John Doan: Music

I've tried to recreate the sound of the old tune, Aura Lee, as I once heard it played on a Regina. The Regina was a popular music box that used large metal plates - precursors of phonograph records and CDs. The technologies have evolved, but the simple beauty of the tune remains unchanged. Aura Lee regained its popularity in the "new" medium of long playing records when Elvis Presley borrowed the melody for Love Me Tender, which earned a metal plate called a gold record. I can remember as a little boy hearing him sing this as I went to sleep to the tube radio by my bed. I know that this tune is corny and syrupy to some. It is my hope that it's simplicity and tenderness will still touch the hearts of those who believe in innocence and romance.