The Journey from Public Housing

To say Anthony came from very humble beginnings is a vast understatement. His mother cleaned office buildings and his dad was a waiter. Growing up in several low-income housing projects, stacked the odds against him from the start. But he was determined to give it all he had to beat the odds. Below is a song playlist that summarizes his journey.

1. "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor: The energetic and motivational anthem captures the determination and resilience of a young man named Anthony as he faces the challenges of growing up in a drug-infested neighborhood. Despite the odds, he persevered, driven by the powerful work ethic instilled by his parents.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btPJPFnesV4

2. "We Shall Overcome" by Mahalia Jackson: This iconic song, representing the civil rights movement, resonated with Anthony as he faced discrimination and discouragement due to his mixed heritage. It became a source of inspiration, reminding him to rise above adversity and pursue his dreams.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wCvgy0XKw8

3. "Working Class Hero" by John Lennon: This song captures the essence of Anthony's upbringing and the blue-collar background of his parents. It reminds him of their sacrifices and the values of hard work and determination instilled in him.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCqOs5MkNl0

4. "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi: As Anthony worked at a local KFC, this song became his anthem. The lyrics reflected his aspirations for a better life and his struggles as he balanced work and his pursuit of education.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDK9QqIzhwk

5. "Rocket Man" by Elton John: This song holds special significance for Anthony, symbolizing his escape from the limitations imposed on him by his surroundings. It represents his desire to reach new heights, explore uncharted territories, and defy expectations.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtVBCG6ThDk

6. "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey: As Anthony ventured into self-study, this song became his mantra. It reflects his unwavering faith in his abilities despite skepticism and discouragement from those around him.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k8craCGpgs

7. "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor: This empowering anthem embodies Anthony's resilience during the challenging year he lost his father. It showcases his ability to overcome grief and adversity, emerging more assertive and more determined to achieve his goals.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBR2G-iI3-I

8. "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and The News: This song symbolizes Anthony's unwavering belief in the power of education and knowledge. It served as a reminder of his commitment to learning and his conviction that it would pave the way for a better future.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NMph943tsw

9. "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler: As Anthony pursued higher education and his career, this song embodies his gratitude toward his mother. It is a tribute to her unwavering support and belief in his potential, even when others doubted him.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iAzMRKFX3c

10. "Eye in the Sky" by The Alan Parsons Project: As Anthony became an esteemed economist and joined JPMorgan Chase, this song represents his role in analyzing global markets and providing insights that shaped decisions impacting consumers and communities worldwide.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNiie_zmSr8

11. "We Are the Champions" by Queen: This song celebrates Anthony's numerous achievements as he addressed clients and delivered presentations to central banks worldwide throughout his Wall Street career. It reflects his success in breaking barriers and becoming a recognized expert.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04854XqcfCY

12. "Imagine" by John Lennon: As Anthony reflects on his impactful career and legacy, this song resonates deeply. It encapsulates his vision of a world where barriers are broken, diversity is celebrated, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOgFZfRVaww

"I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston. "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston. Anthony's personal life was not without its challenges, and he faced many difficult moments and heartbreaks. The song "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston became a source of comfort and solace, reminding him of the importance of love and the resilience of the human spirit.

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JWTaaS7LdU

As Anthony looks back on his life, he realizes that music has played an essential role in shaping who he is today. He was the first person in his family to graduate from High School, the first person in his family to receive his bachelor’s degree, the first person in his family to receive a Master’s Degree, and the first person in his family to receive a doctorate degree.

Music has been a constant companion for him, a source of inspiration, comfort, and motivation. As he reflects on his journey, he curates a playlist of songs relevant to his life. Each piece represents a different chapter in his story, capturing the highs and lows, the challenges and triumphs, and the moments of joy and sorrow that have shaped him.