I actually remember exactly where I was the first time I heard Tell It To My Heart by Long Island’s own Leslie Wunderman, aka Taylor Dayne. It was morning; I was getting ready for work at the Pennysaver in my basement apartment at Aurora’s, listening to Z100. This bangin’ song came on and I was mesmerized by the voice of the singer. Days went by, the song grew in popularity and air play, and before we knew it Taylor Dayne was everywhere with that giant mane of hair and red lips for days. But that voice! Holy gods, that voice! And such an amazing debut song, an upbeat anthem to dance to and really feel in your groove-bone. Don’t act like you don’t have a groove-bone. When I hear this song, that I love, I am transported back to those glory days at the Pennysaver where I met so many of my life-long friends, where I found the courage to come out, where I began the march from childhood to manhood. In a way, part of why I love this song and most of her songs that followed is because of those people. Certain things, and certain people, stay with you always. I am thankful for that, and I am happy to be reminded of them all whenever I hear Taylor Dayne belt out her greatest song.
From the historical writing archive. Original date: December 15, 2016. Recovered from local source material; editorial review is still in progress.
