A Dedication to My Dad

Posted by: Sing Books with Emily on: May 6, 2011

My Dad (Morgan Everson) is being inducted into the DePauw University Athletics Hall of Fame this weekend. He played basketball at DePauw in the 60s.

I’m sooooooooo proud of him and excited for him.

It is a long overdue recognition for something he earned with skill, hard work, and lots of sweat. He was known not only for how great he was at making shots, but also for being a great rebounder and team player.

My dad, AKA “Big Mo,” in action rebouding and shooting.

If my dad had grown up in The Bronx with my husband (instead of Indianapolis) he would be known as a Mensch.

One thing I know for sure is that my dad inspired my love for music. He didn’t sing (except occasionally humming in which a very pleasant baritone emerges) but he was always listening to music.

I don’t know of any Singable Picture Books for the songs of Neil Diamond, The Carpenters or Roy Orbison…but there are some wonderful Singable Picture Books with the songs of John Denver. In particular, I’d like to dedicate “Sunshine on My Shoulders” to my dad, Morgan Everson. I’m not sure if this is one of his favorite songs ever, but it seems to capture a part of his mostly hidden sensitive side and his often uttered phrase, “Keep it Simple.”

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Sunshine on My Shoulders
Words by John Denver
Music by John Denver, Mike Taylor & Dick Kniss
Illustrated by Christopher Canyon
Published by Dawn Publications, Nevada City, CA, 2003
ISBN 1-58469-048-8

Here are a few other SPB’s from John Denver’s songs:

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Ancient Rhymes (A Dolphin Lullaby)
Words and Music by John Denver and bob Samples
Illustrated by Christopher Canyon
This book includes a CD with the song sung by John Denver

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Grandma’s Feather Bed
Words and Music by John Denver
Adapted and Illustrated by Christopher Canyon

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Take Me Home, Country Roads
Words and Music by John Denver
Words Adapted by Christopher Canyon
Illustrated by Christopher Canyon

Congratulations Big Mo! I love you.

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May 8, 2011

I’ve returned form Indiana having attended the wonderful ceremony for my dad’s induction in to the DePauw University Athlethics Hall of Fame. It was a great night. My dad’s pals rented a 12 seater van and we all headed from Indy to Greencastle for the event. Once Big Mo finished his speech, I think he really enjoyed himself.

My dad, C. Morgan Everson, is the tall fella in the middle, an official inductee!