You are all alone for the rest of your life, stuck on a deserted island, and you could only have one musical artist (or band) to listen to. Who’s it going to be? What goes into the thought process? Are you happy with your selection?

If there were a string of other deserted islands close by, I would recommend a record exchange club. Mix it up a bit. A Top 5 would be easier, but still restrictive. The answers to the question varied widely. Rock, Reggae, Country, Oldies but Goodies, Local, New to the Scene… but they are yours forever!

Let’s get started. The three most popular choices were: The Beatles, Steely Dan, and our hometown hero, Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band. Next up were Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, James Taylor, The Eagles, and John Prine. (There is a John Prine Tribute by the Alabama Troubadours at The Frog Pond in Summerdale in November. It’s great!)

Choices mentioned and still hard at it were The Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, Keith Urban, Jordan Davis, The Revivalists, Bruce Springfield (The Boss), Vince Gill, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Sting, Lionel Ritchie, Rod Stewart, Stevie Nicks, the Doobie Brothers, and Boz Scaggs. Heart got a nod because the voter was lusting with his other brain from his college days. Chris Stapleton was a solid selection, I thought.

Long gone or retired from performing, but not forgotten were Elvis Presley, Johnny Mathis, Otis Redding, Buckingham Nicks (with a note: before they became Fleetwood Mac. That’s a small sample of music, and what, no Jackson Five?), Bread, David Bowie, REO Speedwagon, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. Of course, Bob Marley was mentioned. It is a deserted island, after all… The Allman Brothers were one reader’s choice. I could live on a deserted island with that one.

Local artists included The Red Clay Strays, Eric Erdman, Grayson Capps, and Corky Hughes (together). One more deserted islander chose Davo, a rapper who played with Bob Marley. Trying to game the system, one survey reply was, “Spotify.” No hat for you!

I was surprised no one mentioned Willie Nelson. I could enjoy listening to Willie the rest of my life. I considered it a strong option. That’s a lot of great music over decades and genres.  But the Jayhawks received a vote, too. That’s not a deserted island I want to visit. I’m Gonna Make You Love Me has a lyric that claims they will make you love them if it takes a million years. I don’t have that much time.

All in all, this was a fun exercise. It just goes to show that, as we said in the survey, music is a universal language that brings us together in mysterious ways. We embrace the Scenic 98 Coastal music scene in all its iterations. There is a wealth of great music to enjoy every week, and you can find it in Tidbits and Best Bets. Better yet, plan to attend one of Topeka Live’s music weekends at  Miramar Beach in Destin. There is something for everyone!

Now for the big announcement… The winner of the Scenic 98 Coastal Original White Hat goes to…  (obligatory) This was a hard choice, and I wish I could award everyone a hat, but you can also purchase one of them at our Scenic 98 Coastal online store. 

Without further ado, with a nod to the hometown favorite, Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band, congratulations, Melanie Hearne! Enjoy your deserted island, Jimmy Buffett tunes, and white Scenic 98 Coastal hat before your little slice of heaven becomes the next Margaritaville Resort! 

Who knows, I just might stop by your island for a visit.

And look for an immersive Jimmy Buffett exhibit coming soon to a National Maritime Museum near you! 

Thanks for playing, everyone!