Music is the message and the message is in the music

Title: The Transformative Power of Music: A Journey Through My Musical Landscape

Today, we mourn the loss of Steve Harwell, whose hit record “All Star” with Smash Mouth became an iconic anthem. His creativity has left an indelible mark on the music industry, and I’m forever grateful for his contributions. As I reflect on my lifelong love for music, I find that it has been a guiding force in my journey, shaping my perspective on life and inspiring me to explore themes of love, empathy, and understanding in my upcoming book, “Through Her Eyes/Revised.”

From a young age, I was immersed in a rich tapestry of musical genres. Motown’s soulful melodies, the harmonious tunes of The Dells and The Delmonico, and the electrifying rock performances by legends like The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and The Who all played a pivotal role in shaping my musical palate. Bob Marley’s reggae rhythms and Pink Floyd’s mind-bending psychedelic soundscapes awakened my senses, while Nit zinger and Lucifer’s Friend introduced me to the world of underground rock. Chick Corea’s jazz explorations, Janis Joplin’s raw and impassioned voice, and Jefferson Airplane’s countercultural anthems expanded the horizons of my musical journey. The masterful bass of Stanley Clarke and the iconic riffs of Led Zeppelin left a lasting imprint on my soul.

One particular day stands out in my memory—a day when Jefferson Starship graced Central Park with their performance. It became a magical gathering for the counterculture community, bringing together seventy thousand flower children who temporarily abandoned school and work to bask in the liberating energy of the music. Gracie Slick’s haunting question, “Don’t you want somebody to love, don’t you need somebody to love,” reverberated through the park, creating an atmosphere of unity and love. In that moment, the power of music transcended barriers, leaving no room for hate or division.

On that special day, people of all persuasions, including police officers, coexisted harmoniously and celebrated each other’s presence. The shared experience united us all, bridging gaps between communities. It was a testament to the incredible ability of music to bring people together, fostering a sense of understanding and empathy that transcended the boundaries of race, class, and ideology.

My upcoming book, “Through Her Eyes/Revised,” delves into the topic of hate in America and beyond. It’s a powerful message that underscores the urgent need for love, empathy, and understanding in a world too often divided by differences. Music, as I’ve experienced it throughout my life, serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of art to break down barriers and build bridges between people from all walks of life. It is a testament to the fact that, as Gracie Slick once sang, we all want somebody to love and need somebody to love, and through music, we can find common ground to foster a more compassionate world.