By Jessica Klausing

Happy Father's Day! Today, we celebrate your unwavering love, strength, and guidance that shape our lives in countless ways. Whether you're a dad, stepdad, grandfather, or father figure, your presence and support make a world of difference. To all the dads out there - YOU rock!

I have asked my dad to share his top five favorite songs for this special occasion. In no particular order, here are my dad’s selections:

Don McLean - “American Pie”

This song was frequently played during our family trips. I came to appreciate it more deeply when my dad explained its backstory. The recurring line “the day the music died” refers to the tragic 1959 plane crash that took the lives of rock 'n' roll icons Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens, marking the end of the early rock 'n' roll era. Don McLean not only mourns the loss of his childhood music heroes but also reflects on the cultural shifts and loss of innocence of his generation. The theme of nostalgic loss resonates with us all.

Led Zeppelin - “Stairway to Heaven”

My dad is the reason I became a huge Led Zeppelin fan. He gifted me his CD of Led Zeppelin - The Complete BBC Sessions when I was in middle school, which kick-started my interest in classic rock. I have many fond memories of listening to “Stairway to Heaven” in the car, with my dad waiting for the song to finish before leaving the vehicle. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.

Arlo Guthrie - “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree”

I remember this song always being played on the radio on Thanksgiving Day. I also recall my dad always having to record it on his tape player too! “Alice's Restaurant Massacree,” commonly known as “Alice's Restaurant,” is a satirical talking blues song. Singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie protests against the Vietnam War draft in a comically exaggerated but mostly true story from his own experience.

The Allman Brothers Band - “Midnight Rider”

My dad's musical taste is mostly rooted in Southern Rock. It was quite challenging to pinpoint his absolute favorites, but we collectively agreed that this is one of Gregg Allman's best! “Midnight Rider” tells the story of a man determined to evade the law. With Gregg's powerful, soulful voice and Duane's folksy, driven guitar licks, it's a quintessential road trip song.

Lynyrd Skynyrd - “Gimme Three Steps”

Most people are introduced to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s music through their hit, “Sweet Home Alabama,” but for me, it was “Gimme Three Steps.” My dad is a huge Lynyrd Skynyrd fan, so their debut album was played a lot in our household. “Gimme Three Steps” was the first song I heard and one that got a lot of repeat plays. The song tells of a suspenseful encounter lead singer Ronnie Van Zant had at a bar when a gun was pulled on him for dancing with another man’s girlfriend. It’s a catchy rock 'n' roll song filled with high energy and a triple-pronged guitar attack.