I love the Beatles’ music; I’ve been to about fifteen Springsteen concerts; and I also enjoy good country music, though not much of the stuff that passes for country on the radio. Believe it or not, it’s all related, folks. I saw Bruce a couple of nights after Johnny Cash died, and he paid tribute to Mr. Cash’s influence on his own music by opening the show with I Walk the Line.

Without Johnny Cash and John Lennon, the landscape of popular music would be quite different today. And we will soon be saying the same thing about Bruce Springsteen. You don’t have to like everything you hear; most of us don’t. But the great thing about blues, rock, soul, country, bluegrass, and even jazz (I’m leaving out rap, because I don’t begin to understand it) is that as musical genres they are constantly evolving and merging with each other. Most great artists in those areas will profess to being greatly influenced by artists in the other categories. There are quite a few artists that I have never developed a taste for; however, I would never deny their importance to the world of popular music.

Give John Lennon his due, folks. He had a tremendous influence on much of the music you _do_ like, and his music will live on unlike much else produced in the 20th century. Rest in Peace, John.

I guess that’s why there are different flavors of ice cream. Michael, I would rather listen to someone scrape their fingernails on a blackboard than listen to country music. While I was sorry that Johnny Cash died, It really didn’t have any effect on me at all. The only thing I dislike more than country is rap. At least there some talent involved in country music. I can’t say that about rap.

I appreciate everyone’s input and opinion.

Eric

I will admit that (as a Country fan) I was very upset by the passing of my own personal favorite, Johnny Cash, but never felt this kind of emotional attachment. So although I don’t necessarily “get it” I do have to respect and acknowledge the impact that Lennon and his music must have touched something in people that has yet to be equaled.

I was growing up in the 60s and 70s, too. I didn’t particularly like the Beatles then, either, for the record – or the Stones (might as well go for broke!).

I think I’ll emigrate when Mick goes, I hadn’t given a thought to the likely hysteria. It was bad enough with the mawkishness when Diana died – terribly un-British!

Regards – Anne

I think it’s just that a myriad of things “define” our childhood… home, family, friends, music, food – all kinds of experiences. Know how an aroma can trigger a memory, for instance? Things were quite different in this country in the 60’s and 70’s compared to others, and all sorts of things formed the backdrop for our childhoods.

As to your comparison, look how popular Jerry Lewis is other countries – for us, he’s a legendary comic but not nearly at the status as he is other places. And tastes for things like music are vastly different from one person to another and one country to another. When something like a band’s music forms such a backdrop to one’s life during those very formative – and difficult – years of life from age 10 to 20, anything related will have an impact on you later in life.

Imagine how things will be when Mick goes – probably make Lennon’s death a blip on the screen – and Keith has been dead for years, so no big deal there…

🙂

J.D.

I’m with Mark Peters on this, and it isn’t as if he died in battle or saved people’s lives – he wrote music.

Regards
Anne

I have early Beatle record and song – and a complete collection of all LP’s stored safely away – even their true “firsts” – the original 45 of “My Bonny” and the Veejay label LP record that was released prior to Capitol.

Just bought the new Beatles’ “Love” CD created by Martin, and have been listening to it quite a bit.

J.D.

I caught Bruce & the E Streeters on their “Born to Run” & Darkness on the Edge of Town tours. Bruce does give a great show!

VMI Cadet can’t really be serious about comparing the Monkees to the Beatles. The Stones maybe. But Mick’s guys have been together a tad bit longer than the Liverpool quartet was.

While I never agreed with the “political” Lennon, he was extremely talented & with fellow Beatle McCartney wrote one of the most impressive song catalogs ever in any genre. 31 yers after the group’s breakup , their “Number 1” album/CD was released & it sold enough copies to be number one in sales.

Mike