Dianne Broadley grew up in the Wairarapa in the 1940s–50s, surrounded by music from her family and community. Her mother sang, played piano, and attended dances, while her father sang on horseback during farm work. Music shaped family life, with singalongs, church, and radio programs central to her childhood. At school she enjoyed pop hits like Connie Francis, Cliff Richard, and Elvis, discussed eagerly with friends. A farm worker who played accordion and piano sparked family singalongs of popular songs at home. She studied piano to grade seven, though shyness made public performance difficult. Boarding school introduced her to guitar, later joined by ukulele studies at teacher’s college. Her folk interests deepened in Wellington through Peter, Paul and Mary, Bob Dylan, and local cafés. She joined folk clubs, played with groups such as “For Folk’s Sake,” and embraced community performance. Music remained a lifelong presence, linking family, education, and cultural traditions