That's a Panoram folks! I'll tell you a little about it. 

The melodic evolution throughout modern history is fascinating. It is the soul of the musician that creates jazz from ragtime, rhythm and blues from jazz and gospel and Soul music from all that came before. Politics, racism, love, sorrow, and hot Saturdays nights marinate in juke joints and dance halls across the country leaving us with a priceless inheritance we can enjoy and share. 

We can visit our musical cousins any time and dance to our history. We can sing our history. We can listen to their lyric, listen to their story and allow the power of their gifted spirit enrich our lives.

Music speaks to every dimension of humanity. It captures everything that cannot be seen. A short journey of the the gift of music and how it can slowly seep and shape the spirit for deeper appreciation for friends, family and our cousins from the past.

Live music was all we had. Elegance was sexy. The upward mobility of African Americans was undeniable. Stress and anxiety of the late sixties disappeared when we walked into the grand ballroom for the Harvest Moon Ball. Black was beautiful. It was respectful and just a bit bourgeoisie.

Dad was the leader of his twelve piece band. Mom was vocalist. And the indelible memories still make me smile

Come with me and enjoy the organic power of music. I grew up with music in my home. Not just records and radio, but musicians, rehearsals and getting ready for the elegant Saturday night affair. Bringing the bygones back to life!

It was a long hot year. The fall brought more turmoil with peaks of progress. Still in a desperate search for hope, peace and equality, America paused for just one moment as man took a giant step toward the future.

Hope you enjoyed the series 1968. Send your questions and comments to me. I love hearing from you.

We will soon visit our musical cousins and the legacy of melody and lyric!

1968 was filled with blood and smoke and anger and hope. By summer, everything seemed to collide in Chicago during the Democratic Convention. We were torn between the war in Viet Nam, Civil Rights, and rogue politicians. There was just no end to the dismay that infected the entire country. Sound familiar?

Forgot to mention that Aretha Franklin sang the National Anthem at the Democratic Convention...to a less than enthusiastic crowd.

August 1968

The Freedmen were republican. Most of our near ancestor were too. How come they were republican? Why are most black folk democrats now?

The democratic party was all white. Why are most whites republican today? What happened? This is just a brief explanation about what happened and why. More importantly, what on earth does the future hold?

Is it a new year or another year?

It has often been said, there is nothing new under the sun. Our historical cousins can reveal just how familiar these crazy times are. They lived thru it. They survived it and so can we. Our historical literacy can help us enrich the life and times for us today. We can embrace familial memories and create more. Remember, understand and enrich yourself and one another.

I reflect upon the the holidays from my childhood. The world was different. People were different. Nobody was wealthy but the holiday was rich. There wasn't technology to take away the organic spontaneity of song, enjoyment and visceral connection of one to another.

When Christmas was colored, and I don't mean people!

I have some pictures of vintage Christmas ornaments. You can go to Pinterest under my name. The board is I Still Have This!

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