Episode 219

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Published on:

29th Jan 2022

Mid 60s: A Montage of Memories ~ Story Song...Something Dad Said with Bruce Hilliard

Hello hello hello and welcome to the Better Each Day podcast where recording artists’ tell you the backstories and their music plays a few tales of its own. I’m Bruce Hilliard and thank you for being here.

I’ve had the pleasure of producing this show for over five years without the use of sponsors. Why, you ask. 


Because I’m not selling out for anyone I tell you! That’s why I eat: (multiple ads for 60s food and deodorant).


That was Love Potion #9, the home game. I’ve got new songs coming up in the next episodes but while listening to the old TV sounds I couldn’t help but flash on my dad and his accidental influence on my writing…at least subject matter. 


While Dad was sitting in his recliner sipping a scotch and reading the newspaper, he, on more than one occasion, would comment on an article about a teenager getting killed as the result of a high speed chase.


His point, and the one that stuck with me for all these years, is that teenagers, especially guys, are wired to run when chased. If the police would give these guys a break they wouldn’t run and end their lives way too short.


Dad’s message, courtesy of a few scotches and the evening news, led to my story song about Joey. He was the young man that had it all and accidentally killed a peer in a tavern brawl. Joey had his eyes on a lady, the bad guy calls her a slut and Joey pops him in the snot locker and the guy “droped like a rock.”


Joey freaks and hears voices. He hears the angels sing and they tell him to run. 


With Valentine’s Day a few weeks from now, I take you from the morbid story of Joey’s hormonal imbalance leading to headlines to a syrupy love song. This song is about searching and finally finding the place you belong…and the people that make it exist. The title is Sweetest Thing I’ve Ever Known.


There’s a sneak at where it's going. But for now that's all I got.



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About the Podcast

Better Each Day Podcast Radio Show with Bruce Hilliard
Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better.--Emile Coue
This is a platform, a stage for singers, songwriters and the creative to share their work, backstories and positive words.
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About your host

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Bruce Hilliard

Born in Seattle, raised in Aberdeen WA, Bruce Hilliard is a singer, guitarist and songwriter with a song list influenced mostly by pop/folk rock of the 60s-80s. He has been an opener for Heart, the Ramones, Dr. Hook, Wishbone Ash and Eric Burdon.
Early in his career Bruce completed Bachelor Degrees in Music and Journalism from Washington State University and, while never allowing a hiatus from performing and songwriting, joined corporate America in marketing and sales. That rocky road led him back to his passion and now records and performs live and with great appreciation to be back in his jam.
He currently resides in Mukilteo WA and hosts the Better Each Day Podcast Radio Show. His musician interview based show has featured recording artists including John Oates; Grand Funk Railroad’s frontman Mark Farner; Steve Fossen, bass player and co-founder of Heart; drummer Carmine Appice; and Dave Bickler, lead vocalist (Eye Of the Tiger) of Survivor. The weekly half hour show has over 181 episodes and is becoming a strong platform for musicians of all levels to showcase their music and their backstories.