Music

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Tuning In: The Evolving Soundtrack of the 60s and Its Cultural Impact

I can hear it now! That rhythm and blues, country, rock, and more categories of songs that blasted the airways. Perhaps others heard lots of Christian music on the airways, but I did not. However, as the 60's progressed and gospel singers became more popular, the results changed.

Songs began to become more familiar to listeners as time progressed. This also had a lot to do with what was happening in the world. Case in point, as civil rights marches, demonstrations, the war in Viet Nam, and other notable events took center stage, people became more attentive to songs, and especially who was singing them. In lots of cases, there were national leaders who we identified with certain songs. If it had to do with civil rights and such, we would assume certain people would be singing, even though the songs they were singing were not necessarily their song. As for other events of the 60's, it became a no-brainer for a well-known person to sing a song. These songs became ones that resulted in Americans to identify with the person and what they stood for.

Radio stations were doing what they do best! They were playing songs from "the tops of many lists!" Requests may not have been the norm. In fact, as the 60's, I'd say many Americans were "good listeners!" Commenting and/or dancing when we heard the song was more important than requesting. However, as time passed, we have become just the opposite.

Books

  I take pride in having authored two books: My Eventful Life (softcover) and She Was Really Special (e-book). In the 1960s, not everyone had a desire to delve into reading. Even during high school, literature was not a favored pursuit! However, it’s worth noting that there were many avid readers among us. This group included enthusiasts of some compelling topics, such as the Cold War, the Kennedys, and, naturally, our libraries brimmed with literature. Yet, remarkably, even the more controversial titles remained hidden until the 1960s came to a close. It appears that, during those times, authors were somewhat hesitant to express their true thoughts and feelings.

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