By: Lauren Tingle
My little sister Lana is getting hitched! Wish me luck. I’m anticipating a Big Fat Greek inquisition on why I’m not married to some country superstar. My last Greek wedding was my god sister’s New York nuptials in 2008. At the reception, a yia yia from church looked at me and said, “I’m not dying until you’re married.” This woman is pushing 100, ya’ll. I’ll have to tell her that until that forever man comes into my life, Nashville music has my hand in marriage for forever, and ever, amen.
Tonight, I got a call from sis asking for some song suggestions for her first dance as a couple with her husband-to-be — a sweet Texan named Jon. Grab your dancin’ boots! Any of these tracks would work for me.
- “Snake Farm” – Ray Wylie Hubbard
I’m joking. But how awesome would it be if Lana and Jon danced to a strip club anthem? Ray Wylie happens to be one of the couple’s favorite acts. But this track only makes sense in that the reception is at the Pink Palace Museum, which houses a dinosaur exhibit.
- “Unchained Melody” – Willie Nelson
It’s a Texan singing a love standard produced by the world famous Memphis musician Booker T. Jones. It’s perfect!
- “La Vie En Rose” – Louis Armstrong
A classy wedding deserves a classy first dance. Louis’ “La Vie En Rose” is on point.
- “She’s No Lady” – Lyle Lovett
There will be a lot of Greek dancing (and eating) at the reception. I thought a funny, Texas two-step would be a perfect dance to kick off the party.
- “Single Girl, Married Girl” – Levon Helm
Only the coolest couple can pull this song off as their first dance. Lana and Jon totally fit the bill.
- “Has Anybody Ever Told You” – Ashley Monroe
It’s the greatest love song I’ve heard all summer. There won’t be a dry eye in the house.
- “Honest I Do” – Jimmy Reed
It’s one of Texas’s best blues numbers and it’s a love song! If I was the bride, this song would be the one for me.
- “Into the Mystic” – Van Morrison
It’s a wedding favorite for a reason, y’all. The lyrics are timeless.
- “What a Man” – Linda Lyndell
I’d trust Jon with my life and my sister’s. He defines a mighty, mighty good man.
- “Stickshifts and Safety Belts” – Cake
I secretly want Lana and Jon’s first dance as a married couple to be a square dance. Sorry. Not sorry.
- “All of These Things” – John Boutté
Allen Toussaint is one of my favorite songwriters on the planet and this cover is the best!
- “You Really Got A Hold On Me” – The Miracles
- “I’ll Be Standing By” – Al Green
- “Can’t Help Falling In Love” – Elvis Presley
Like the river flows; Surely to the sea; Darling, so it goes; Some things are meant to be…
Best wishes to the happy couple! See y’all Labor Day weekend!
No Limits Nashville 