I think pop music is a continuum, with highlights all along the way. Think of Marvin Gaye, Sly and the Family Stone, Blood,
Sweat and Tears...Tower of Power...Chicago...Snarly Puppy. The list goes on...and on, with each making a landmark contribution to the art form, followed by improvements/advances by those who learned from the previous standard bearer. there's a kid...about 19 here in Lexington who can outplay George Benson in the Benson style. Guess what? He acknowledges his roots and gives proper respect to Benson; as well he should.

The Beachboys, maybe. Frankie and crew....not do much for me, but they do deserve recognition for their contribution to a small but memorable portion of the field.

And don't cut the current crop of creative kids and other innovators short. They're hard at work creating great music and advancing the pop music art form as we sit here.

As the plate on the front of my car says.....MUSIC MATTERS!

Play on, friends,


Russ