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 olderadultsunrecordedmusic and poemsas a way toshare in the gift of creative expression.How did you get the idea ofHeart 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,Illsee what I can do.That planted the seed, thattheresgot to be a million people out there with writingslike that.Not onlylyrics, but poemstoo.Imnot in it for the money.Imin it to build something.Plus,it helps my creativity.https://seniorplanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Not-Much-To-Look-At.mp3Click above to listen to the Blue Smoke Bands record of Roys grandfathers 1938 song.What is the mission of Heart to Harmony?Theresa 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 theyve 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 Idontwrite it, Idontrecord it or do anythingwithit.Illsay to him, give me tensubjectsto write a song about.Anditllsuggest, a day at the park.AndIllwritea story about my day at the park.ThenIllgive itbackto him, andIllsay,Okay, what am I trying to say here?Why do you thinkitsimportant to stay creative as you age?My mindis sharp.
If itwasntfor my knees,Idbe a 16-year-old boy.AndImnever 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 Planets Songwriting Night!You can explore all of Senior Planets musical offeringshere.YOUR TURNTell us in the comments what drives you to stay creative as you age?Photo: Bruce DunnPam Hugi is Senior Planets Community and Advocacy Manager.
Based in Brooklyn, she is a contributing writer for this site.
Publisher: Senior Planet ( Read More )
