where have all the cowboys gone? a tribute to some singers/songwriters of the 60s and 70s
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As a child, I saw cowboys as heroes who shoot and ride the plains of the great West. They drink in saloons and keep the Indians away. They were almost equals to the gods of Greek Mythology only that their powers were just plain invincibility and daring. Think The Lone Ranger, Bonanza and the movies of John Ford. But this larger-than-life perception changed somehow when I came to know of Larry McMurty and The Marlboro Man. I realized that cowboys have mortal, human qualities too. Yes, they are still almost mystical creatures who fight for their places in the sun, who love unconventionally, but now I see them as men with depth, with sensitivity and more real heroism. The very qualities that I find in the singer/songwriters below - the men that are as closest I can get to meeting a lonesome dove in this lifetime.
Although I was born in the 70s, the music and the message of the men I included in this tribute found their way to me through my seven siblings who all came before me and my own search for meaning in the landscape that is as far as can be from where cowboys roam. But like what my personal cowboys below have written and sung about, I love unconventionally, drink to life, ride with the wind and fight for my own frontier.
Special thanks go out to C.C. Riter who reminded me of Jim Croce when he mentioned the great man in one of his hubs.
james taylor
Born James Vernon Taylor on March 12, 1948 in Boston, Massachusetts. Biography.
Classics:
Fire and Rain
Shower the People
Handy Man
"I think people are isolated because of the nature of human consciousness, and they like it when they feel the connection between themselves and someone else."
bob dylan
Born Robert Allen Zimmerman on May 24, 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota. Biography.
Classics:
Blowin' in the Wind
Like a Rolling Stone
Knockin' on Heaven's Door
"Don't matter how much money you got, there's only two kinds of people: there's saved people and there's lost people."
cat stevens
Born Steven Demetre Georgiou (now Yusuf Islam) on July 21, 1948 in London, England. Biography.
Classics:
Moon Shadow
Wild World
Morning Has Broken
"I always knew looking back on my tears would bring me laughter, but I never knew looking back on my laughter would make me cry."
john lennon
Born John Winston Lennon on October 9, 1940 in Liverpool, England (died on December 8, 1980). Biography.
Classics:
Imagine
Let's Give Peace a Chance
Oh My Love
"I believe in everything until it's disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons. It all exists, even if it's in your mind. Who's to say that dreams and nightmares aren't as real as the here and now?"
jim croce
Born James Joseph Croce on January 10, 1943 in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (died on September 20, 1973). Biography.
Classics:
Time in a Bottle
Operator
Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
"If you dig it, do it. If you dig it a lot, do it twice."
john denver
Born Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr. on December 31, 1943 in Roswell, New Mexico
(died on October 12, 1997). Biography.
Classics:
Sunshine on My Shoulders
Take Me Home, Country Roads
Annie's Song
"I believe that we are here for each other, not against each other. Everything comes from an understanding that you are a gift in my life - whoever you are, whatever our differences."
neil young
Born Neil Percival Young on November 12, 1945 in Ontario. Biography.
Classics:
Heart of Stone
Four Strong Winds
Like a Hurricane
"Better to burn out than rust out."
dan fogelberg
Born Daniel Grayling Fogelberg on Ausgust 13, 1951 in Peoria, Illinois (died on
December 16, 2007). Biography.
Classics:
Longer
Same Auld Lang Syne
"You're successful if you can get one person to pick it up and put it on the turntable and go, Wow, thanks for writing that!"
neil diamond
Born Neil Leslie Diamond on January 24, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York. Biography.
Classics:
I Am, I Said
September Morn
I'm a Believer
"Songs are life in 80 words or less."
david gates
Born David Gates on December 11, 1940 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Biography.
Classics:
Goodbye Girl
Never Let Her Go
Clouds
"We don't only give thanks and prayers for those who have fallen. We also give thanks to those that still serve."
paul simon
Born Paul Frederic Simon on October 13, 1941 in Newark, New Jersey. Biography.
Classics:
Bridge Over Troubled Waters
The Sounds of Silence
Slip Slidin' Away
"Some people never say the words 'I love you'. It's not their style to be so bold. Some people never say those words: 'I love you' But, like a child, they're longing to be told."
don mclean
Born Don McLean Jr on October 2, 1945 in New Rochelle, New York. Biography.
Classics:
Vincent
American Pie
And I Love You So
"American Pie speaks to the loss that we feel. That's why that song has found the niche that it has."
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Greatest Hits (CD/DVD)
Neil Young
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![Neil Young Archives, Vol. 1: 1963-1972 (10 Disc Blu-Ray) [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PlPmcYlWL._SL75_.jpg)
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Neil Young Archives, Vol. 1: 1963-1972 (10 Disc Blu-Ray) [Blu-ray]
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The Essential Neil Diamond
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The Essential Paul Simon (2 CD/DVD)
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American Pie & Other Hits
Don Mclean
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Essentials
David Gates & Bread
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Lennon Legend: The Very Best of John Lennon
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The Best of James Taylor
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The Very Best of Cat Stevens
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The Very Best of Dan Fogelberg
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The Essential John Denver
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Greatest Hits: Vols. 1-3
Bob Dylan
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Pete
You're qucik on the draw my friend! LOL thanks, glad to know we share the passion for the music these men's men made! :D
Oh Cris these are some of my favorites! I like storytellers. Guys that could sit on your couch and sing to you.
As far as cowboys go, they will be at my Dad's place this weekend. They are throwing a Rodeo for themselves. I avoid it like the plague. The smell of burning hair and flesh when they brand the calves is the worst smell in the world. I'm not supposed to be a pansy, cattle rancher's daughters and all, but I am. I used to put up with it cause the cowboys look so damn good in their Wranglers and the pit barbecue is awesome. I guess if I ever get hungry enough I'll go back.
RB
I call them journeymen - they take you on a journey.
LOL I think I'd stick with the cowboys above! Thanks for dropping by. Always nice to see your cute belly popping out here and there :D
Cris,
This is a tribute indeed to these great guys! The music of these guys are in my veins! How can they be otherwise when I have sung their songs side by side with the songs of the "First Quarter Storm"! How can I forget Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Don Maclean, Jim Croce (Sayang, he died too soon..) and all the guys here in your hub?I was a student when their songs filled the airwaves and my heart! Hugs to you Cris for this heartwarming hub!
Hey France
Oh how I envy you! I really really REALLY think I missed out on a great deal of life, change, exuberance, spiritedness because I missed the 70s by a decade (I was born during the decade so what's the use?!)! So thanks for reminding me! Hmf! LOL
Glad you dropped by. I hope this brought you meanigful memories :D
I am back....... what happened.
I was so excited when I saw all my favourites up there, was really worried that you may be able to remember bonanza, so you are the baby of the family...
James Taylor, isn't he just wonderful, I went to see Neil Young, just round the corner from my home last year, he had exactly the same shirt on as I did..... he copied me.... John Lennon love him and I think Cat Stevens is my all time favourite, been singing his songs in my head the last few days, even though it is years sine I actually listened to him......
Well thasnks for that, even if I did not get their first, I did not have to scroll down for an hour to get to you this time....
Brenda
It seems we have the same favourites. I was reminded of Croce while reading one of CC's hubs. And it started there... Croce, Dylan, Fogelberg (I stayed stuck with Longer for a loooong time!) and so on... and voila! this hub!
They're all wonderful, and I seriously wish I had been born during the 50s! But anyway, thanks to YouTube and my iPod I am able to cope.
See, I waited for you to fly over before calling it a day! (it's 3am where I am). I'm glad to have made your trip to here worth your while. I'm off to bed. Catch ya later! :D
I really like this hub, Cris. I have fond memories of most of these cowboys and their music. I'm especially fond of Don McLean's, American Pie.
Great job and a terrific layout in this hub.
HD
And i think it's going to be one of my favorites. Truth be told I was teary eyed when I was listening to their music when I was putting this together (that's our secret) and I don't know why. Sigh. Anyway, your comment validates that I did something good. Thanks for dropping by :D
move over
Terrific Hub - I was 13 at the beginning of the '70s and I had a lot of first experiences with these guys playing in the background. I had them all on vinyl of course - ahhhh!the smell of hot, ridged plastic when leaning over the turntable to blow the fluff off the stylus ! I'm going to put all those videos on my iPod (33rpm's to iPod in half a sentence).
Thanks Cris - listening to your choices as I sip my nightcap.
"Some people never say the words 'I love you'. It's not their style to be so bold. Some people never say those words: 'I love you' But, like a child, they're longing to be told." by paul simon...Wow..
Nice tribute you rascal...what about Gene Autry...the Yodeler? and then of course Hank Williams and Hop along Cassidy...my my I am getting old...Loved your choices though there were a couple I don't know...Lurve Ya :O) Hugs
I come from a long line of cowboys, farmers, ranchers. I love the mooing and oinking and clucking. I love all things country (except the decorating style). But I'm also a city girl and these artists you've chosen are the best of both. Lots of soul, increadible talent. Thanks Cris!
Brenda
Alright, alright :D
Iphi
We still have 45s and LPs. My mother holds on to them despite the absence of a turntable.
happy listening! :D
G-Ma
True that quote isn't it? I like it, too!
NOw those men I have heard of but I'm not too familiar with their musie. Maybe I'll look them up on the Net. Lurve ya more! :D
Candie
Wow a cowgirl! Or it doesn't normally follow? Anyway, yeah incredible men who left us with incredible music - all soul and all heart. Thanks for dropping by :D
Well Cris, Once again your awesome artistic talents bring us another hub with the best of the best. I can not even choose a favorite because all of them are truly my favorites. Thanks for always giving us the best. :-)
Whikat
That is because you my friend deserve nothing less. And why choose when you can enjoy them all, right? Thanks for dropping by.
PS I hope THAT hub is coming along nicely. No pressure! :D
I have to apologize to you Cris, I had a slight nervous breakdown the last couple days and was not able to work on it, good news is that I am starting to dig myself out of the hell I seemed to had fall in to. I will be working on it this weekend and hope to have part 1 and part 2 published for you by Sunday. Sorry for the delay. Have you ever tried to please everyone so much that you somehow lose yourself? Yep, Live an learn!
Whikat
I'm sorry to hear about that but I'm glad you're up and about. I hope those hubs are not to blame - otherwise I might have one myself! LOL
Like I said before, no pressure. Really. :D
Yeah, but then again, I always lose myself. LOL :D
Thanks Cris, No it wasn't the hubs, that I have a passion for. I enjoy writing, especially when the article peaks my curiousity. It's the rest of life that sometimes demands more of me than I seem to be able to give it. I have found my inner spirit that tells me when it is time to let go of the image everyone else has made of me. I despise being put on a pedestal, I always fall off!
Whikat
If there's nothing you can do about being put on a pedestal, might as well enjoy the view than fight it. There's always time for everything besides. And I hear you :D
LOL, Time is something I wish I could buy! As a single parent of two little girls and the sole provider and supporter, there is never enough time. Anyways, I say goodnight my dear friend. Thanks for the beautiful music.:-)
Goodnight. I hope you dream of buffalo grass and rolling hills. And oh wild horses, too! :D
Cris, thank you for the music and the memories. So many of my favourites there - Imagine, Knocking on Heaven's Door, Fire and Rain, American Pie... And as always, you've raised it to an unrivalled Classy Cowboy Hall of Fame!
Shalini
Yeah, they have left us with great music and great memories. Thanks, glad you like the sepia atmosphere of this one! :D
Yeeee Haaaa I luv cowboys and those pesky injuns, I should have been a cowgirl instead of a cabingirl as I can see me straddling a wild horse !!
I'm sure you do CG :D
Excellent collection Cris, and you can add in Al Stewart (year of the cat) and Peter Starstedt (Where do you go to my lovely) as well - they were also a part of that era.
Cindy
haven't heard of them and I suppose Starstedt's hit would be "where do you go.."? I'll check them out on YouTube. Thanks :D
Jim Croce, the man. goodbye son. I'm riding off into the sunset.
Hold your horses C.! Wazzup? I'll email...
Hey Cris, loved this hub and you showed the greatest. They were great because their songs told a story!!! and you know how I love storytelling. THANKS
Indeed, the greatest! Oh yes, everybody's in love with your storytelling! Glad you like this :D
well done Chris! The day the music died.....And they'll be singing...
Bye bye Miss American Pie, drove the chevy to the levy but the levy was dry :D
This is great, Cris! I'm so glad it wasn't about actual cowboys -- the real history there, with the natices and all, is horrendous. Anyway, you featured some awesome talent here, and wow, even John Denver.
I always felt that he was under-rated.
And Neil Young ... what can I say? Musical royalty? Living icon?
PS: Lennon's "Imagine" first inspired me to question religion, then study it, and to finally ree it - and reject it - for what it really was.
AW
Thought you'd like this - that's why I SHAMELESSLY posted the link on your hub! :D
Yes I have the same opinion of John Denver. Funny sometimes people have to die first before they get their due. Just like an Oscar posthumous award! Cruel world :(
A living legend! :D
"Icon." But legend would fit, too.
Time to go work-out, eat breakfast, etc. Later!
Okay fine, an icon and a legend. I guess he won't complain :D
Yep, I know the drill! Later :D
Just mowed the lawn, too. Damn, I rule!
And talk about modesty ...
PS: It blows my mind that you have an appreciation for all these old-school icons, you sure ain't old enough. I think that says good things about you.
You should rule, it's your house!
Modesty is a word I would never EVER associate with you. So cut the crap!
What good things? I would like to hear them! :D
Not my house ... I had to leave that in January - post injury.
OK, how about humble, unassuming?!?!
Finally, I'll leave that to you to figure out.
Think I'll go play Empire Earth. Oh yeah, I'm compiling info for a new hub. Should be pretty fun to put together.
Whose lawn did you mow then? If it was your neighbor's you not only rule, you rock!
Neither. But I'd give you self-confident.
That's a toughie, I am modest you see! :D
My mother's. Does that still count?
How about egotistical, hedonistic, self-absorbed... no wait, that was the old me. DOH!
Sure you are, like I am.
Alright alright you rule!
Yeah I think you described a common freind, Constant Walker his name is.
That doesn't sit well with me. I'll think about it :D
VERY good hub!!! You picked the greats, that's for sure!! I love John Lennon, James Taylor, and paul Simon. Wild World and Heart of stone are a couple of my favorite songs and who wouldn't throw their panties at neil Diamond?!? LOL
Wonderful! Great artists from a great artist! I can remember the first time I heard American Pie. I was in the Brownies and we were going to see Lady and the Tramp. My first movie and my first time hearing rock and roll...needless to say each hold a special place in my heart.
I never knew John Denver was born in Roswell, NM. I could have visited his family home. I saw him once at a football game, Denver vs NY Jets years ago.
I can remember a special event involving each of these people. Thanks for all the wonderful memories!! :))
Janetta
So does that mean you did threw him one of yours at some point? LOL Glad you like this. Thanks for dropping by :D
K@ri
That's indeed a memorable event in your life for you still can recall everything vividly.
I didn't know too, until I i did the research for this hub. You may want to go for a visit.
That's nice, maybe you could hub about it. That should be awesome! Thanks for dropping by :D
Exscuse me for being a little tardy on this , but as usual Cris you have all the good ones here. In particular " Heart of Gold " was just a great tune . And pretty much anything Bob Dylan does Is classic .
Blonde on Blonde and Blood on the tracks are two all timers ! And I do not need to speak about "American Pie " the song speaks for Itself !
Cris, thank you soooo much for leading off with Sweet Baby James! "Fire & Rain" can still make me cry buckets. The rest - great choices, but then you already know I *love* your "best of the best" hubs. How you ever narrow down the list du jour to hub-size is beyond me, but keep doin' it! ;D
tony
Ha! I though you'd like this! As i say, seems we are cut from the same musical tree!
Dylan's Midas, everything he touches turns to gold. I'm going further and farther back after this. Are you ready?
Btw, I'm still waiting for the "bomb" :D
Jama
That's cool! We share the same JT favorites! And I was misty eyed too when I was putting this hub together truth be told.
Sure, as long as you promise to keep checking these kinds of hubs, I will make them. Promise :D
Another excellent Hub, Cris. I like your selections and adding quotes from the artists was a nice touch. Thanks. I enjoyed it.
Hey James
Thanks. The quotes are there to provide at least an insight on what the artists stood for. Glad you enjoyed this one. :D
Just read this hub and love it!! Thanks.
Song writers just don't exist like they used to which is strange because we certainly live in a time where there isn't a shorted of subject matter. Maybe the songwriters are out there but just don't have a voice because record labels only focus on their bulging pockets.
Bring back the cowboy and the songwriter.
Perhaps if Dylan where to re-write some of his lyrics today he might write this...
"Don't matter how much money you got, there's only two kinds of people: there's saved people and there's 'the rich!!' people." http://www.drumlessonsbeginners.com
stoneymusicman
so very true, and I think Simon & Grafunkel spoke of it in Sounds of Silence as well.
glad you like this trip back down memory lane. :D
Damn oh damn you write such fantastic Hubs, I even put on my cowgirl hat to read this one. I also got to say your layouts are divine, they just keep getting better and better. When you become rich, as a top selling author please don't forget us guys lol.
BP
Somehow I'm not surprised you have a cowboy hat! LOL No, I won't forget (AS IF!) if you won't! Thanks for dropping by :D
Another Instant Classic hub! Enjoyed all your choices, too. Thanks for this (although it made me cry to think how long ago the songs were. . . snivel, sniff).
Teresa
But we can always keep them evergreen in our hearts and mind, can't we? Oh lace, I mean Dylan's here,too :D
LOL --
I saw it! But of course, I won't ask :D
Boy, do you know how to bring back good memories, Cris! I was born in '59, so the 70's were "my" time--and I spent most of my allowance every week, buying new albums.
I had albums by most of these guys...John Denver, Jim Croce, Neil Diamond, James Taylor, Simon(and Garfunkel), David Gates(when he was in Bread)...I loved them. If you get a chance, try to listen to Denver's "Grandma's Feather Bed"...I just loved that song, and played it over and over, lol.
Tom and I are both big fans of Croce, but he doesn't agree with me about Neil Diamond--he has always called him "Neil Cubic Zirconia", hahaha!
Anyway, thanks for this hub--I love it!
Tammy
Good for you! I envy people who rocked dusirng the 70s. Hope your albums are still alive somewhere.
Cool. I'll check that out as I haven't heard of it.
I read somewhere that Diamond's fans were mostly women. Tom's just probably jealous that panties were not thrown at him! LOL
Glad you like it, thanks for dropping by :D
I'll have to dig out some vinyl. I know we've got Rocky Mountain High hiding somewhere. Thank you for the time machine ride, Cris!
Anytime NT! Glad you went for the ride.
PS I won't tell :D
a great set, mate. If I wasnt afraid of opening the floodgates, i'd have to make room for the Big O, Jackson Browne and maybe 500 others. Fact is, its your list, and it rocks... enjoyed the memories
sailaway
I know, I barely touched the tip of the iceberg for there are indeed others who are great as well. Maybe a sequel? Or maybe you can come up with your own list?
Glad you like it. thanks for dropping by :D
We use to sing Cat Steven's "Morning Has Broken" every morning in the Catholic School that I went to. Brings back fond memories of high school.
I love all the artists you've listed. Any chance you can include Ka Freddie? :P
That is a great song - it always brings a sense of freshness everytime. Funny though that you had to sing it at a Catholic School becuase he converted later.
LOL I would have if the thought of explaining to most everybody who he is didn't bother me. :D
Nice. Some Great artists there, but you're missing Kenny Rogers as a great cowboy! lol.
Sometimes us cowboys get sick too... :S
Tracker
Did I now? LOL
Oh so you were sick? Told ya not to listen to Air Supply! :D
ROFL! You never said to not listen to Air Supply! Yeah, caught a horrible cold, didn't even turn the computer on for 4 days. Not quite over it, but feeling a lot better.
I did not?! Darn! Some friend I make, huh? At least now you know. :D
What a fantastic list! Getting the examples down to three in each person's case must have been tough. I love The Leader of the Band and had never seen him perform it. Great to see that and it still gets to me. Great fun and great memories! Nobody does these better than you!
Great hub! The only one I would add would be Harry Chapin.
Hey Chris
Glad to see ya. Yep, The Leader of The Band is up there in my alltime favourites. It's sad though that they don't breed men like them. Oh well. Anyway, it's nice you enjoyed the time travel! :D
KCC
Thanks for dropping by. I must look into Mr Chapin! :D
So bye-bye, miss american pie. Drove my chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry. And them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye ... lala de la ladelaladelaaaa
Thanks for putting that song in my head now, Cris! Laugh! I'm not as old as to have been there to experience first hand when most of these classics came out, but I do still have some of the original vinyl LPs from them!
Well hey there stranger! You do know you're missed, dontcha?
Me too, that's why I thank God for my sisters and brothers if for anything! LOL
Thanks for dropping by. Hope you're all rested and ready to rumble, er, hub! :D
Some cowboys grow old...others just fade away! Sigh...
Great list Chris, but how can you mention Paul Simon without Art Garfunkel - his 'Bright Eyes' was so beautiful.
I guess they're humans too, huh?
I was thinking about Garfunkel too but I focused on the solo artists (Paul Simon made it as a solo artist outside of their duo) so there. But I do agree, that's obne beautiful song :D
i dig this whole scene cris , i like what you did with it, and im glad people still look to the past and remember men worth remembering.
Dylan and taylor remind me of pains i never knew i had
happiness i had once but forgot
and stories i wish i lived
i appreciate this hub
Big J
Sometimes we need to look back to put things in the present in perspective.
Yes, pain and happines make up life. And there are stories you will make.
Glad you hopped on for the ride. Thanks :D
"My Heroes have always been cowboys...and they still are it seems...
Sadly in search of...and one step in back of...themselves...and their slow moving dreams..." Willie Nelson
"Yes, they are still almost mystical creatures who fight for their places in the sun, who love unconventionally, but now I see them as men with depth, with sensitivity and more real heroism." Great hub by Cris A...while your obviously connecting the spirit of the Old West to music that would portray it or muscians that do...I can hear the songs you mentioned in the background...if only in my imagination. And I got'ta say, "Yep...your right!"
Hey manly
Nice quote you posted. So apt. I hope the music you're listening to take you far way, somewhere where there's wild horses and buffalo grass :D
Beautifully presented and written Chris. These singers and songwriters hold a special place in my heart. They are memories of my mother playing this songs in the house when I was a child.
cailin
glad this brought on good memoies, yeah, the men on this hub and the music the made and shared are quite special. thanks for dropping by :D
I was just popping around the pages this morning and popped over to your page. You have most of my favorites and one of Tammy's. She loves Neil Diamond...I call him Neil Cubic Zirconium. I can play most of Jim Croce's songs on the guitar. He was a big influence on me. Thanks for taking me back to the 70s. LYM! :)
hey tommy boy
ah but to my mind, you will always be a hippie! try as you might, you're warped in the 70s - at least in your mind! LYM :D
Pete Maida says:
6 months ago
My time was slightly earlier but I remember all the songs. That is a fine collection you have there. I have always loved Leader of the Band and I actually learned to play a simplified version of it. Thanks for notion of being a free spirit and the great memories of rock and roll.