Photo: The Shellster… “Just keep listening. And pretty soon you’ll start…to figure out your part”
I heard a segment on CBC Radio Sunday morning where a number of listeners called in to share stories of music that had changed their life.
They spoke of being inspired to learn to play an instrument, of getting through tough times, of changing their perspective on things.
I, of course, couldn’t help but think of that day back in 2008 when I was flipping channels around and heard David sing Shop Around.
I, too, thought about the tough times his music helped me get through. Deep grief and sorrow.
I thought about the amazing friends I’ve made, people I never would have met otherwise. And how those people have changed my life in such great ways.
I thought about the places I never dreamed I’d go… heck, never even heard of (no offence, Safford, AZ).
I thought about the cultures I’ve learned more about and tried to develop a better understanding of.
I thought about how much my relationship with God and my faith (even though it is different from David’s) has deepened… and I’d thought I was already pretty tight with the big guy.
I thought about the artists David has introduced me to and the amazing experiences I’ve had because of that.
I thought about the diverse opinions I’ve been exposed to, that I may not have paid much attention to outside of my own “bubble,” but because these views were held by people I care about, and because we have David in common, I made the effort to try and understand where they were coming from.
I thought about the technology I HAD to learn about if I was going to keep up with the boi. How that actually helped me in my career. Did not see that coming.
I thought about how forcing myself to try to do a good deed each day and blog about it (inspired by David) took me FAR out of my comfort zone so many times and made me face how much work I needed to do on that.
I thought about the fact that, even though music has always been a big part of my life and there have been a few artists and songs that have had a big impact on me along the way, none of them has taken me a wild ride like this one.
How about you guys?? How has your life changed because of The Archuleta? Or other music?
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p.s.
Run don’t walk to go read Kayla’s (Miss Rad Hair 2016) AWESOME Mesa recap HERE!!!
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p.p.s.
SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 
Where do I begin – He was there through the fun of American Idol with my daughter, through the death of my husband, through the alone time I came to have when my daughter moved, through all the fun, exciting music releases & concert news. I also learned much about his faith that I would have never known, especially during the two year mission. I have seen how a truly kind and compassionate person is an example for all ages. Of course, the glue that joins this all together his that beautiful and perfect voice, the expressive performances, & how he sees life through his songs. And, a bonus was I learned a lot about navigating around the internet lol!
“I have seen how a truly kind and compassionate person is an example for all ages.” wow, I never thought of it like that, but you are so right, mlpb3!
Love this post! This is why I love reading, you really find that you are not alone in some thoughts!
It is a true gift to readers to share your honest thoughts.
David inspires me to be better, do better. Being exposed to so many positive people in the world of his fandom (what a special group) I have realized how my attitudes sometimes affect my energy level and how I am as a human being. I have spent time wondering where all that energy from (performing, writing, service, having a normal life) and I think (other than being 26) that it must come at least partly come from a strong sense of purpose and a belief that he matters, he can make things better. No matter how old you are, you can still learn and change.
Exactly why I love reading, too, Jenny!
I really love this (and the comments already here). Dramatic changes for me because of David, his talent, his goodness, and his most excellent fans.
I relate to so much of what you listed. Some things resonate with more impact than others because of my own personality I suppose; but like other devout fans, I cannot ignore anything David gives us, meaning music, fun, and a delightful example of how to live life.
No one was more shocked than I was when I started going from concert to concert. I came to this never-before experience as a shy, self-conscious, introverted, and older-than-dirt fan. I willingly participated online, behind the anonymity of the internet curtain, but real life personal interaction was another challenge altogether.
Nevertheless, David has a way of drawing us out and drawing us together. I have benefited in too many ways to list here, but I plan to refer to this piece from time to time as a reminder.
Thanks, TOfan!
He really does draw us together, I find the best people do that, such a gift.
I love this post too! Ditto to a lot of what has been said. David’s music helped me through my bout with breast cancer (four years cancer free now). I also have enjoyed the whole entertainment aspect of David’s music career journey. The learning about the music industry from getting a hit song, big selling album to not getting radio play after lots of hard work to being an independent artist and the joy of doing it his way. I’ve also learned about areas of the world I knew little about before because David sang there. Of course I’ve learned a whole lot about Mormons and being a Mormon missionary. I did what some fans preached against – I read the missionary blogs but it gave me such a respect for these young people who were far from home giving of themselves for their faith. Now I’m looking forward to David’s new album and his new adventures.
Congrats on being four years cancer-free, Grammyj! I did not know you’d been through that. I often say David’s music has healing powers but I’m actually not joking… I don’t mean to say he healed you or anything, but I truly believe music can mend things we might not even have realized were broken, if that makes any sense.
Gosh TOfan……. so much beauty in this post! I can relate to all of it. This David trip we are on together truly is one of my favourite things in life! Seeing him live is a highlight that I want to experience over and over again as long as I am able. The relationships and bonds that have been made because of him are incredible……
so glad you did this post, such a great reminder of how blessed we are to have this musical journey with David in our lives ((((hug))))s all around❤️
{{{{{{{group hug}}}}}} ❤ ❤ ❤
This is a wonderful post, TOfan. Like the others here, I can relate to so much of it but you have put these things into the words I wish I could write. My David fan-friends, who mean the world to me, have supported me through so much, are just dang good people! The traveling, from my first very solo trip to the LA Idols concert through this Christmas. I never would have had the courage if it weren’t for The David Charisma and the marvelous people I knew I’d meet there. The technology. Would I be on Twitter or Instagram without David’s inspiration? Nope. But it’s a blast! The in jokes like Hush Cats, “Soon*,” and “A Little Too Not Over . . .”
It is a privilege to take this journey with you all.
* When the next album is coming out.
If his “travel buddy” made this, she is IN! lol
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This is such a great post TOfan. Love what you wrote and love everyone’s comments here. So many stories relating to David. I’m glad that David has touched so many lives, did the same for me. Discovered him back in 2008 at a very difficult time in my life. He became my sweet soulful stress reliever. His music, his beautiful tone really “blew me away” like so many others.
Yep….he also helped propel me to increase my knowledge of the internet, haha, put me on a learning curve, introduced me to new music and gave me the pleasure of seeing him live a couple of times (the best). Hope to see him live in concert again in 2017. Have not met a lot of fans in person but it’s been so nice to share on line and to enjoy the great info, music (and great sites like this) that people share so generously.
There are not too many artists that can captivate a varied group of people with their music and erase barriers that limit certain demographics and draw people in with their unique natural talent and persona. David is certainly one of them. It’s a fun and inspiring journey to follow his career!
p.s.. Do love his instagrams, 🙂
“There are not too many artists that can captivate a varied group of people with their music and erase barriers that limit certain demographics and draw people in with their unique natural talent and persona.” love this, pepp!
TOfan, Love this! David’s voice was a game changer in my life! Never did I imagine this was even possible lol Talk about scaring all those around me in my real life lol. Now to wait for that album 🙂
*drums fingers*
🙂 🙂 🙂
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Fun fact: I used to be a puppeteer (my favourite summer job ever), so I approved of this message. 🙂
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Another question for you guys… whenever David does get hitched… and he’s no longer that sweet kid from Idol but a full-grown mature adult … would that change how you behave as a fan?
(Personally, if he starts adding killer love songs to his songwriting repertoire, I might go completely off the deep end, lol.)
I would probably behave the same, y’know, totally faking that I’m calm, cool and collected.
But when they name their first child TaterZen… Whew! No telling what will happen then!
hahaha… “Tates” for short? lol
Ok I’m gonna be honest here. I’m a bit sad which is ridiculous because I’m a happily married old person. I guess it puts a bit of a dent on the fantasy aspect of it- sorry if this is making any of u cringe- he’s my Brad Pitt, what can I say?
Of course it doesn’t change how much I love his voice and how his voice helps me through toughest times. Whoever she is, she’s very lovely and looks intelligent and kind..
Nope. Which means I’ll still be goofy. I never was much into the “mothering” reaction to him being a kid, and I am (cough) years past being in the dating pool. I would love to see him to add love songs! And I hope to live long enough to see some baby Archies.
Not even!! Of course I know that’s easy for me to say as a grandma fan. There won’t be ay crying in my pillow when he gets married, in fact, I hope he does. I think the experience of being completely in love with someone will have a positive impact on his music.
Funny you should ask this – I was just thinking of the time he sang “Y tu Y tu, solamente tu”. and wondering who that was for lol. It was interesting at the time to hear him sing a Pablo Alboran song.
ooooooooo, verrry interestink
Penning, singing killer love songs with that tone….. I’ve dared
to dream while fearing it would never be. 🤞🏼
he was just waiting for us to be well-stocked with emergency resuscitation gear 🙂
I am very disappointed in this fan base, I must say. David posts a picture from a toy store and I have seen absolutely ZERO speculation about him decorating a nursery. WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO YOU PEOPLE???!!! 😉
So if this is in fact his girlfriend …. I heartily approve . She looks pretty much like I expected . His mama lol !
But he’s always been into toys and games (Pokemon falling into both categories)!
Haha!
I saw it as he was just giddy-happy, maybe a travel buddy was with him, and he felt like being silly. Him playing with toys probably not unusual.
omigosh you guys, I was KIDDING… do you not know how ridiculous I am by now? LOL
I’d be very happy if he has found his MKOP….. and don’t think I’d be any different as a fan…. he will always be The Voice of my life.
The changing of my life due to David’s music is combines spiritual and physical healing. The words of his songs relax me when I’m tense, make me feel better when I’m sick or in pain, lifts me up spiritually when needed and helps me Be Still when I need the Lord’s guidance. I’ve shared my story many times on how his music and testimony helped me return to the gospel I love. A few weeks ago, on David’s birthday in fact, I was sitting in the sealing room at the Provo City Center Temple as my niece Maggie and her new husband Tim were getting married. Without fail when I’m in the temple the thought always crosses my mind that because of David and his music, I started my journey back to the church and because of that I was able to be there and see the beautiful sealing ceremony of my niece and her husband.
When anything is hard, upsetting, sad, depressing, etc. I always fall back on David’s music plus faith in God and prayer. David’s testimony and example helps me with all of these. Sorry to be religious here, but in the bible Jesus taught to love one another as He loves us. David really is an example of loving and giving service selflessly to others. I will be a fan always.
Haha TOfan, decorating a nursery? Do like the cat puppet though. You were a puppeteer? What a fun job! When David does get married (very high probability that he will) I’m sure I will be the same old fan except that I will be extra happy for him and yes….some future love songs would be just fine with me. 🙂
So Numb has broken the half a million mark for youTube views! When I think of it, I keep this playlist running on one of my tabs (with the sound turned off)… such a great song, more peeps need to hear it!
🙂 🙂 🙂
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