Daddy's Girl

I know his songs immediately. I'd even bet by the first note. Although he's been dead for 10 years now the radio DJs continue to play his songs continuously. He was, after all, the voice of an entire generation. To say his songs are overplayed would be a gross understatement. There are only so many times you can hear " Take me to Heaven" no matter how much you loved it. But, I never tire of listening. It's best when his songs come on when I'm alone in my car and can listen without any audience. No one stares at me awkwardly wondering if they should change the station or worse, talk through the song imagining I can focus on their petty conversation and not my dad's voice.

My father blew his brains out at the height of his fame a decade ago. Conspiracy theorists love to try and convince others that he was murdered by his jealous drummer, Danny, but I know that's not true. Danny was his best friend and devastated by his death. He was, and still is, like an uncle to me. He also helps me manage my dad's publishing rights. As for my mother, she was never in the picture.

So when his number one hit song, for there were many, plays on the local radiostation and I'm alone in my car I like to sit and imagine what things would be like if he were still alive. I always conclude that they wouldn't be much different, except for the fact that I would have a father.

Being a legend's child is not as wonderful as it sounds. But it's only- I can't say that I'm very fond of my peers. And I can never live a normal life. I didn't choose a profession that is packaged with fame. My infamy is my birthright. The spotlight is right outside my door, ready to embrace me shall Rick Stevens' daughter ever try her hand at modeling, acting or singing. But that kind of life doesn't interest me. I hate the gawkers. And wish for a simple life. I think I would have liked to been a social worker. Or maybe a Spanish teacher.

Sometimes, when I listen to "Take me to Heaven" alone in my car I close my eyes and glide. But I always open them after a moment or two.