This is the first in our series, The Soundtrack of My Life. Students and staff will share the music that defines their lives.  

Math teacher Mr. Jay Kleeman knows his music.  Here are the songs that remind him of pivotal moments in his life, or fill him with memorable sentiments.

What song brings back a specific memory?

“AC/DC’s ‘You Shook Me All Night Long’ takes me back to my first year in college at WIU.  This song was kind of like my anthem that year.”

What song reminds you of home?

“The Spongebob Squarepants Theme Song instantly transports me to Saturday mornings when my kids were young.”

What song defines your high school years? 

“This would have to be Guns ‘n Roses, ‘Welcome to the Jungle’. High School was like a jungle back then.”

What song was played at your wedding?  

“Eric Clapton’s, ‘Wonderful Tonight.’ I just love it.”

What song helped you through a tough time?  

“Okay, this one is old-school: Poison’s ‘Every Rose has a Thorn’.  This was from high school where I was having a really tough time fitting in. It helped give me perspective that bad things can be surrounded by good.”

What song changed the way you think about the world?

“Metallica’s ‘One’ is a sad song about the realities of warfare.”

What song instantly transports you to a different time and place? 

“‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond takes me back to our family road trips where we would play this song as we entered into the final stretch to our destination, often North Carolina.”

What song would you play as your walk-up song? 

“Imagine Dragons’ song ‘Thunder’.  I love the bass line and the energy that it brings with it.”

What song perfectly captures your personality?

“Modest Mouse’s ‘Float On’ since I typically take life how it comes.”

What song represents where you are in life right now?  

“The Dog Days Are Over” by Florence and the Machine, or “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles.  Both of these songs signify that the hardest parts of my life are likely behind me and that I can really look forward to what is yet to come.”

So, next time you need a song recommendation, head on over to the math department and ask Mr. Kleeman for some suggestions; he will not disappoint!