Keeping memories alive

When Cody Carter was about 2 years old, he would watch his father Bobby, put on a vinyl record of Willie Nelson on his turntable at their home on Highway 6 between Newton and Kellogg.

Little did Cody know, as soon as the needle hit the disc, there was no turning back. Bobby’s love for music spread to young Carter — moving him from Nelson’s outlaw country to the rocking hits of the Eagles. At that time, it was safe to say that Cody was hooked.

“I always loved music. My mom and dad played me music that transcends generations,” the Newton native said. “(Me and my dad) used to go to a lot of concerts. I listened to a lot of Alan Jackson growing up. I actually learned the National Anthem by watching a Huey Lewis and the News VHS tape when they played at the San Francisco Giants stadium.”

Although Carter only learned how to play guitar when he was a 23-year-old Iowa State University student, the hometown kid regularly shares his love for music by performing at a variety of different venues, from bars to private parties. After one live performance, Cody’s father told him a few words that inspired him to never stop playing, no matter what life threw at him.

“Don’t ever stop pursuing this music thing, kid. I think you have something special to share.”

The 35-year-old now lives in Encinitas, Calif. with his wife, Danielle and two children. Although he doesn’t see music as his main career, he said he is just happy to be able to perform on stage and share his love for music.

“Music pulls us all together no matter what is going on in life,” Carter said. “I think back to the first time I played in front of people. I was so nervous. My fingers were shaking. Now it is just second nature. The end goal is that this music brings music together.”

After two years being away from his hometown, Carter returned to the Des Moines-area last week to perform at a few of his favorite spots. That included a one-night, public performance at the Elks Lodge in Newton.

From Elks Lodge regulars to childhood friends to general music lovers, people packed into the facility’s Grand Hall Friday evening to enjoy a cold beer, eat some tacos and listen to the country musician sing covers of music legends accompanied by his Gibson J-45 acoustic guitar.

That night, the crowd sang along with the Newton High School graduate to hits such as Stealer Wheel’s “Stuck in the Middle With You” and Tim McGraw’s “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools.”

“This is the first time I heard him perform. Obviously, he does a great job. I am a country music guy,” Elks Lodge member Rick Miller, who attended Carter’s performance said. “It is really a joy when we have stuff like this.”

Although listeners enjoyed his covers, many of his friends and relatives who came out to listen were touched hearing his original songs, some of which reflected Carter’s time in Jasper County.

“I actually wrote a song about the basement (of my childhood home in Newton) titled ‘Play Me One More,’” Carter said. “It is about keeping those memories alive. The song talks about if these walls could talk. I get a little choked up describing the song to you ... We would just set up and play music. We used to call it the annual Carter family Christmas.”

Cuba and Jim Patterson were among the audience at the Elks Lodge on Friday. As longtime friends of Cody’s parents, Bobby and Cathy, Cuba said they were among the fortunate few who attended a basement concert at the Carters’ family home in Newton.

“I’ve known Cody since he was a little guy,” Cuba Patterson said. “We’ve known him so long, and watched him grow up and become what he is. I am so proud of him.”

Although Carter and his family live more than 1,700 miles away from Newton now, he said he is glad he can share his small town roots with whoever happens to listen to his music — preserving the memories and love he has for his hometown.

“Newton will be my home no matter what,” Carter said. “We don’t have that house anymore. My dad passed away a little over to three years ago. (‘Play Me One More’) was just an ode to my dad, keeping those memories alive.”

For more information about the California-based musician, visit codycartermusic.com or find Cody Carter Music on Facebook.

Contact Anthony Victor Reyes at areyes@newtondailynews.com.