Friday, April 6, 2018

The Friday Flash


This may be the ultimate “Helping Out Our Readers” segment …

KENT,
LET ME THROW SOMETHING AT YOU ...
AFTER FINISHING DEAN MARTINS 2ND REPRISE ALBUM, I CAUGHT HIM ON AN INTERVIEW STATING : “THIS BAND IS GREAT … I’VE GOT HAL BLAINE ON DRUMS AND IF HE BEATS THOSE DRUMS ANY HARDER, WE’RE GONNA GIVE HIM THE GOLDEN TRUSS AWARD “ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
KENT, I HEARD THAT IN MY CAR AND JUST A FEW MONTHS LATER THAT AWARD WAS DELIVERED TO ME!!!  WHAT A SURPRISE.
WE ALL LOVED DEAN, OF COURSE.  I WAS ALSO CLOSE TO DEAN’S SON DINO ON THE RECORDS OF DINO, DESI AND BILLY…  WE REALLY WERE FAMILY. DEAN WAS NEVER THE SAME AFTER DINO WAS LOST IN HIS FIGHTER JET IN THE SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAINS ... THE SAME MOUNTAINS WHERE DOLLY SINATRA, FRANK'S MOM AND NANCY’S GRANDMOTHER, PASSED AWAY IN A PLANE CRASH.  THE SOMETIMES STRANGENESS OF REAL LIFE ????    
AT ANY RATE, YOU SEEM TO HAVE YOUR FINGERS ON SO MUCH GREAT TAPED STUFF, I HOPED THAT PERHAPS YOU JUST MIGHT HAVE THAT SHORT QUIP BY DEAN??? IT WAS AN L.A. RADIO STATION INTERVIEW.  I JUST CAN’T FIND IT ANYWHERE ... PERHAPS YOU MIGHT HAVE IT????  
SO WHATEVER, THANKS FOR KEEPING ME IN THE NEWS LOOP.
ALL THE BEST TO YOU AND I DO HOPE THAT YOUR EASTER BASKET WAS FILLED WITH GOODIES !!!  
ALL THE BEST ...
HAL BLAINE
We've got a wide array of collectors out there in Forgotten Hits Land … let's see if anybody can come up with this long-lost gem for Hal Blaine.  Stay tuned!  (kk)

And, speaking of The Wrecking Crew …

kk …
Easter Sunday I watched "The Wrecking Crew" again, this time with my nephews. They were surprised to find out how many recordings they were on. 
Frank B.
The great thing about that documentary is that you can put it on again and again, even as background noise, and still be entertained by all the great music it contains along with all of the interviews with so many of the artists.
I spent part of Easter weekend flipping through the channels trying to find something worth watching and came across that classic Chris Farley Easter film "Tommy Boy" … and also Elvis in "Clambake."  (You know I don't think I've ever seen that film all the way through … still haven't!  lol)  We also watched "I, Tonya" again, which I enjoyed every bit as much as I did when we saw it in the theater upon first release … very well done ... and then the whole family camped out in front of the TV set to watch NBC's live presentation of "Jesus Christ Superstar."  Alice Cooper is STILL getting rave reviews for his scene-stealing performance nearly a week later.  In one interview that I read, he said that he channeled Actor Alan Rickman to conjure up enough of a cynical attitude to pull it off.  He was great … and the audience responded in kind.  (kk)

If you still haven't seen it, you can check out Alice's performance here:

One more quick “Helping Out Our Readers” …

Just wondering if anyone has access to an interview that Diane Sawyer did with Neil Diamond, talking about his admiration of Bobby Vee.  Bobby's Nephew and I are part of a singer / songwriter tribute show. He's doing a Bobby Vee tribute show this summer and asked if I'd ever seen this interview. I haven't and he was told that it was great and is worth trying to track it down.
I said that if it existed, someone on this list might know. 
Thanks for any info. 
BTW, Forgotten Hits still makes my day. 
Bill in MN
Putting it out there to see if anybody knows where Bobby Vee’s nephew might be able to find this clip.  (A Google search didn’t turn up anything … although I did find listings for a couple of interviews Neil did with Barbara Walters … wondering if one of these might be what he’s looking for.)  kk

Local Forgotten Hits Readers got a double whammy this week in the way of free tickets …

First we were able to take two winners and their guests to the Al Jardine show on Monday Night at The City Winery Chicago … scroll back to read our two-part concert review if you haven't already seen it ... and then Wednesday Night we gave away a dozen tickets to the Michael Bolton show at The Arcada Theatre.  (Reviews of THAT show should be posted on Sunday!)

And don't forget … next Wednesday Night (April 11th) is the Ann Wilson live television taping at The Arcada … this show will be broadcast later this year on PBS and should really be something to see.  More information on The Arcada Theatre website … http://www.arcadalive.com/home/

And, speaking of The Arcada, some sad news this week …

Bobby Rydell broke his hip on Monday (4/2) and will be unable to perform as planned on Sunday, April 15th.

Stepping in to fill his spot will be Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals, performing along with Lou Christie.  Both have been Forgotten Hits Readers for years … and we are  REALLY looking forward to this show.  It all happens next Sunday, April 15th, beginning at 3 pm.  Again, you can get your tickets via the website link shown above.

And wishing a speedy recovery to Bobby Rydell, who we gave the week-long spotlight treatment to a couple of years ago when his autobiography was first released.  Bobby’s the “Bionic Man” at this point so we’re hoping he can bounce right back from this and maybe make a return visit somewhere down the line.  (kk)

In other sad concert news …

Hi Kent,
Here's a great story for ya!
So my wife Flo and I fly out last Thursday afternoon to Vegas to catch Burton Cummings at the Orleans.  Easter morning we wake up at our hotel and I say to Flo:  "Happy Easter but guess what … Burton Cummings had to cancel his show tonight due to illness" and after her reply of disappointment I said:  "April Fool, I was just kidding!" 
So later that morning, I wanted to check on where and what time the shuttle left for the Orleans and upon calling the venue I happen to mention we were catching the shuttle for the Burton Cummings show that evening, upon which the operator replied:  "I am sorry, sir, that show was cancelled due to Mr. Cummings being ill!" 
You can't write a script like that can you, Kent!  I had given Ticketmaster my home phone when purchasing the tickets and, as it turns out, they had left their cancellation message on our home phone about an hour and a half after we had already arrived in Vegas. 
Sorry to hear Burton had taken ill and hope he is feeling better, as I know he is scheduled for the Orleans again this weekend.  I know he must have been seriously ill to cancel as I know he is a real trooper when it comes to his gigs and, as you had mentioned, he was already nursing a cold at his Arcada Theater performance. 
Oh well, we will catch another one of his shows in the future.  You win some, you lose some, and sometimes you can't tell the difference.
Peace,
Tim Kiley
That’s a real shame as I know he was really looking forward to these shows and playing with the band again.  Get well soon, Burton!
kk 
I just went on the Orleans Showroom website and found out that all of the Burton Cummings shows are also cancelled for this weekend.  We wish him good health and a speedy recovery.
Kent, life has never been accused of good timing.  You work your ass off your whole life to land gigs like this and then ...
And, of course, as luck would have it, you can take a month off and not a sneeze in sight!  Yes, germs don't own calendars!  And then when the dust settles and perspective sets in, you appreciate the fact that it is just a cold and sore throat, when at this stage of the game, it could be a hell of a lot worse.  His legion of dedicated fans I am sure all wish him a speedy recovery. 
Peace,
Tim Kiley 


And then this from FH Reader Tom Cuddy …

KENNY ROGERS: Cancels Shows Due to Illness 
His doctors say he should recover but needs to take it easy. 
Kenny Rogers has canceled all of his tour dates through the end of the year due to undisclosed health issues. 
Doctors expect him to recover fully, but advised him not perform so that he can focus on getting well. He had only a handful of dates on the books, including two shows at New York 's Beacon Theater in June.
Kenny, who'll turn 80 this year, was on his The Gambler's Last Deal tour and planning to retire from the road after the tour.
Wow, that’s REALLY sad news … all these folks who wanted to see Kenny one more time before he hung it up for good.  But honestly at 80, how much more can one do?  (Think about it … Kenny was enjoying his first big hit exactly Fifty Years Ago Today … so he was 30 years old when “Just Dropped In” was first making its way up the charts.  And what an INCREDIBLE career he’s had since then.)
Fortunately, I was able to see him a few times over the years.  We wish you the very best, Kenny!  (kk)

Hi Kent,
Enjoyed the Al Jardine article (and the rest).  Had the great pleasure
of meeting him many years ago in Nashville.  He was celebrating his
son's birthday.  What a truly nice guy he is ... and I knew he was
talented.
Thanks for all the hard work you do keeping FH going ... you're awesome, my friend.
Be blessed
Barry

Dear Kent,
I'm happy to read your terrific review on Al Jardine's show.
When I was in The Rip Chords, I had the pleasure and honor of performing with Al and his talented sons, along with two original members of The Surfaris.  We played shows with them in California, New York, Florida, Maine and so on.  
Most were big stages, but we also sang in dressing rooms and around a piano at Meet'n'Greets.  The man can sing!  
We were also joined by Billy Hinsche (he of Dino, Desi & ...), a Beach Boy for decades, and a Forgotten Hits reader, and Richie ("Rico") Cannata, sax player of Billy Joel's band, among other notables.
I got to spend a good deal of time with Al, and he really is one of the nicest people you'd be fortunate enough to meet.  And your assessment of his voice is spot-on:  Al has always had, and still has, a clear, powerful and thoroughly enjoyable singing voice.    
Thanks for the great article. 
All the very best, my Chicago Roast Beef-eating friend!
Bob Rush
PS:  I enclosed a couple of photos.  You may not want to use the one where I'm holding the bass, as I'm blocking Al's face (so, who told him to adjust his amp just then?!   : )  But on the one, we're front line …
I'm far left, then Billy Hinsche, then Al, then Richie Rotkin (Rip Chords).

Great Jardine review. Met him at the Genesee a couple of years ago ... great guy. He and Brian signed that Iconic Guitar of mine which, by the way, now has 109 signatures on it. Room for maybe two or three more! Glad to be back on the list … much success to you.
Jim Nowoc
We were at that Brian Wilson show at The Genesee … in fact, we took a few Forgotten Hits Readers along to that one, too … and had FRONT ROW SEATS to see the concert!  (I don’t think I can every tell Colleen thank you enough … so here’s another one!  Lol) 
Someday we’ll have to run a photo of that guitar … along with a list of all of those who have signed it!  Thanks, Jim!  (kk)

The other day as part of our Al Jardine Concert Review we told you that Al was teaming back up with Brian Wilson for a series of shows that’ll run through the end of the year.
This time around they’ll be performing the entire 1964 Beach Boys Christmas Album along with some of the tracks from Brian’s solo Christmas album “All I Really Want For Christmas” … which begs the question … does ANYBODY out there really want to hear this block of material performed live???
Anyway, here’s the new tour poster (featuring Brian and Al … my understanding is that Blondie Chaplin is also along for this tour) and the complete tour schedule as it currently stands:

 

11/28 - Minneapolis, MN - Orpheum Theatre
11/30 - Hammond IN - Horseshoe Casino
12/01 - Northfield, OH - Hard Rock in Northfield Park
12/04 - Englewood, NJ - Bergen Performing Arts Center
12/07 - Staten Island, NY - St. George Theatre
12/11 - Sarasota, FL - Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
12/12 - Hollywood, FL - Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
12/15 - Austin, TX - ACL Live at the Moody Theater
12/16 - Midland, TX - Wagner Noel PAC
12/17 - San Antonio, TX - Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
12/20 - Thousand Oaks, CA - Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza
12/22 - Santa Rosa, CA - Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
12/23 - Reno, NV - Grand Sierra Resort & Casino

I ran into Buckinghams Guitarist Dave Zane at the Al Jardine Concert earlier this week … he had just finished up a cruise and said The Bucks will be part of next year’s Where The Action Is Cruise!  (Now that should be quite a line-up!)

Meanwhile, here’s a Disco Cruise that sounds like a lot of fun …

BOOGIE DOWN! FREAK OUT! GET DOWN TONIGHT!
BURN, BABY, BURN! 
THE INAUGURAL 2019 ULTIMATE DISCO CRUISE ANNOUNCES SUPERSTAR LINEUP …
The Era’s Biggest Artists Come Together For One Unforgettable Vacation Experience 
Including: 
KC and The Sunshine Band, Kool & The Gang, Gloria Gaynor, Village People, Tavares; Norma Jean Wright, Alfa Anderson & Luci Martin (formerly of Chic); Evelyn “Champagne” King, Thelma Houston, The Trammps featuring Earl Young, The Australian Bee Gees Show – A Tribute to The Bee Gees, and more! 
Hosted by Deney Terrio of “Dance Fever” 
Featuring Music Host Bob Pantano, host of the longest running radio dance party in the nation 
Luxury Cruise Sails February 14 - February 19, 2019 
From Fort Lauderdale to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico 
Fort Lauderdale, Fla (April 3, 2018) ― StarVista LIVE, the leader in nostalgia based music cruise experiences, announces its newest uniquely themed voyage, the 2019 Ultimate Disco Cruise. This cruise brings the cultural phenomenon of the 1970s from the dance floor to the high seas on a luxury ship that will wind its way through the Gulf of Mexico from February 14 - 19, 2019. Live concerts by the pioneering superstars who made dance music a lasting part of all of our lives will “rock the boat” for five incredible nights, with KC and The Sunshine Band, Kool & The Gang, Gloria Gaynor, the Village People, Tavares; Norma Jean Wright, Alfa Anderson & Luci Martin (formerly of Chic); Evelyn “Champagne” King, Thelma Houston, The Trammps featuring Earl Young, Musique, the Australian Bee Gees Show – a Tribute to The Bee Gees, and more. Famed choreographer and “Dance Fever” TV host Deney Terrio, the man who taught John Travolta his Saturday Night Fever dance moves, hosts one of the greatest lineups of classic disco stars ever assembled and so much more – aboard the award-winning Celebrity InfinityÒ.
“I don’t know when you will ever see a group of these great dance music phenoms ever again in one place,” says Deney Terrio. “I’ve never seen a better lineup.”
“We’re going to have a blast,” adds Harry “KC” Casey, who’ll be leading a very special KC & The Sunshine Band appearance. “You’re going to have music just practically 24 hours a day, you’re going to see all of your favorite artists all in one place, and you’re going to have the best time of your life. … I can’t wait to get on this cruise, to have fun with you and to do what I love doing. That’s making music and sharing good times with you. “ 
As someone who came of age in the 1970s, Alan Rubens, StarVista LIVE Senior Vice President of Entertainment/Executive Producer of the Ultimate Disco Cruise, remembers the Disco explosion as a “simply unforgettable” lifestyle and musical phenomenon.
“Boogie Fever” is guaranteed to run rampant day and night from Ft. Lauderdale to Key West to Cozumel, and back, turning a luxury ship into one glorious “Disco Inferno.” Throughout the voyage, guests will also have the opportunity to attend special events to get up close and personal with the artists onboard, including a wine tasting, live game shows, behind the music Q&A sessions, panel discussions, pool parties, and unforgettable themed costume gatherings. It all takes place aboard the luxurious Celebrity InfinityÒ, renowned for excellence in dining, deluxe cabins and stunning showrooms. Celebrity Cruises represent modern luxury in cruise lines, through sleek cruise ships and top-of-the-line amenities.
Cabin fares start at $1,499 and include admission to all main stage shows, meals in main dining options and major parties. For further information on the Ultimate Disco Cruise, please call 844.296.3472 or visit www.UltimateDiscoCruise.com.
About StarVista LIVE: 
StarVista LIVE creates unique entertainment experiences that bring fans together to relive their favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars they love. StarVista LIVE cruise events include, the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, the Soul Train Cruise, The Country Music Cruise, Flower Power Cruise, ‘70s Rock & Romance Cruise, the Southern Rock Cruise, Ultimate Disco Cruise, and Abbey Road on the River Festival.  StarVista LIVE is a division of Direct Holdings Global. Direct Holdings Global is a leading multi-channel marketer with a broad portfolio of products and services, most notably associated with the success of the StarVista / Time Life brand, delivered with a commitment to excellence and integrity. Additional information about StarVista LIVE can be found at:  www.StarVistaLIVE.com
facebook.com/StarVista-LIVE
linkedin.com/company/starvista-live
I’ll have to see if I can find my old disco platform shoes with the live goldfish in the heels for this one!!!  (kk)



Hey Kent ...
A few bit and bobs for you:
     1)    I love that you don't take selfies. It's far more elegant and visually appealing when you have someone snap a real photo from a comfortable distance. Your shot with Burton Cummings is tremendous.
2) The WKRP theme was spun into a full-length song and even charted, making #65 in 1981.
3) If anyone is into Jesus Christ Superstar, we recently published in interview with Tim Rice, who told the story about its remarkable evolution. Before it was commissioned, he and Andrew Lloyd Webber had to release a single ("Superstar") to prove its viability. The song got just enough heat to convince the record company to go through with it.
4) I recently spoke with Peter Asher, he of "A World Without Love," Apple Records and an astounding career producing James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, and even Robin Williams (he earned one of his three Grammys for that). These days, he's producing the likes of Ed Sheeran and Steve Martin. He has no nostalgia for old-time recording and is thrilled that he no longer has to use a razor blade or tape machine in his work. He also feels that Ronstadt was never given proper credit for her creative contributions and was often dismissed as "difficult" when in fact, she was simply opinionated.
Be Well,
Carl Wiser
Songfacts
I love the fact that Peter Asher has become somewhat “accessible” again between his weekly program on The Beatles Channel on Sirius XM … his appearances at Beatlefests all over the country and the fact that he’s performing again as one half of Peter and Jeremy!  (I’m still dying to see these guys!!!)
I’m told he reads every single email he receives and responds to as many as he can so I’ve thought about trying to contact him for an interview with Forgotten Hits … but just haven’t had the time to follow through.
In the meantime, I’ll read YOUR work instead!  Peter was quite instrumental in the formation of Apple and some of the memories and recollections he shares on his “From Me To You” program are priceless. (kk)

Daryl Hall and John Oates have released their first new single in fifteen years.  Teaming with Pat Monahan and Train (with whom they’ll be touring all summer), last week saw the release of “Philly Forget Me Not”.  (I love the vintage label look … and Daryl’s little “You’re A Rich Girl” drop in!)  Plus this gives them something brand new to perform in concert this summer.  (They hit Chicago on May 18th at The United Center.)


Kent,
I loved the clip of Indian Giver. Sad to say, this song could not be released today due to out-of-control political correctness. “Indigenous American Giver” just doesn’t have the same ring to it.
Bob Verbos
Honestly I think there were even some objections to it then … but taken at face value, I think it’s a great song.  (MANY years ago I did a month-long series called Honest Injun, which also got a little bit of flack including some from right here at home.)  I’ve often thought about re-running it because I thought it was a pretty clever piece … but you’re right … it probably won’t go down nearly as well today in our current state of political correctness.  (kk)

>>>Kind of reminds me of the Moonrakers out in Denver, Colorado ... they opened for literally EVERYBODY who came through town ... yet never made it thru to the national charts ... and this despite having all #1 and Top 5 Hits on the local charts.  (kk)

Chuck Buell Here ~~~
Yep!  And I played all of their "hits" on my KIMN Denver Afternoon Drive Radio Show!

I also MC'd several of their local club and concert appearances then, too, as well as their most recent club appearance in Denver on August 22nd, 2015 ~~~ their Live, Sold Out, History Making, 50th Reunion Show at the Soiled Dove Underground.
It was Rocky Mountain Musical History at its best as it was the first time in nearly 50 years that all but one Moonraker Band Member were able to reunite and perform together, on the same stage, to present one of their long remembered and again highly anticipated high energy shows.
The Colorado Music Hall of Fame, housed in the Old Trading Post on the grounds of and within steps of the World Famous Red Rocks Amphitheater has a very cool exhibit about them in a large Group Family Tree display that was carefully diagrammed in detail showing
the Moonrakers' beginnings all the way through to when some of the members became part of Sugarloaf.

When you decide to come visit here, Kent, I will personally take you to see this Great Music Museum with exhibits about so many of the Super Artists and Performers who have their roots in Colorado like John Denver, Judy Collins, Firefall, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and many others!
CB ( which stands for "Colorado Boy!" )













            Chuck Buell
    Official KIMN Denver
  Mid-1960s Publicity Photo


You'll recall the lead singer for the band Rose Garden was a young lady named Diana DeRose. In an interesting twist, Kenny (O’Dell) Gist had a daughter named Diana Rose. (For real, from the Obit)
David Lewis

Sir Ringo married Barbara Bach.  She came from Rosedale, New York.  That's where I lived before I moved to Valley Stream, New York. 
I’m glad Ringo stopped singing "You're Sixteen."  I think Johnny Burnette's version from 1960 is much better than his version.
Frank B.
I don’t know about that … Ringo’s original #1 Hit version of “You’re Sixteen” is one of those rare instances where I think the remake is better than the original.  It was just such a fun recording … and an unexpected, out-of-nowhere hit for the guy everybody would have the toughest time after The Beatles split up.  (Of course having Harry Nilsson and Paul McCartney in your back-up band certainly didn’t hurt!!!)  kk

>>>Ringo stopped performing “You’re 16” as part of his act a few years ago because he didn’t think it was the kind of song a 75 year old man should be singing.  (lol!)  kk
Good for him!  (Creepy for sure!)
I feel the same way when I hear today's Beach Boys singing "Little Surfer Girl!"
Chuck Buell

Another 50th Anniversary is upon us … it was announced last week that a fully restored “Yellow Submarine” will be playing in theaters all over the country beginning in July.  “Yellow Submarine,” of course, is the animated film that (quite honestly) The Beatles had very little to do with.  Still it’s a colorful expression of their music.  Four new tracks were recorded for the film (and then “Hey Bulldog” was never used!)  Might be something worth seeing again on the big screen.  (kk)


Regarding WKRP, you mentioned how many artists were helped by this show, especially Blondie. 
I'm thinking that Dr. Johnny Fever and Venus Flytrap wouldn't mind accepting payola to play a new song.
Frank B.
One of the other little-known-facts about the TV Show is that producers originally wanted former teen heartthrob David Cassidy to play the role of Dr. Johnny Fever … but Cassidy turned the job down flat.  (I can’t even imagine it in my wildest dreams!!!)  Kinda like Micky Dolenz auditioning for the part of The Fonz on Happy Days (which really did happen!) … or Charles Manson auditioning to be one of The Monkees (which didn’t!!!)  kk

Hello Kent,
I actually featured an interview with The Ricochettes on 60sgaragebands.com a few years back (and I believe it was with John). They really were rather popular in Wisconsin, at least when factoring in local newspaper coverage.
Thanks for thinking of me. Hope all is well.
Mike Dugo

Kent:
I think the date you posted for Soundstage with Chicago (performing Chicago II) has changed.  I hear it is debuting on PBS in Chicago this weekend.  And then the remainder of the country will follow.
Tom Cuddy
Interesting … I got my date from Ron Onesti, who hosted the event … who got HIS date from the folks at PBS … so something must have changed between now and then.
As is usually the best advice one can give, check your local listings to see when this concert might be playing in your area … I’ve talked with a few people who were at the taping and it sounds like this one is really something!  (kk)

Regarding that 1956 Chart … Great!!!
Why don't we (meaning you) do a whole year full of 1956 music?
Bakers Dozen =  "Memories Are Made Of This," Dean Martin’s first #1 Hit with The Easy Riders.
"The Great Pretender," by Tony Williams And The Platters … their first of four #1 Hits … my favorite all time group. 
I have a FACEBOOK group called "I Love The Platters."  Every morning at about 7 AM I post a few Platters songs ... lots of deep album cuts. Why don't we (meaning you) do a Bobby Darin type series on The Platters?
Kent- You notice how all my great ideas (1956 music + Platters) mean lots of work for you?
FB
You know I DID notice that!!! (lol)  While I don’t think a very large percentage of 1956 songs would hold up today, there are several that would … which is true of ALL of the ‘50’s tracks after the advent of Rock And Roll.  We probably do need to visit the ‘50’s more often … but honestly, I’m already thinking about gearing up for 1969 next year … SO much great music came out that year!!!  (kk)

Here is what James Taylor posted in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King on April 4th
Of the people with whom I have shared my time on this planet, I believe King is the most heroic, the most like Christ or the Buddha. Churchill, FDR, Kennedy, Ghandi, Mother Teresa, for me, King eclipses them all. Not that anyone’s asking or there’s a competition or anything but 50 years ago the brightest light in a generation was snuffed out. The great cause of love and compassion, of peace and reconciliation that he led has had many heroic martyrs. Clearly he knew he was at risk and still he carried on.
He was human and he had human weaknesses and misgivings but when he was called upon, he stood up and shouldered the load. A truly great man, he was equal to the great challenge of our time, the deeply rooted racial injustice that plagues our nation and threatens the noble American experiment. He showed us the way.

Let us turn our thoughts today to Martin Luther King
And recognize that there are ties between us,
All men and women, living on the earth
Ties of hope and love, of sister and brotherhood
That we are bound together
in our desire to see the world become
A place in which our children can grow free and strong
We are bound together by the task that stands before us
and the road that lies ahead
We are bound and we are bound

James Taylor
4/4/18


Photo: Dedication of Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial, Washington, DC, October 16, 2011 by Gediyon Kifle