Today’s post brings together two very different—yet beautifully complementary—ways of sharing the story of my grandfather, Edward Osmund Briles. His life stretched from the wheat fields of Coffey and Woodson Counties to the bright lights of small-town movie theaters, and thanks to a combination of AI tools, I’m able to present his story in new and engaging ways.
The first video features an audio overview created through Google Notebook LM, using historical records, newspaper clippings, and family documents to craft a narrative summary of Edward’s life. It offers a clear, chronological telling of his journey—from threshing crews and auto garages to the Lyric Theatre in Emporia.
The second video takes a more artistic approach. I asked ChatGPT to write song lyrics based on Edward’s life, then used Suno.com to turn those lyrics into a folksy ballad—a musical tribute that captures the spirit of his Kansas story.
Using Canva, I combined each audio file with an accompanying image to create the two videos shared below. Together, they offer both a factual and a heartfelt glimpse into who Edward Osmund Briles was, and how his life continues to inspire those of us who follow in his footsteps.
EO Briles: Entrepreneur
Osmond’s Tale
Conclusion
Bringing these two videos together—one a narrative retelling of my grandfather’s life, the other a musical tribute inspired by his journey—has allowed me to see Edward Osmund Briles through both a factual and an emotional lens. The tools may be modern, but the heart of the story remains rooted in the Kansas fields, workshops, and theaters where he built his life. By blending historical records, family memories, and creative technology, I hope these pieces preserve not just what Edward did, but who he was. His life continues to echo through our family, and these videos offer a new way to share that legacy with future generations.