It's Ringo's Birthday
Happy Birthday to Richard Starkey or as most of us know him, Ringo Starr. He turned 73 today. WOW!! Makes you feel old, doesn't it?
Now how about this one. We're just a few months away from the 50th anniversary of the Beatles coming to the USA. WOW again!!!
If you're a Baby Boomer, the Beatles are to us as Duke Ellington (or whoever the main Jazz cat of the day) was to our parents. We'll never forget the Ed Sullivan appearances. We'll never forget the girls screaming at the concerts. We'll never forget the clothes or the Beatle caps. We'll never forget the hair that our parents thought was too long. And sadly, we'll never forget the night that John Lennon was assassinated.
Think of all the Beatles influences. How many casual players and serious musicians decided to pick up a guitar or play drums after hearing and seeing the Beatles. How many big time bands have a Beatle-esque sound. I'll start you out with Electric Light Orchestra, Oasis and Badfinger. You can add in your own choices.
Personally, I have a few Beatles influences. My musical choices revolves around the Beatles. I can't remember a time when I've gone more than a week without listening to a Beatles album. My glasses are round shaped, like John's. When I picked that style, it was with that thought in mind. Even the name of my Blog is Beatle influenced. In 1959," The song " Hippy Hippy Shake" was written by Chan Romero. In July 1963, fifty years ago, the Beatles recorded a live version of the song. It's on their "Live at the BBC" album. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOs-NlkAiKM
As you can see, the Beatles have and continue to play a big part in our lives. They're loved by people from ages 8 to 80. The remaining Beatles are still active. They both tour and record new music. They're both into their 70's and neither looks like they'll be slowing down anytime soon.
So Happy Birthday, Richie. Peace and Love.