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The 1939 movie Stagecoach created three icons: John Wayne, John Ford, and the 30,000 acres of glory on the Utah-Arizona border known as Monument Valley. It was a pioneering rancher, Harry Goulding, who brought Hollywood to his home, and helped shape America’s vision of the West. –Buzz Bissinger

The Land of a Thousand Dances has become the land of 1000 TV talent shows. One can try and find the next ‘Idol’, ‘Voice’ or ‘Dancing Star’ but the quest is a contrived expedition into consumer madness & the artists are mostly baby formula. Musical nobility is often just a snare drum on vinyl moment.

This segment begins to define the George Jones surge into Pop culture lore. His saga spoke that of a ‘rock ‘N roll lifestyle’ run amuck but without the ego chaser. Jones ran from an industrial star spectrum he felt destined to suffocate his gift. In doing so, he denied his very existence.

Carson slept with America every weeknight at 11:30 PM. His command of the TV medium was so fervent that he sustained for 30 years. Time waits for no one but no one will again capture the after dark lightning in a 'tube' that Johnny did. He was a Nations laughter and it's after hour Adult Sitter.

Roky Erickson caught my psyche in ’65, before schizophrenia became his calling card to a new notoriety. His 13th Floor Elevators are easily an influence still being negotiated in the Rock pastures. This T-Tone version of his nostalgic ‘Nothing In Return” is a deep reminder of his hurting wisdom.

He was the guitar slinger Dylan trusted when Bobby plugged in at Newport in ’65. He was the cat Paul Butterfield thought was the best kid on the Chicago blues block. He formed one of the finest Soulful Blues combos of the 60's, The Electric Flag. He was Michael Bloomfield and he split way too soon.

Here is a voice lost to the tyranny time can often charter. She produced a cry to be reckoned with, a dark urge and an impassioned declaration destined to pronounce a ponderous burden. 'How could anyone possibly feel so much and live to tell us about it?' That was my response to this feat in '72.

The GTO’s were a Frank Zappa experiment in esoteric, 60’s sexual culture wonderment as seen through the hearts of 5 diligent groupies from the CA Laurel Canyon scene. Their Bizarre Records release ‘Permanent Damage’ is also enchanting in it’s not so innocent bliss for those willing to submit.

The question should be asked: How can a R&R Hall of Fame exist and not have John Henry Ramistella as a Member? He has sold between 30 and 40 million records, but it’s not about that. It’s about an incredible 55 year run that requires respect & review for a striking job well done.

On Dec. 6, '69, The Rolling Stones performed at Altamont in Northern CA. The Hells Angels killed the concert along with a fan. This event is credited with burying the 1960’s dream scape. In reality the real end arrived on Mar. 29, 1971. On this date Charles Manson was convicted of murder.

This is the degree of writing and vocalizing most creators aspire toward. The melodic motivation meets the devout descriptive imagery and requests Gospel connotations that sing to the love each living creature desires. This is where the road meets a sacred song sky.

Being a Stand Up Guy in comedy is hard enough. Throw in character studies, brave improve and some singing and acting chops and you’ve really got something. Billy has that something and it eludes an accurate description. Here he examines his vault and runs wild taking Theodore on the ride with him.

Beauty: a subjective revelation presented to and translated by the beholder. In this case, the allure etched into these grooves provides a symbol of a loving art professed once upon a time. Close your eyes & you can see as well as feel a sad symmetry & exultation usually reserved for prayer.

This was by any standard, a meeting of written page prophets whose work has endured and inspired countless souls. Hecht wrote the screenplays for ‘Stagecoach’, ‘Scarface’, ‘ Spellbound’ and he cleaned up ‘Gone with the Wind’ for MGM. Listen as two worlds perform a fascinating Dharma dance in 1958.

They topped the charts with ’A Lovers Concerto’ in ’66. In a world laced with televised musical contests, I am certain that there is not one participating voice that will be recalled as fondly as this in 4 and 1/2 decades. We stumble and tumble through the path of Pop and some stuff just sticks.