A family from Upper Township came together this summer to record a song that celebrates family, memories and the shore.
Jerry Fournier and his daughter-in-law Nikki, along with her sister Hannah McGlade, collaborated on their song, released on Aug. 27, as a tribute to Jerry’s late wife, recollecting her favorite spots in Cape May County.
The track, titled “An Ode to Cape May,” was written by Jerry and features vocals from Nikki and Hannah. It has been released on more than 150 digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
While Nikki never sang seriously — besides in the back of Jerry’s truck — Jerry has been in the music scene for decades.
He began his music career by releasing his first album in 1972. Over the years, his path took him from Boston to Philadelphia and eventually to Cape May County, where he and his wife chose to settle.
Jerry’s wife had grown up vacationing in Ocean City and wanted to live closer to her family in Baltimore, but Jerry didn’t want to move there. So, the couple found a home in Upper Township, and Ocean City’s beach and boardwalk quickly became central parts of their lives.
The song reflects the joy his wife found in the region. It highlights her favorite activities, from relaxing on the north side of the Ocean City Music Pier to riding the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.
Jerry said she rarely left the Ocean City Boardwalk without getting an ice cream from Kohr Bros. or pizza from then-Mack & Manco. She also enjoyed searching for Cape May diamonds at Sunset Beach.
The song was designed to be lighthearted rather than mournful, celebrating the experiences and memories that defined her connection to the shore.
“It’s not a sad song. It’s a happy song, because it’s all the stuff she loved and we love,” Jerry said.
The idea for the project developed six months ago. Earlier in the year, two songs by a Christian band that Jerry’s wife had been featured in during the late 1970s were remastered and re-released. That process encouraged him to consider writing something new in her memory. Once the concept took shape, he began developing lyrics and melodies, eventually settling on a chorus he describes as the hook of the track.
Recording and production became a collaborative effort spanning several states. President of Partridge Records Robert Penney was the executive producer and oversaw distribution from Maine. Additional digital editing was handled in California, while final mastering took place at a Pennsylvania studio.
“It’s much more complicated now than it was back in 1972,” Jerry said.
What made the project unique was the involvement of family. Nikki, who married Jerry’s son, provided lead vocals and her sister also participated, lending backup vocals.
Beyond music, Nikki works in health care and is known for her love of Disney and creativity. In her spare time, she designs custom T-shirts and embroidered items inspired by Disney. Her sister, Hannah, is a college student and Jerry is enjoying retirement.
“Ode to Cape May” can be found anywhere that streams music.
