Life

Excerpts from my Book

What would your life be like without music?

Through Her Eyes Revised

🌹 Flower Boy.   

I grew up immersed in a diverse and eclectic range of music, from the soulful sounds of Motown, the smooth harmonies of The Dells and The Delmonico, to the rock legends like The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and The Who. Bob Marley’s reggae rhythms and Pink Floyd’s psychedelic journeys captivated my senses. Nit zinger and Lucifer’s Friend brought a touch of underground rock, while Chick Corea’s jazz explorations, Janis Joplin’s raw power, and Jefferson Airplane’s countercultural anthems expanded my musical horizons. Stanley Clarke’s bass mastery and Led Zeppelin’s iconic riffs left lasting impressions on me.

One unforgettable day, Jefferson Starship graced Central Park with their performance, and it became a magical gathering for the counterculture community. During the week, seventy thousand flower children came together, playing hooky from 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, and there was 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. I remember a beautiful moment when I passed a joint to a white police officer wearing a badge. Instead of reacting with hostility or enforcing the law, he embraced the spirit of the day, took a hit, and passed it on to another officer. The air in the park became fragrant with the aroma of cannabis, and even those on Fifth Avenue’s balconies couldn’t help but feel the buzz of the moment.

While I cherish these memories, I want to make it clear that I don’t seek to glorify the use of marijuana. The events of that day were a product of a unique time and place, a symbol of the societal changes and the expression of freedom that defined that era. It is essential to recognize that excessive consumption of THC can have significant health effects, and I urge caution when using any substance.

As the music of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young suggested, love was at the heart of it all. It wasn’t just about loving a person; it was about loving humanity, embracing diversity, and finding common ground. Those were the principles that resonated with us and guided our actions as we navigated through a complex world. The music we loved became a soundtrack for a generation seeking to find its voice, striving for peace, and striving to create a more tolerant and compassionate society.

Looking back, I feel grateful for the transformative power of music and how it shaped my worldview. It taught me that during chaos, we can find harmony, and in the face of adversity, we can foster unity. Those experiences have left an indelible mark on my soul, reminding me to embrace love, compassion, and understanding as I continue my journey through life.

We took Heed to what Crosby stills Nash and Young said, “Love the one you’re with ‘‘. Long live Rock and Roll, it was Rock and Roll that brought seventy Thousands of God’s Children together. Same place, different Day. The Band America took the Stage and belted out ” I understand that you’ve been running from the Man, that goes by the name of Sandman”. They also echoed” Like the Flowers need the Rain, I need you “.

Through Her Eyes Revised

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