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 Category :: Music |
Author :: Kathy Unruh  |
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| Article Title :: The 60's in Retrospect |
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Well, this past week was definitely a "journey through the past"
for many of us who watched the PBS specials featuring highlights
from the 60's. Kicking off with "No Direction Home", a
documentary about Bob Dylan, helped set the scene for
what was to come. Rare glimpses into the life and times of this
private and self-effacing man were a special treat for me.
Joan Baez made the comment that "it goes down real deep"
for those of us who are fans of Dylan. This is very true and
sometimes hard to explain to others who don't share the
sentiment. But, one thing is certain, as musicians and
songwriters, we can all learn something from him. What stands
out most prominently about Bob Dylan in my mind, is the fact
that he is always true to himself and doesn't let anyone put him
in a box. When others wanted him to carry their torch or
lead their cause, he stayed on course and followed his
own path. He knew who he was and as a result many more people
benefited from hearing his music and message. Bob Dylan carried
his own torch and it proved to be brighter and stronger
than all the others who came before him.
Wednesday night presented "The Best of the Beatles" which was
actually a play on words - "Best" referring to Pete Best,
the former drummer of the Beatles. It was interesting to hear
this familiar story told again through the eyes of Pete Best
himself. A gracious man, you couldn't help feeling his regret
for having missed out on being a part of the most famous band in
rock n' roll history. But can you imagine if the group had been
John, Paul, George and Pete? Naah... I don't think so.
Revolution and anarchy finished off the week. We saw the
idealism of the 60's turn into disillusionment by the end of the
decade. After years of struggling for peace, hopes were
exacerbated by the assassinations of Bobby Kennedy and Martin
Luther King. Dropping out, tuning out, increased drug use- all
signs of an unhappy, unhealthy society- now marred the dream.
Some good came out of this time though. Starting with George
Harrison and his relief concert for Bangledesh, efforts
began to be made by musicians to help raise money for people in
need. We saw the formation of "Band Aid", another brainchild of
Bob Dylan, come into existence with the help of Willie
Nelson. It continues to this day to raise money through
annual benefit concerts held on behalf of the many struggling
farmers in our nation. There is so much here to reflect on and
think about! Music and musicians can make a difference.
Some of the important lessons I've learned from famous musicians
and songwriters this week are:
Be real.
Don't compromise.
Put your heart into it.
And always keep your eyes open for opportunities to help others
in need.
By keeping these things in mind, perhaps my own music (and
yours too) can have a part in making the world a better place.
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