Simon's Hero: A Day of Covers and Community

Bernie Dalton was a low key Santa Cruz dad- enjoyed music, and loved his daughter. Fulfilling a lifelong dream of making his own album one day, he decided to start taking voice lessons, and began traveling North to SF to learn from Bay Area musician Essence Goldman. They were a musical match made in heaven, and his lessons were a highlight of both of their weeks for months, until suddenly he began to lose control of his mouth and swallowing. Heartbreakingly, just as he had begun following his creativity, Bernie developed ALS.

Now that his condition has progressed to the point where he can no longer speak or move, Essence has taken it upon herself to become his voice. Recording an album of his original songs with the group she created, Bernie Dalton and the Believers, she’s beautifully creating a legacy for Bernie and his music.

The Pop-Up Bay Area Podcast hosted a special fundraiser at the historic Sweetwater Music Hall for Bernie and the Believers, and their quest to bring their act and Bernie’s story to NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series. At the event, local musicians were invited to cover Bernie’s song “Simon’s Hero”, along with the choice to read only the lyrics and create a melody or to listen to the recorded version Essence created. I was lucky enough to be part of it along with Pop-Up co-host Renee. This is a snippet of my version of “Simon’s Hero” by Bernie Dalton.

If you’re as taken by Bernie’s story as I was, here’s the footage from their Tiny Desk plea. Enjoy!