Keys to the Heart

Long after Calvin Akins was first diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, he couldn't remember his telephone number or what day it was, but still enjoyed music. Even though he had lost his ability to play his guitar, he could still sway and sing to the melodies played on the family piano played by his son, Joseph.

"My father loved music." The experience from watching his father's mind and body decline over a two-year period changed his perspective on life and music. During this time, he composed inspiring, peaceful healing music that is available as Keys to the Heart.

Featuring Joseph on piano and keyboards, other instruments include flutes, classical guitar, exotic percussion and the beautiful ethereal voice of Unita. Keys to the Heart is an eclectic blend of spirited music that could only have come from the heart. The enchanting “Through the Looking Glass” reached number 3 on the Music Choice Soundscapes channel and was featured in the short film “The Yard Sale”.

Easily purchase with credit card from Amazon.com

Listen to CD (click on play button to hear an excerpt)
1. Keys to the Heart
This solo piano piece was written during one of those difficult times in life. It symbolizes the experience of moving through sadness to acceptance. It was written the day of my father's passing, December 19, 1994. It was originally titled, "Father's Farewell", but I decided to make it the title track since it represents the entire collection.

2. Mother’s Eyes
This song features the beautiful singing and lyric writing of Unita. Like my father, Unita's mother has been afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.

3. John Wayne Goes Jazz
This is a fun, jolly electronic keyboard piece with a humorous title. Don't forget to laugh! : )

4. Peace of Mind
We often hear the phrase, "piece of mind". This song gives you a "peace of mind".

5. Unconditional Love
This latin-smooth jazz inspired tune features the flute work of Wiz with Unita reminding us about unconditional love.

6. Through the Looking Glass
This has been the most popular song from this CD. It has received favorable air play on Music Choice Soundscapes and was used for the independent film, "The Yard Sale".

7. Always
This ethereal track features the beautiful vocals and lyric writing of Unita. When you lose someone, their spirit lives on.

8. Fred, the Funky Dragon
This is a fun piece that features Wiz on flutes (including a bass flute). Fred is a descendent of Puff the Magic Dragon!

9. Sweet Ellyon
Dedicated to all babies, this precious tune features the piano. Ellyon, a good friend's child, was born just before this was written.

10. Mother Earth, Father Sky
This song was inspired from my interest in Native American spirituality. A great closer for the CD!

CD Review

This article apeared in the Chattanooga Free Press December 15, 1996

CD Celebrates Courage, Tragedy of Alzheimer's - by Chris Sherrill Vass

Long after Calvin Akins couldn't remember his telephone number or what day it was, he still enjoyed music. After he lost his ability to walk and pick a guitar, he could still sway to the melodies played on the family piano. So his son, Joseph, an accomplished pianist and recording artist, would perform mini conerts for him. he wrote 10 songs, and played them and other pieces to entertain and soothe his father, who was battling Alzhemer's disease. The elder Akins was diagnosed with the debilitating disease when he was just 62 years old. Two years later, on December 19, 1994, he died.

To honor his father, Mr. Akins has produced a compact disc containing his collection of inspirational songs. A portion of the proceeds from Keys to the Heart goes to the Southeast Tennessee Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. "My father loved music. I've been around music all my life," said Mr. Akins. "When I was 12, I started playing saxophone in my father's band, and we'd play every weekend at a honky tonk in Chattanooga".

Mr. Akins and his Mother, Katheryn, cared for the elder Akins after his Alzhiemer's diagnosis in the couple's Chickamauga, Ga. home. Mr. Akins even moved back home to help his mom out with the 24-hour-day caregiving responsibilities. It was painful to watch his father's mental, emotional and physical decline over a two-year period, he said.

The experience, he said, changed him and his music. "It affected me in so many ways. Writing the songs was therapeutic for me. I did it just as much for me and my family as my father," the musician said. "I gained an appreciation for the elderly, and I got a sense of purpose." Before his father's diagnosis, Mr. Akins dreamed of taking his jazz talent to New York City and touring the world. "Now I appreciate the healing power of music and I want to help people. My goal is to write music to inspire and bring joy to people's lives," he said.

"Keys to the Heart" does just that. The songs are personal, evocative works presented in a contemporary "easy listening" style. Recorded at Sound Resources, the songs feature Mr. Akins on the piano and synthesizer, vocals by his partner Unita, and other musicians playing the flute, guitar and percussion instruments. The title track, "Father's farewell," was written the day Mr. Akins's father died. "I think my father would be pleased with the CD," he said. "And my mother has been very supportive. It was very satisfying to her that the CD was dedicated to him."

Mr. Akins has come a long way from his years as a member of the popular rock and roll band, Blaze, a group he joined after playing the saxophone at Gordon Lee High School and studying classical piano. He earned a degree in jazz and electronic music from the University of Tennessee and completed a fellowhip in jazz teaching at Radford University in Virginia, where he earned a master's degree in music.

Chris Chastain, executive director of the Alzheimer's Association chapter here, said "Keys to the Heart" is "something caregivers and their loved ones can enjoy together. "When your day is going as badly as it can go putting on this soothing music can be a big lift." She said the CD has been sent to several area long-term care facilities, where response has been very positive. "This will be beneficial to Alzheimer's patients, their families and the Alzheimer's Association. Proceeds will go to support our efforts to help other people facing the same challenges." she said.