My Music. My Story. Mayor

Joe Hogsett ____

Words by Jennifer Delgadillo Photo by Office of the Mayor

Mayor Joe Hogsett’s affection for music stems from a family connection. After the death of John Prine, Hogsett says he felt drawn to the plain-spoken lyrics of the American legend.

WHAT ROLE DOES MUSIC PLAY IN YOUR LIFE?

I profoundly believe that art is what gives life meaning, I have always viewed music as a vital part of my life experience. For me, it has been entertainment, education, inspiration and a valuable way to understand our existential experience.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE KIND OF MUSIC TO LISTEN TO FOR PLEASURE?

I need to disclose that I entered high school in the fall of 1970 and graduated law school in early 1981 –– i.e., I’m a child of the 70’s. I’ve always enjoyed listening to all the singer-songwriters of that decade –– James Taylor, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell, Warren Zevon, Nick Cave, John Prine.

ANY FAVORITE MEMORIES LINKED TO MUSIC?

I studied piano under Norma Smith Hogsett, my paternal grandmother, for nearly 10 years. She was a graduate of the Indianapolis Conservatory of Music and instilled in me a lifelong love of classical music.

WHAT MAKES CLASSICAL MUSIC RELEVANT TODAY?

It is indispensable in helping us understand ourselves and each other. It relieves our pain. It increases our creativity and productivity. It is capable of evoking every shade of human emotion.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE COMPOSERS OR MUSICIANS?

I love Bach, Vivaldi and Handel during the Baroque. From the Classical period, I value Beethoven, Mozart and Schubert. Wagner and Mahler from the Romantic period. And, of course, Bruce Springsteen.

IF YOU WERE A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?

Horn. I practiced the horn from fourth grade until I graduated high school. It has such a subdued sound –– a sound which, even after eight years of practice, I never seemed to acquire on a personal level.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE OVERLAP BETWEEN YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND MUSIC?

I don’t think this space is long enough to list the many musicians, venues and varieties of music I get to experience each year as mayor of Indianapolis. Taken together, though, those collective moments create a beautiful symphony out of our city’s diversity.

SOME PEOPLE LIKE TO LISTEN TO BACH WHEN THEY WORK, AND RADIOHEAD WHEN THEY'RE RELAXING. WHEN DO YOU TURN TO MUSIC? AND WHAT DO YOU TURN TO?

I have a pretty extensive collection of all types and genres. Some of it comes from the local performers I go see. Variety is important. One should have music for every mood. ■