Recently, Ann Delisi of WDET 101.9FM featured Aimée Cowher’s top 5 essential songs list on the April 20th edition of Ann Delisi’s Essential Music show. ADEM features music made in Detroit, along with live in-studio performances, interviews and special features. One of these special features includes playing back Essential Songs lists that consist of your 5 MOST important songs of your lifetime. You can find Aimée’s explanation of her list here and the entire show can be heard online here.
GPS supports WDET as part of our commitment to help organizations that are contributing to the rebirth of Detroit. Our sponsorship funds are channeled to serving several youth-based efforts, including the Books for Kids program, putting books into the hands of disadvantaged children throughout Southeast Michigan.
Here is Aimée’s Essential Songs List alongside her personal reasons for choosing the songs:
5.Unknown Brother – The Black Keys – “A song that I first heard while running and as it started playing I had to stop and walk because the tears were flowing. I had recently thrown all the Black Keys songs we had in our library onto my running playlist. This has lyrics that make me think of how the girls might feel about Kyle when they are older.”
4.House at Poo Corner – Loggins and Messina – “When I was interviewed about being a supporter of WDET and specifically what’s so important about Books for Kids, I was asked what book I read as a kid that I go back to as an adult and I blurted out The Many Adventures if Winnie the Pooh. And this song came to me quickly when I was making the list. It has messages that are timeless and ageless.”
3.Spirit in the Sky – Norman Greenbaum – “When I ran the Detroit marathon back in 2008 I remember distinctly the stretch around the south end of Belle Isle and making the turn back north into a headwind. This is about mile 18 or so. I had a moment of doubt that I would be able to finish and my iPod on random play selected this song. It was exactly what I needed. ”
2.Imagine – John Lennon – “Others have included this song among their top 5, even recently. I struggled between this and the Beatles song that has the line “and in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make”. But realized that’s one line vs the ever so important message of this entire song. Besides that I had Kyle write a paper on his take on the meaning of the song when he was in (I think 8th grade). Pretty heavy for a 13 year old but he got it! ”
1.Times like These – Kid Rock – “I had some very specific criteria for #1. Had to be a Detroit artist. Had to have a message meaningful and relevant to Detroit’s current situation. Had to have moved me. Of course songs by Bob Seger came to mind, especially having just seen him at the palace. Rare Earth’s I just Want to Celebrate is another song on my running playlist and an all time favorite. But when it came to a song that brings chills and summons tears, well this had to be the one. Despite the fact that I understand the ‘Born Free’ album was not Kid Rock’s comfort zone or most satisfying release, I think the whole album is brilliant. And what he continues to do for Detroit is wonderful. “
