Buffalo resonates with people who have lived here, because they understand the telltale idiosyncrasies that permeate the city and the region. Yes, Buffalo is a misunderstood city, but that’s OK. The people that love it, do so because of its authentic nature. Buffalo is resilient. It’s quirky. It’s unlike any other city in the world, which is why we love it.
I recently received an email from Gregory McLoughlin, who wrote that he is inspired by Buffalo thanks to an heartfelt connection to Tim Russert. Here’s his story…
When I graduated from the University of Scranton in 1997, our commencement speaker was Buffalo native Tim Russert.
Except for major news events that EVERYONE knew about (i.e. OJ Simpson, Oklahoma City), up to that point in my life, I pretty much lived in a bubble.
Kid from the suburbs, went to college because it’s what you’re supposed to do, living somewhat unaware of the greater world around me.
Tim’s commencement speech changed my life.
I don’t have specific quotes from it, but I was deeply moved by his story and inspiring words, and equally impressed that he stayed on stage for the full roll call and I still have the photo my parents took when I walked by him on stage (and I swear he gave me a smile and nod!).
My awareness of the greater world started at that moment and I became a regular viewer of Meet the Press.
I just related to Tim.
Here was a normal guy, doing great things. And where was he PROUDLY from? Buffalo.
An underdog from an underdog city, doing great things because he worked hard at something he was passionate about.
I live in Jersey City, NJ. In the shadows of Manhattan and the other boroughs. A great place, but an underdog city as well.
I wont get into too much detail about the pain I felt when Tim left us so suddenly in 2008, but I only felt a stronger connection to Buffalo since then, and as I found my calling as a songwriter in later years, Buffalo weaved its way into my art somehow.
I’ve only actually been to Buffalo once, and it was 25 years ago.
I’ve written almost 100 songs and built a small but loyal following of fans nationwide, and the unanimous favorite in my catalog for the last year has been my song called “Greyhound to Buffalo.”
I want to plan a trip to Buffalo, on a Greyhound, soon and I am looking for some local music lovers who might be inspired by the story and love the song, and want to help me make this something very special.
Hopefully, someday, Greg’s dream to take a Greyhound to Buffalo will come true. At that point, I’m sure that he will book some local venue where he will be able to perform.