http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wwno/local-wwno-926569.mp3
Eric Murrell has had a long relationship with automobiles. It began as a boy, going to car lots with his grandfather, toting pencil and paper to make notes of car prices and design features. His father, Michael, taught him not only how to drive, but how to assemble the engine parts. His mother, Harriet, knew she was marrying a car buff from the start, but has enjoyed the family passion for automobiles.
Now 78, Eric's mother still drives a stick shift and so does Eric. In this April 9th conversation, mother and son reflect on how the art of auto mechanics has influenced his life and career as an audio producer.
ALSO: In this extended conversation, Eric Murrell talks about growing up with cars, some in various states of disrepair parked in front of their home Uptown. His mother, Harriet, can recall many of the makes and models the family drove over the years. Some are gone forever; some have changed owners. But they all have an attachment to a part of the family heritage.
StoryCorps New Orleans interviews were recorded by StoryCorps, a national project to record and collect stories of everyday people. This excerpt was selected and produced by WWNO producer Eileen Fleming, with support from the WWNO Productions Fund and from Villere & Co., managing the investments of New Orleans' families for almost 100 years. Listen again at wwno.org or at nola.com.