Crush: Hanson

When I was seven years old, I fell in love. A trio of brothers from Tulsa, Okla. stole my heart. Together, known by their last name, Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson, with their homegrown appeal, made a whole generation of girls fall for them. Zac was my favorite.

What was so captivating about the brothers was they actually sang their own music and played instruments; Isaac on guitar, Zac on drums and Taylor on lead vocals and piano, with the occasional bongo drum. Compared to the pop princesses of the time, Hanson wins, hands down.

Sadly, I admit their Christmas album, ‘Snowed In,’ pops up every holiday season and will remain a favorite of mine. I subscribe to their podcast on iTunes called Taking the Walk and among the most played songs on my iPod are ‘Mmmbop,’ ‘Man from Milwaukee’ and ‘Where’s the Love.’ Every time they show up, an instant smile comes to my face, and I almost have to laugh. As an 18-year-old, I still love Hanson.

Post-Mmmbop, few people paid attention to the group. Hanson is currently touring the country promoting their latest album and their partnership with Tom’s Shoes, a company that donates a pair of shoes to children in Africa for each purchased pair. The trio, while going across the country, takes time on each tour stop to take a mile-long walk with fans, some barefoot, to call attention to the AIDS/HIV epidemic and poverty in Africa.

Now, all of the brothers are happily married, and I am left heartbroken. I have always dreamt of meeting Hanson and seeing them play live, and if that happens, the 7-year-old girl inside me will be elated.