Wonderful job, my friend who I haven't met. For my music trivia quiz that I send weekly to a group of friends, this week I asked for songs reflecting the American experience. I chose "(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66." Until I researched the song I never knew it was first recorded in 1947 by the Nat King Cole Trio, and treated as a "race record" by Billboard magazine. That reinforces it as American in my book (nevermind that the Rolling Stones covered it on an early album of the group.
Jay, sometimes you astonish me with the breadth and knowledge. Before I became a regular reader, I thought you were just another music critic. Boy, was I wrong!
Wonderful job, my friend who I haven't met. For my music trivia quiz that I send weekly to a group of friends, this week I asked for songs reflecting the American experience. I chose "(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66." Until I researched the song I never knew it was first recorded in 1947 by the Nat King Cole Trio, and treated as a "race record" by Billboard magazine. That reinforces it as American in my book (nevermind that the Rolling Stones covered it on an early album of the group.
Jay, sometimes you astonish me with the breadth and knowledge. Before I became a regular reader, I thought you were just another music critic. Boy, was I wrong!
Jay, this is simply astonishing writing.
I know you have a message, and that the purpose of the essay is not for you to promote yourself.
Some folks deliver a message with words, with notes, or through the words of others.
But this was an absolute joy to read, and I salute you for the effort.
I am a sixty-three-year-old Canadian who has been warned of the impending demise of the United States for as long as can be remembered.
And, yet, there She stands.
We won the lottery of geography, Brother, stacking up next to you folks.
Happy Independence Day!!