You Remind Me…

A series about music & the memories it evokes

“You Remind Me” by Mary J. Blige

Music can easily spark nostalgia or memories — good and bad. You remember where you were when you first heard that classic song. That love song you played on repeat for days after your first heartbreak, is forever imprinted on your brain. Tapping into that nostalgia, while reflecting on how great artists and music impact our lives is the goal of this blog. I’ll deep dive into songs that evoke my own funny, embarrassing, inspiring and painful memories. And in the process, I will pay homage to some of the artists who have contributed music that sticks with us and continues to make us feel.

“You Remind Me” by Mary J. Blige is the inspiration for this blog and today’s post. I wrote this before Sunday’s BET Awards — where she was honored with a lifetime achievement award. She sang all the classics! Including this hit (and first single) off her debut album, “What’s the 411?” “You Remind Me”’s soulful ad-libs and riffs were my first introduction to Mary J Blige as an artist and her music has withstood the test of time. She is beyond deserving of the lifetime achievement award.

This song always takes me back to summer camp at Mt Aery Baptist Church in 1992. I was 8 years old and had a serious crush on Darnel. He was a beautiful, dark -skin boy, probably the same age as me. It’s the first time I remember feeling intimidated or shy about a boy I liked! The song was so popular that summer and kids were always singing it — including me. That line at around 3:58, “And I want you to know that you really do remind me yeaaa.” Always transports me to a yellow bus during summer camp that year, it’s amazing!

I think it was the last day of summer camp — when kids get all emotional because they may never see their summer camp friends again. There was a dance — or music was on and some people were dancing. My older friends and peers were trying to get me to dance with Darnel. I think this may have been one of my first times experiencing extreme nerves and shyness. My heart was beating out of my chest and I stood there frozen. Almost out of my body, watching myself be so lame. Wanting to be bold but just not being able to move. I did bag Darnel though. Despite the shyness, we had our young “love” moments! He gave me money (read: change) and we talked on the phone a few times after camp ended.

So, Mary, your song reminds me of a fun and care-free time in my life. Your voice is so jazzy and the music behind your vocals will keep me nodding my head for years to come. Thank you.