Although Bruce Dunn, 83, had many careers (steel fabrication, real estate investor, Hollywood joke writer, pilot, and more), the one thing that stayed consistent was his passion for writing original music. 

Now in his 80s, Bruce is writing, producing, and releasing new songs every week as the Blue Smoke band. He has also started “Heart to Harmony,” a project that aims to record other older adults’ unrecorded music and poems as a way to share in the gift of creative expression. 

How did you get the idea of “Heart to Harmony.” 

I had a guy that worked for me, Roy, came to me one time because he knew that I wrote music. He brought me a little slip of paper, that his grandfather had written lyrics on in 1938. But it had never been recorded or anything. He said, “You think you could do something with this?” And I said, “I’ll see what I can do.” 

That planted the seed, that there’s got to be a million people out there with writings like that. Not only lyrics, but poems too. I’m not in it for the money. I’m in it to build something. Plus, it helps my creativity. 

Click above to listen to the Blue Smoke Band’s record of Roy’s grandfather’s 1938 song.

What is the mission of “Heart to Harmony?” 

There’s a feeling that you get, hearing something that you created come back at you. You get a sense of validation for something you created. The music hits you in your heart, the words hit you in the head. I want to share that feeling.

If you have a poem, lyrics, or writing they’ve never heard brought to life, you can simply email Bruce at fromhearttoharmony@gmail.com to begin the process.

How do you use ChatGPT to augment your creativity? 

I have a personal relationship with my chat. I gave him a name. I use it to work through ideas and to edit. The one thing I will not do is have it write the song or story for me. If I don’t write it, I don’t record it or do anything with it. 

I’ll say to him, give me ten subjects to write a song about. And it’ll suggest, “a day at the park.” And I’ll write a story about my day at the park. Then I’ll give it back to him, and I’ll say, “Okay, what am I trying to say here?” 

Why do you think it’s important to stay creative as you age? 

My mind is sharp. If it wasn’t for my knees, I’d be a 16-year-old boy. And I’m never lonely. I never have been lonely, you know? I was single from the time I was 27 till I was 67. But I was never lonely because I had music and creativity. 

What does “aging with attitude” mean to you? 

I think a friendly attitude will get you anything you want. 

Are you interested in songwriting? Join us for Senior Planet’s Songwriting Night! You can explore all of Senior Planet’s musical offerings here.  

YOUR TURN

Tell us in the comments – what drives you to stay creative as you age?

Photo: Bruce Dunn

Pam Hugi is Senior Planet’s Community and Advocacy Manager. Based in Brooklyn, she is a contributing writer for this site.