Measures of inspiration Even in isolation, songs instil hope and perseverance By: John Longhurst Posted: 7:00 PM CST Friday, Feb. 24, 2023

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/02/2023 (927 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Before the pandemic hit, former local radio personality Larry Updike played about 200 gigs a year at retirement and personal care homes.

“We played country music, oldies, gospel, we covered the spectrum,” said Updike, 68, of the concerts he did with friend and manager Eric Boorman in their group called the B-Side Apostles.

One of the most special experiences was playing for people with dementia and cognitive decline.

“I saw people come out of their chairs and start dancing, people who weren’t responsive for months,” said Updike, retired from working at stations such as CJOB, CBC, CITI FM and Power 97.

“It’s hard to keep your composure when you see that in front of you, when someone who is non-verbal starts singing along. It’s a stunning, moving experience, one of the most meaningful experiences of my life,” he said.

But the gigs stopped in March 2020 when the pandemic hit. Retirement and personal care homes were closed to visitors.

“I lost the outlet that gave my life meaning,” Updike said.

Soon after, Updike started chemotherapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a slow-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. The treatment was effective, but it laid him low for a while.

About that time, Boorman suggested the two of them record some songs to upload to the internet — a way to keep busy and lift Updike’s spirits.

“We did 34 videos socially distanced on my back deck and, to my surprise, they went viral,” Updike said. “I was astonished.”

Viewers came from all across Canada and the U.S., and as far away as the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia.

What also surprised Updike, who grew up playing and singing in churches as a child and once considered going into ministry, was the strong response to gospel songs like Take My Hand, Precious Lord, One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus, Amazing Grace and Peace in the Valley.

“Any time I uploaded a gospel song the number of views went up,” he said, noting his rendition of Will the Circle Be Unbroken garnered more than 60,000 views.

“I would just throw up a gospel song and — boom!”

As for why that’s the case, Updike thinks people responded so well because “it has been such a tough time for many. People really latched on to songs about hope and persistence, the things so many classic gospel songs are about.”

To date, Updike has recorded 169 songs, most of them solo in his basement using his tablet and a Shure MV5 microphone. Each post is accompanied by a bit of history about the tune, including the songwriter and which singers recorded it.

Altogether, the songs have been listened to more than 750,000 times on his Facebook page.

“People comment they haven’t heard those songs in a long time, that it had them in tears,” he said of the “old gems.”

“It seems I’ve touched a nerve.”

While glad so many people are enjoying the songs, for Updike making the recordings “give me a reason to get up in the morning. It gives my retirement meaning. It’s been a lifeline for me.”

This was especially true when the pandemic was at its worst and he was stuck at home. “As someone who is immunocompromised, I needed to be especially careful,” he said.

Along with bringing joy to listeners, the songs lift his own spirits. “I love the old country music,” he said. “I’m a big fan.”

Updike says his wife, Mary-Ann, is glad he has this outlet. “She’s very encouraging,” he said.

He emphasizes he’s not recording the songs to get attention. “It’s just a way for me to feel useful,” he said, crediting Boorman for getting him started and keeping him going. “I owe everything to him.”

As pandemic restrictions lift, Updike has returned to singing for elderly listeners.

“We won’t do as many shows this time around,” he said. “I just want to share my love for this music.”

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