On Saturday, August 14th of 2010, I attended the Paul McCartney concert at the Wachovia (soon to be Wells Fargo) Center in Philadelphia. This was the first time I had ever seen any of the former Beatles perform live. I was accompanied by my friend Kevin York, who took all of the photos you see here.

Paul rocked, plain and simple, but you expect that from a former Beatle I suppose. By far the greatest concert (yes, the greatest) I’ve ever been to.  McCartney learned how to “Mach Shau” in Hamburg half a century ago. It was ten songs into the show when Paul broke into the Wings hit Let Em In that Kevin looked at me and said with enthusiasm, “He’s still got it.”  I guess that’s what sums it up best…  He does still got it.

The last two concerts I’ve seen of older groups have been  Van Halen and The Eagles “Hell Freezes Over” tour, and in both instances I’d been fairly disappointed.  I feared the same of this in some ways, and I was glad to be dead wrong.  This was no “reunion” tour of a band that hadn’t played together for a decade, this was a performer who has never stopped touring.

McCartney’s rapport with the audience was one of familiarity and intimacy.  The audience was  bantered with, serenaded, and Rock n Rolled.  He jockeyed between the piano, acoustic and electric guitars, his legendary Hoffner bass and even a ukulele.  The set list was chocked full of Beatles and Wings classics, as well as as well as some welcome surprises that were not on the list, like Give Peace A Chance and Hendrix’s Foxy Lady.

Might I add that Kevin York was able to capture these vibrant images with a pocket camera, which proves my point once again that what a real photographer can achieve with a $500.00 camera is far greater than what the amateur (like myself) could accomplish with a professional grade camera.

In the first rough of writing this article, I found myself going on and on about McCartney’s “epicness” referring to him in most cases as a superlative. Then I went droning on and on about the concert itself, filling it with lots of exciting and powerful Rock n Roll appropriate adjectives.  So yeah, Paul McCartney put on an epic show, and it was likely the greatest concert I have ever seen, and the most fun I’d ever had at a concert.  I danced, I sang, and I smiled from start to finish.

To the folks who have already seen Paul McCartney perform live, this is no great revelation, and to those of you who haven’t, McCartney really is a performer you shouldn’t miss.  Did I forget to mention that Paul McCartney is a superlative and epic Rock n Roll God and perhaps one of the greatest performers of all time?  Oh yeah, that too.

Bravo Sir Paul, that was really cool.

-Craig

Photography by Kevin York
www.kevinyorkphotography.com

www.kevinyorkphotographer.com

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

So here I find myself, almost a year after my first blog post about The Beatles, and subsequent meandering journey in search of Beatles lore.   I read someplace that you know you are obsessed with something when in the instance the subject is brought up in conversation, everyone in earshot turns to look at you.  So it is with me and The Beatles.

I began my journey not on August 3, 2009 – the day I posted my first article on this blog about The Beatles – but rather thirty years earlier when the first record album I ever purchased was a Beatles album.   Like Kevin Costner’s character in Field Of Dreams, who through his teenage years rejected his true love of baseball, I, like teenagers often do, found myself listening more to the music of the day… the music my peers were listening to. In essence, I lost my Beatles way. Teen angst is funny like that.

I’ve been in the Disc Jockey business in some fashion or another for well over twenty years now, and through my twenties and thirties I had love affairs with many bands, genres and music styles, all of which suited me just fine for their time.  My love for music is rivaled only by my love of reading, and I’ve been voraciously tearing through books since I first learned how to read.  It took reading a book about The Beatles to re-awaken the Beatle beast inside me, and I haven’t stopped since, nor do I see an end to my new found passion anytime soon.  As they say in “The Secret”, I’m “manifesting” The Beatles.

Upon finishing Larry Kane’s “Lennon Revealed”, I had decided to write a review titled “A Beatles Journey: Larry Kane & John Lennon”, and post it to this blog.  I decided that if it was to be a proper blog post, I would need a photo of John Lennon, so I reached out to photographer Bob Gruen, who willingly provided one (see the post).  It was then that I realized that The Beatles were not just four guys in a band, but a parade of auxiliary cast members who make up The Beatles circle.  Some, like Bob Gruen and Larry Kane are actually somewhat accessible, as I was able to meet Mr. Gruen in person, which I wrote about in “A Beatles Journey: 09.09.09 in New York City” where I not only met Bob, but at his behest went to see a John Lennon exhibit at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex, but also visited The Dakota, and John’s memorial in Central Park.

I was also able to meet Larry Kane and hear him speak at an event held at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, and although I have been unsuccessful in catching up with Larry after that, I have exchanged emails with him and hope to have the opportunity to pick his brain sometime soon.  Larry is currently working on a third book about The Beatles and their time in Liverpool prior to super-stardom, and I look forward to reading it.

In the past year, I’ve read over a dozen books on The Beatles, I’ve shaken hands with three people who shook Beatles hands (third degree?), and I’ve watched virtually every Beatles film and documentary I could get a hold of.   Today, my favorite album is Rubber Soul, but I anticipate that could change at any time.

So what’s next?  well, I’ve recently finished reading Sir George Martin’s book “All You Need Is Ears” – a brilliant book I might add – and am currently putting the finishing touches on that review (and patiently waiting for an illustration of Sir George).  I’ve begun reading “John’ by Cynthia Lennon, and I am currently in the process of trying to get my hands on tickets for the August 2010 Paul McCartney concert in Philadelphia while planning a pilgrimage to Las Vegas to see The Beatles Cirque show.  All Beatles, all the time.

And that’s where I am with The Beatles.  I continue to be amazed by their contributions to music and popular culture, and their continuing impact on everything that has come since.

-Craig Sumsky

So far, I’ve published nine blog posts pertaining to my Beatles journey (this being the tenth).  For anyone who might be interested in reading my long winded musings, reviews and opinions (I know, I know), feel free to check out the links below.

A Beatles Journey: Larry Kane & John Lennon

A Beatles Journey: Don’t Hate On The Octopus

A Beatles Journey: Bob Gruen & John Lennon

A Beatles Journey: Philadelphia 45 Years After

A Beatles Journey: 09.09.09 In New York City

A Beatles Journey: Larry Kane’s ‘Ticket To Ride’

A Beatles Journey: George Harrison

A Beatles Journey: Paul McCartney, A Life

A Beatles Journey: Taxman

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

In the summer of 2009, I re-discovered The Beatles after reading Larry Kane’s book Lennon Revealed. I then moved on to Bob Gruen’s John Lennon: The New York Years, later journeying to New York to meet Mr. Gruen in person, and soon after to a Beatles event in Philadelphia where I met Larry Kane. I then read George Harrison’s autobiography I, Me, Mine, as well as a few other books about Harrison authored by people who knew him personally.

When I picked up Peter Ames Carlin’s book Paul McCartney: A Life,  it was not only the first book I read specifically about Paul McCartney, but the first Beatle book written by an author who didn’t know the subject of the book personally. It was my first “unauthorized” biography on The Beatles.

I finished Carlin’s book yesterday, and I must say I liked it. It was a good read.

I spent some time reading other reviews of Carlin’s McCartney biography, and although many of them weren’t favorable, I think that Mr. Carlin did as good a job as could have been done considering that Paul wouldn’t grant him an interview. As in any instance of an author writing a book, Carlin certainly injected a bit of his own opinion into the mix, but I think he did a fairly good job of keeping his bias to a minimum.

I know I would have been more biased had I been the author.

As coincidence has it, Carlin pulled upon a few of the sources I have (Gruen, Kane), who I found more than willing to talk, but less knowledgeable when it came to Sir Paul McCartney. His interviews with people like Tony Bramwell and some of the former members of Wings probably proved more fruitful. The Beatles circle is no easy one to infiltrate, I give him credit for the immense amount of time and energy that it must have taken both to track all of those people down, and to convince them to agree to speak with him.

One of the things that Peter Ames Carlin’s book was able to accomplish (in my humble opinion), was to establish motive as to why Paul McCartney is often perceived the way he is. Notice I said “perceived”. As I expected from reading The Beatles Anthology, as well as almost a dozen other Beatles tomes, McCartney’s story reads almost like a Shakespearean tragedy.  Ironically – in McCartney’s case – the line “I get by with a little help from my friends” doesn’t apply to Paul’s ongoing struggle to preserve but his own integrity as well as that of The Beatles, where his fellow bandmates left him to fend for himself.

Paul McCartney: A Life is overall an enjoyable story, and contains some interesting insights into the career of the most beatle-y Beatle.  From the beginnings in Liverpool, to the glory of his time with The Beatles, to his marriage to Linda and re-birth as Wings (essentially McCartney) and subsequent solo and collaborative projects.  I think especially for someone completely unfamiliar with McCartney’s career this book is a great introduction to a man who may very well be one of the greatest performers of the twentieth century.

-Craig

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

Sean Gallo is an illustrator, and his contributions to the Cutting Edge Entertainment blog have been invaluable. Sean also happens to have been my friend since the second grade. Friends like Sean come in very handy when I’ve finished writing a blog post and don’t have a cool photo to put with it. Friends like Sean become especially invaluable when they can tolerate the frantic “I need an illustration of (insert whatever), and I need it in a hurry!”

And as things typically go, they aren’t the standard variety of illustrations, they’re always something random with a bit of a twist.

This one was the first I asked of him, and as expected he came through with flying colors. “I need an octopus holding drumsticks in its tentacles, and I need it by tomorrow” was my first request of him. I needed it for a blog entitled ‘Don’t Hate On The Octopus,’ and Sean’s illustration well exceeded my expectations. I call it ‘Ringo The Octopus.’

This next illustration was not only Sean’s creation, but his concept as well.  I had needed something that would encapsulate a DJ thinking, and Sean shot off the idea of a brain with headphones.  I loved it, and this time the deadline was a few hours, to which he chided me for my unreasonable demands while still delivering this great drawing before the end of the day.  He later came back to spruce it up a bit, and you can see the new and improved version on his blog.

I am excited (and grateful) to be able to incorporate his original and creative artwork into our blog, and look forward to featuring more of his illustrations in the future.  Check out Sean’s blog to see more of his amazing work.

Thanks Sean!

-Craig Sumsky

Sean Gallo Designs – http://seangallodesigns.wordpress.com/

When Bob Gruen – John Lennon’s personal photographer – emailed to thank me for the review I had written about his book ‘John Lennon: The New York Years’, I responded by asking him if he wouldn’t mind signing a few copies of his book that I had purchased.  Within twenty four hours, his studio manager Sarah emailed to make the arrangements… I was to meet Bob Gruen on Sept 9, 2009.

The date – 09.09.09 – was already practically a Beatles national holiday.  It was on that day that both The Beatles Rock Band video game and The Beatles re-mastered boxed sets (in stereo and mono) were slated to be released, while rumors abounded about The Beatles music finally being made available for download on iTunes.  What better day to travel to The Big Apple and have a Beatles adventure?

I contacted my friend and colleague Kevin York, who is an accomplished photographer and a fan of both John Lennon and Bob Gruen , and asked him to join me.  Admittedly I thought it would be a great idea to have a photojournalist along to record the trip, but I thought it would be even better to to recruit a helper to schlep all of those books I wanted signed all around Manhattan.

Kevin and I took the Amtrak train from Trenton into Penn Station in N.Y.C. and then hopped a taxi to Mr. Gruen’s studio. We arrived shortly after 11:00 a.m. and we were greeted by Sarah who brought us inside to meet Bob.

Bob Gruen in person is very real, and very down-to-earth.  He is as much of a witness as he is a photographer, considering he is the man who had not only documented the last decade of John Lennon’s life, immortalizing him in photo after photo, but is also likely one of the greatest and most accomplished rock and roll photographers in the world.

After some initial chit-chat, Bob got down to business, signing almost a dozen copies of his book for us and graciously answering a barrage of questions I had about John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Mick Jagger, and a multitude of other rock legends who Bob had had the pleasure of meeting and photographing. Looking around his studio, it was clear to see that he is a true music enthusiast, having what seemed to be thousands of CDs and records (while Ringo Starr played in the background) and walls filled with photos of almost every imaginable famous rocker.  Although the camera that Bob’s mother bought for him as a youth may have introduced him to the art, when I asked, “Why rock & roll photography specifically?”, he smiled and replied “I’m not a 9 to 5 kind of guy… especially the 9 part.”

After an hour or so of chatting with Bob, he asked if we would like to see the John Lennon exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Annex.  Naturally we said yes, and he arranged a few complimentary passes for us, yet another unexpected treat.  All in all, I am grateful for Bob Gruen’s willingness to not only sign some books, but to take the time out of his busy schedule to meet and chat with us.  The measure of Bob’s generosity particularly hit home when, on our way out we met some folks on the way in who asked “Are you with Rolling Stone or VH1?” to which I replied, “Nahhh, I’m just Craig.”

Our next stop was the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Annex, which was really cool, particularly the opening film (you were right, Bob), and the Lennon exhibit.  Unfortunately we weren’t permitted to take photos inside, so you’ll just have to check that one out for yourself.

Lastly, the one place I just had to see for myself was The Dakota, John & Yoko’s New York home on Central Park, and the place where in December of 1980, John Lennon was needlessly taken from us all.  The doorman behind me in the photo is about to tell me to move along, so at least it’s good to know The Dakota has ’stepped up’ the security since that fateful night.

I was happy to return home that night, put down those books (have I mentioned how heavy they were?) and kick my shoes off.  I still haven’t picked up my Beatles Rock Band or boxed set or any of that yet, but thanks to Bob Gruen, I have a 09.09.09 memory that I won’t soon forget.  Thank you Bob.

-Craig Sumsky

Photos by Kevin York
(Be sure to visit Kevin’s blog for more photos from our visit with Bob Gruen)

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

Through a professional association, I was able to arrange a spot on the guest list for the ‘Beatles by Boggia’ event at The World Cafe Live, Wednesday, September 2, 2009.   The night was a celebration of the anniversary of The Beatles historic 1964 performance at Philadelphia’s Convention Hall.  The evening was hosted by WXPN’s Helen Leicht (Breakfast with The Beatles) and featured a performance by Philly native Jim Boggia and guest speakers Denny Somach and Larry Kane.  Having recently read Larry Kane’s ‘Lennon Revealed’ and currently two thirds of the way through his earlier ‘Ticket To Ride’ I showed up with both books in hand hoping to have them signed.

When I arrived, Denny Somach was on stage in front of a standing-room-only crowd introducing some rare footage of the 1964 Convention Hall show. As The Beatles treated the crowd to Chuck Berry’s ‘Roll Over Beethoven’ I made my way through the room towards the side of the stage where Denny was chatting with Larry Kane. When I first introduced myself to Larry, he thanked me for the book review, signed the books, and graciously posed for a few photos with me.  I think I must have shook his hand four times (sorry Larry) as I thought to myself  “This dude shook hands with Beatles” and so in a way… so was I.  He then had to excuse himself to go onstage and speak.

A lot of what Larry shared with the crowd that night referenced material covered in his books, so I was already familiar with much of it.  But I must say, to hear him tell it in person was so much more… well, personal.  He spoke for about forty minutes, stopping briefly to show a clip of himself interviewing Paul McCartney and John Lennon before finally concluding, wishing everyone well and heading for the ‘green room’ (it wasn’t really green, it was just a door marked ‘private’ just off the stage area).

I kept thinking to myself, “I’ve got more questions to ask this guy” and after some contemplation I made my move toward the private door.  As I approached, the only thing between me and that door knob was Helen Leicht who – when I asked if I could go inside and speak to Larry Kane – simply replied “I’m not in charge” with a warm smile, as if to say “Go right ahead.”

So I cracked the door and poked my head in to see Larry and Denny Somach sitting at a table chatting. They both turned toward the door and I asked if I might come in to speak with Mr. Kane a bit more. Larry just smiled and said “C’mon in.”  I slipped inside, sat down with the two Beatles gurus, and proceeded to tell Larry what an inspiration he was to me, and how much reading his book had really moved me, to which he humbly replied “I’m just a normal guy Craig, but I’ve got to get out there in a few moments and sign some more books so I can’t stay too long.”

Well, I chatted with Larry for what seemed like twenty minutes, and although I would love to share some of that conversation, I think that I’d prefer to keep our first round to myself.  Not that he was guarded about any of his answers, but I think that maybe a few of them might have been of a more personal nature regarding his interactions with The Beatles – specific incidents mentioned in his books – so out of respect to Larry, I’ll keep them to myself.  There was one thing, though, that I found personally interesting, and that I don’t see any harm in sharing.

When I asked Larry why he hadn’t referred to John Lennon as a “friend” in his book ‘Lennon Revealed,’ it wasn’t his answer – essentially along the lines of the need for objectivity in reporting – that gave me pause.  What grabbed me was when he told me that Yoko Ono had asked him the very same question.  Looks like Yoko and I have at least one thing in common.

As Larry got up to go sign some books, he shook my hand again and said “Call me anytime Craig, we’ll talk more” and quietly slipped out of the room. I rejoined the crowd outside the private room, and enjoyed a performance by Jim Boggia & friends doing some Beatles tunes (and doing quite a good job of it I must say).  All in all it was a fun night, and I came away from it feeling like I had really experienced something “Beatles.”  I look forward to listening in on Helen Leight’s Breakfast  with The Beatles radio program, reading some of Denny Somach’s stuff, and picking Larry’s brain in a more in-depth chat sometime in the near future.

Aside from all that, it was quite an enlightening experience to see so many folks gather to hear stories, watch rare footage and listen to the music of The Beatles (with the whole crowd singing along).  It was a very well put together event and it seemed like there was fun had by all.

-Craig Sumsky

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

In a previous blog about my Beatles Journey, I reviewed the book ‘Lennon Revealed’ by Larry Kane, which I didn’t realize would be so… ‘revealing.’

Kane’s book led me to Bob Gruen, the next step in my journey to discovery.  After I had completed writing my blog about Mr. Kane’s book, I shot a raw and unedited copy of it off to Bob Gruen in an email, asking his permission to use a photo.  One might say that Mr. Gruen was the Lennon’s (John & Yoko’s) personal photographer, who knew John Lennon and his entourage personally.  I have to admit I’m still in shock that I got a response, and even more surprised that it was a yes.

Once again, into the car and off to the bookstore… this time for Bob Gruen’s book ‘John Lennon, The New York Years.’

It took me three reads.  The first read, I tried to be thorough, but the pictures were so captivating that I was distracted and just flipped through for the images.  The second read I stayed the course, and though I thought Larry Kane’s book was touching, as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.   My third read was a deeper look at the pictures, with a better understanding of their meaning, and Bob’s personal experiences that went along with them.

Bob Gruen is an amazing photographer.  I’ve looked at his website, checked out a lot of his work and let me just say this guy is the real deal.   More importantly, I really get the impression that Bob Gruen is a good man. With each page I turned I felt the love through his lens.

Sure, when presented with the opportunity to photograph John Lennon in his most intimate moments, a photographer would have to be a fool to pass it up.  Even for no pay, we’re talking about John Lennon here, a Beatle. How good would that look in a photographer’s portfolio? Bob Gruen was one lucky guy.

But was he the luckiest?  I think not.

In looking at the photos, and reading Mr. Gruen’s tale, I believe John was the lucky one, or perhaps he just had a gift.  You see, in choosing Bob Gruen as a photographer and chronicler,  John chose wisely… Very wisely.  Perhaps it was luck that put these two together, but whatever it was, Bob Gruen’s book is filled with love.  Each photo, each word, each page tells its own story.

I really didn’t get the impression that this book was about John Lennon the superstar, or John Lennon the musician.  For me it was much more John Lennon the person, and the many faces of that person within a decade’s time.   One cannot read this book – pictures and words – without coming out of it feeling like they know John a little better.

I wonder if John knew that when he and Yoko offered to let Bob Gruen take so many personal and intimate photos that he was again bringing someone into the fold who would do justice to his legacy when he was gone.  To tell the story the right way, the way John – or anyone for that matter – would have wanted their story told.

So yeah, I really love this book.  So much so that it wasn’t enough for me to just say how much I loved it or to write about it in a blog, I had to go a few steps further… I went out and bought twenty-five copies.  Not only do my friends and family get to hear me talking about The Beatles on a daily basis, but now they get a book as well.  It’s just that good.

-Craig Sumsky

P.S.  Thank you Sarah for all of your help and patience.

www.bobgruen.com

Photos by Kevin York

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

What is, and always will be so astounding to me about The Beatles is the immense diversity of their songs and music.  There is no question in my mind that, starting with ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ all the way through ‘Let It Be’ (the album) that their knack for hit making (or as Sir Paul McCartney recently said “being of the hit making variety”) is unchallenged.  For me this would also encompass the pre-hit Hamburg years where they did mostly covers, on through the post-Beatles days (yes, to me their solo stuff still resonates with ‘Beatle juice’). The musical contribution of The Beatles covers virtually all ends of the popular music spectrum.

Yes, that’s right, virtually all.  ‘Norwegian Wood’ is a friggin Waltz for cryin’ out loud (Yeah it is, check the count).

Injected into their body of work is pure Rock & Roll, Rockabilly, R&B, Waltz, Country, Bluegrass, Skiffle, Blues, Folk (can I stop yet?), Orchestral, Psychedelic (which they perhaps invented),  Ballads, Metal, Soul… and the list goes on.  That said, what truly makes The Beatles body of work so brilliant and so remarkably unique is that there is honestly something for everyone.  They cover virtually every angle as well, from satire to parody, self portrait to self deprecation and certainly no shortage of political and social commentary exist in their musical and lyrical genius.

I haven’t even gotten started…

How about ‘Twist & Shout?’  Originally recorded by The Top Notes, and then later covered by The Isley Brothers, yet The Beatles simply did it better, and as a DJ I say that with assured confidence.  There’s also ‘Back In The U.S.S.R.’ which, at the time of its release, crossed all kinds of lines while at the same time accomplishing a spot-on Beach Boys parody which is so darned good that I really have to wonder if they are parodying the surf sound of simply paying homage to it.

The Beatles (John, Paul, George and Ringo) loved music, and from their earliest time together in Liverpool they would scrutinize photographs of rock & rollers not just because they were their idols, but to dissect where the fingers were on the instrument in each particular photo (and I thought I was obsessive).  They loved Elvis, and although he was a great inspiration to them both musically and stylistically, they were destined to outshine him.  They didn’t have the ways or means to buy the songs (or have them bought for them) so they bucked the system and simply wrote their own.  How’s that for rock & roll rebellion?

I recently read an article/blog published on the ‘Music Obsessive’ blog which penned what the author felt were the five worst Beatles songs.  There were two songs listed there which I take issue with, and in fact will make an argument for, as I believe them to be not just good, but significant treasures in and of The Beatles catalog.

(Click here for The Music Obsessive’s blog post)

The two songs I refer to are ‘Ob-la-di Ob-la-da’ and ‘Octopus’s Garden.’  Whimsy, yes, but not deserving of being on any ‘worst of’ Beatles list.  Don’t get me wrong here, I know that bad Beatles songs do exist, but these two are as far from that list as Leif Garrett is to making a comeback.  As Mary Poppins said “In every job that must be done there is an element of fun,” and what I think the author misses about these two songs, along with other ‘whimsy’ Beatles tunes like ‘Yellow Submarine’ and ‘Maxwell’s Siver Hammer’ (dark, but still whimsy) is that these songs are just that… silly fun.

It’s the silly fun ditties that will hook the next generation of Beatles fans, just as they pulled me in as a kid.  Certainly as an adult ‘Octopus’s Garden’ isn’t on my favorites list, as my musical tastes have matured over the years and I find other Beatles tunes more appealing, but I still have the wherewithal (is that even one word?) to recognize them (the whimsy ones) as what they are.  Call them ‘Beatles light’ or perhaps even the kiddie pool for the future Olympic swimmers of Beatlemania, they are part of a Beatles legacy that appeals to the kid in all of us from ages number nine to sixty four and beyond.

And one more thing Mr. Music Obsessive… I for one can never get enough of ‘lovable’ Ringo.

Long Live Shining Time Station!

-Craig Sumsky

P.S. The Music Obsessive blog’s author is a guy named Martin, who although I don’t agree with on this particular point, I do find his blog (which has a huge emphasis on popular music) to be quite enjoyable, well written and thought provoking, being a popular music enthusiast myself.

Music Obsessive - http://mwarminger.blogspot.com/

‘Ringo The Octopus’ illustraton by Sean Gallo – http://seangallodesigns.wordpress.com/

www.cuttingedgedjs.com

Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m sixty-four?
~Paul McCartney

Debbie Harry, front person for the 70′s/80′s band ‘Blondie’ turns 64 today, and how appropriate that The Beatles song ‘When I’m 64′ keeps playing in my head, because for me both Blondie and The Beatles have similar significance in the grand scheme of Rock & Roll.

Now before you Beatles fans get yourselves all in a tizzy, let me assure you that I am quite aware that the fab four’s contributions far outweigh that of Debbie and the boys, having many more hits, many more songs, and certainly a larger impact.  But is Blondie’s impact any less significant?  The Beatles ‘invaded’ the U.S. in 1964, and split up by 1970 leaving us with a brilliant and diverse library of songs that pulled from many music influences, while helping to usher in the psychedelic era (thus doing a bit of their own influencing) at the same time.

But what about Blondie?  Certainly fewer hits, and fewer years of hits as well.  According to Billboard, Blondie only charted seven top 40 songs, while only four of them went to number one… So here is the irony.  Debbie Harry and Blondie were first and foremost a punk band, with Debbie’s on stage antics going as far as appearing bottomless (no pants, no panties) yet none of their four #1 hits were very ‘punk’ at all.  What is notable is that this little kick-ass punk band from an almost forgotten pre-Mtv era are credited with two of these number ones to be in previously ‘uncharted’ categories (or at least #1 charted).  The song ‘The Tide Is High’ which charted at #1 in November of 1980 is widely regarded as the first number one Reggae song to top the pop charts, a year later in 1981 Blondie reached #1 with what is not just regarded, but acknowledged as the first #1 rap song to top the Billboard top 40 pop chart.  Yep… Skinny white punk rock girl helps to usher in the now chart dominating Hip Hop phenomenon.  Again in a strange twist, the other two hit songs were considered Disco, with ‘Heart Of Glass’ in 1979, and ‘Call Me’ (From the Richard Gere film ‘American Gigolo’) in 1980.

Quite significant if you ask me.

Happy Birthday Debbie… Your poster has hung over my desk for over a decade, as I am one of your biggest fans.

-Craig Sumsky

www.cuttingedgedjs.com