Although Bruce Dunn, 83, had many careers (steel fabrication, real estate investor, Hollywood joke writer, pilot, and more), the one thing that stayed consistent was his passion for writing original music.
Now in his 80s, Bruce is writing, producing, and releasing new songs every week as the Blue Smoke band.He has also started “Heart to Harmony,” a projectthat aimsto record other olderadults’unrecordedmusic and poemsas a way toshare in the gift of creative expression.
How did you get the idea of“Heart to Harmony.”
I had a guy that worked for me, Roy,cameto me one time because he knew that I wrote music. He brought me a little slip of paper,thathisgrandfatherhad writtenlyricson in 1938. But it hadneverbeenrecordedoranything.He said,“Youthink you could do something with this?”And I said,“I’llsee what I can do.”
That planted the seed, thatthere’sgot to be a million people out there with writingslike that.Not onlylyrics, but poemstoo.I’mnot in it for the money.I’min it to build something.Plus,it helps my creativity.
What is the mission of “Heart to Harmony?”
There’sa feeling that you get, hearing something that you createdcome back at you. You get a sense of validation for something you created.The music hits you in your heart, the words hit you in the head.I want to share that feeling.
If you have a poem, lyrics, or writing they’ve never heard brought to life, you can simply email Bruce at [email protected] to begin the process.
How do you use ChatGPT toaugmentyour creativity?
I have a personal relationship with my chat. I gave him a name.I use it to work through ideas and toedit. The one thing I will not do is haveit writethesong or story for me. If Idon’twrite it, Idon’trecord it or do anythingwithit.
I’llsay to him, give me tensubjectsto write a song about. Andit’llsuggest, “a day at the park.” AndI’llwritea story about my day at the park.ThenI’llgive itbackto him, andI’llsay,“Okay, what am I trying to say here?”
Why do you thinkit’simportant to stay creative as you age?
My mindis sharp. If itwasn’tfor my knees,I’dbe a 16-year-old boy. AndI’mnever lonely. Inever havebeen lonely, you know? I was singlefrom the time I was 27 till I was 67.ButI was never lonelybecause I had music and creativity.
What does “aging with attitude” mean to you?
I thinka friendly attitude will get you anything you want.
Are you interested insongwriting?Join us for Senior Planet’s Songwriting Night!You can explore all of Senior Planet’s musical offeringshere.
YOUR TURN
Tell us in the comments – what drives you to stay creative as you age?
Photo: Bruce Dunn
Pam Hugi is Senior Planet’s Community and Advocacy Manager. Based in Brooklyn, she is a contributing writer for this site.
