminiscing musical milestones in history.

“Everyone has always said that Alyssa is an old soul, so I think it’s fitting that she loves old music,” Mrs. Gray said.  “I love that it helps her connect with her dad and grandparents and that it makes her deeply happy.”

This story was originally published on Coppell Student Media on December 16, 2024.