John was the big mouth, Paul was the big eyes, Ringo was the big nose and George was the big mystery.
~Unknown

My study of The Beatles began with John Lennon, and I presumed that Paul McCartney would be next. For me, John was easy… he was outspoken, opinionated, and somewhat socially abrasive (much like myself). I would never have predicted the chain of events that would put George Harrison on my radar ahead of Paul, but that is a story in itself, perhaps better left for another day.

So far, I’ve read almost half a dozen books on George Harrison, watched countless interviews (the one with Dick Cavett was particularly good), and even spoken to a few people who met him. The more I learn the more I’m left feeling that I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of understanding. Additionally, simply reading about him often left me feeling as if I was intruding into a life that George had worked very hard to keep private; he is quoted as saying he would have rather been successful than famous.

The nicest thing is to open the newspapers and not to find yourself in them.
~George Harrison

“George Harrison” by Craig Sumsky

George Harrison was born in Liverpool, England on February 25, 1943, the youngest of four. He disliked school, but he did love cars, comic books and music. His mother helped buy him his first guitar, and soon after he joined a band called The Beatles and became very famous and very successful making music. He played other instruments as well, and in particular he studied the sitar, not surprising since George loved Indian culture, music, and spirituality. After The Beatles broke up in 1970, he had a successful solo career and was responsible for organizing The Concert for Bangladesh, the first benefit concert of its kind. In addition to being a musician, George was an accomplished songwriter, motion picture producer, automobile enthusiast (racing was a hobby) and gardener. He was very spiritual, and lived the latter part of his life in a very spiritual way. Later, he played with the group The Traveling Wilburys, continuing to make music over a span of fifty years. George was a loving husband and father. He died of Lung Cancer at 58 years old in Los Angeles, California on November 29, 2001.

Short and to the point, the way I think George would have wanted it. If you’d like to learn more, here are a few books you might want to check out.

I, Me, Mine by George Harrison

By far my favorite of anything I read about him, as far as books go this is probably the least ‘revealing’, autobiography I’ve ever read. At the same time, it is in his own words (with the help of friend and former Beatles press officer Derek Taylor). The real treasure within this book is George talking about his music. As I read, I would listen to each song, gaining a better understanding of the inspiration (or lack thereof) for each composition. This is the book I would most highly recommend regarding George Harrison.

Wonderful Tonight by Pattie Boyd

Pattie was George Harrison’s first wife, and later married Eric Clapton. Quite an interesting story here, and strangely enough, Eric and George were able to maintain a friendship in the end. Although this book is really more about Pattie’s life experience overall than a story of George Harrison, I found it to be an easy and enjoyable read, and a respectful and invaluable insight into a part of George’s life. I always prefer reading a book authored by someone who was ‘there’ as opposed to something purely researched, and this was no exception. Pattie, a former supermodel, is now an acclaimed photographer (as well as a pretty good cook).

Here are a few other books I found to provide interesting perspectives into the life of George Harrison.

Here Comes the Sun: The Spiritual and Musical Journey of George Harrison
by Joshua M. Greene

Ticket to Ride by Larry Kane

The Beatles Anthology by The Beatles

The Mammoth Book of The Beatles (edited) by Sean Egan

Read the Beatles (edited) by June Skinner Sawyers

Yet no matter what can be written in any book, I truly believe that the real George, his thoughts, his words, his feelings, his inner self and all the gifts and wisdom he had to offer in his life as George Harrison are best expressed in his music.

When you’ve seen beyond yourself
Then you may find, peace of mind is waiting there
And the time will come when you see we’re all one
And life flows on within you and without you
~George Harrison

-Craig Sumsky

P.S. Olivia, If by chance you should read this, I hope you write a book about George someday. If you did I’d be amongst the first to read it.

Illustration of George Harrison by Sean Gallo

My name is Craig Sumsky, and I am the Director of Cutting Edge Entertainment.

I like the term ‘Director,’ because I think it best describes the role I play in the company. I am many other things, like an owner and a founder of the company (there were two, and now there is one), but wearing the ‘boss’ hat has never been something I’ve relished. I can probably count on both hands how many times I have had to evoke the “because I’m the boss” phrase, and more than to my credit, I think it’s simply because I’ve been fortunate enough to hire well. I have never been comfortable with referring to myself as someone’s boss, but instead prefer to introduce employees of the company as people I work with.

So, for starters, our blog is going on two years now and I realized that although I’ve authored quite a few posts that make up this blog, I had yet to actually blog about myself.  I guess I wasn’t sure where to start, so probably best I start at the beginning, how I became a DJ, and how Cutting Edge Entertainment came to be… so here goes.

I started my journey into world of entertainment as a DJ at Jamison Roller Skating rink in Bucks County back in 1983. The rink transformed into a teen dance party (called J.R.’s) on Friday nights, and the house was packed every weekend with kids from local high schools, and although I was originally hired for the skate nights, I inherited the teen dance when the veteran DJ didn’t bother to show up. Let’s just say I learned to be a quick study, and being a DJ seemed a natural fit. I already had a love for all things music, so in that regard I was right at home, but even more thrilling was the rush of the crowd reaction. I remember when Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ was first released, and how the whole place screamed when we first played that track. From there on in I was hooked.

In my freshman year of college (1987) I had left J.R.’s, and got a job doing mobile DJ work with a company on Bustleton Avenue in Philadelphia called ‘Fascinating Rhythm.’ It was there I began to hone my skills. I brought on a friend – Joe Quinn – who would become my partner in crime (and later in business) for the next decade. Our stint at Fascinating Rhythm was short lived, as we went on to work at bars and nightclubs in both Bucks County and Philadelphia.

I had a college internship at WPST in Princeton, New Jersey, but would later have the privilege of sitting in with Philadelphia radio greats like Pierre Robert (WMMR) and Harvey Holiday (WOGL) for some ‘extra credit.’ My mind was like a sponge, and I just couldn’t get enough. I often worked seven nights a week, and watched trends like ‘sports bars’ and ‘post modern’ come and go. I was there when Delaware Avenue (now Columbus) first evolved into a nightclub mecca, spinning at one nightclub while now famous Philadelphia DJ Robbie Tronco would be spinning at another right across the street.

So many bars and clubs from those days have since died off or closed. Places like Binney & Flynns, The Aztec, The Fizz, Bleachers, Club Zadar and The Bank are mere memories, but were once part of a Philly club scene that thrived and flourished, spawning DJ’s like Robbie Tronco, Moe Green, DJ Johnny S, Chaz Paris and DJ Beercans. They made the Philadelphia club scene in the early to mid 1990′s, and many of them continue to DJ today.

It was at the height of that era that Cutting Edge Entertainment was born. I’ve tried to inject much of my own wisdom, knowledge and experience over the years into the company but alas, it had a mind of it’s own. I could never have predicted the industry changes, but as it changed Cutting Edge evolved, and I just followed it’s lead. With a constant influx of young talent and fresh new ideas, C.E.E. has easily made the transitions necessary to stay on the ‘cutting edge.’ I may have been the spark, but the cast and crew of the company have been the fuel to the fire.  It is to the C.E.E. staff over the years (past & present company included) to whom I owe a never ending debt of gratitude for their hard work, loyalty and dedication.

What started out as a DJ company has grown to include dancers, vocalists, musicians, lights, multi-media and much more.  DJ, Entertainment or Production Company, we have almost outgrown such restrictive definitions to become a hub of talent and energy that has and will continue to leave a footprint, one that I could have never envisioned back in 1994.  Cutting Edge Entertainment has been the launch pad for so many talented professionals who have gone on to make careers in the entertainment industry that I am in awe of their collective accomplishments.

In many ways, I am grateful that they would choose me as their ‘Director.’

K.C. KoKoruz – a colleague of mine from Chicago – recently told me “The staff of Cutting Edge Entertainment definitely drink the Cutting Edge Kool-Aid”, to which I smiled, laughed to myself at the reference and said, “Oh Yeah.”

Craig Sumsky
Director
Cutting Edge Entertainment

Photo by Kevin York – www.kevinyorkphotography.com

I have been a member of the Philadelphia chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives since about 2003, but I had my doubts about rejoining the organization this year. There were several reasons for my hesitation, but primarily I think it was somewhat of a bad taste I had in my mouth for some of the other ‘professional’ organizations in Philadelphia. In January of 2009 I had pretty much decided not to renew, but something changed my mind, or rather someone.

Adam Rineer, the reigning president of N.A.C.E. Philly, phoned me when he saw I didn’t renew. Unlike folks from some of the other organizations, Adam didn’t try to sell me on rejoining, and didn’t seem overly concerned with pushing me to make that monetary commitment to membership.

Instead, Adam simply asked “Why?”

My response was partly sarcastic, yet genuine at the same time. I said “Well, I’d be more than willing to tell you if you’ve got a few hours to kill.”

To which Adam cooly replied, “I’ve got an appointment in a few minutes, but can we talk after that?”

I was honestly taken by complete surprise. I agreed, and he phoned me back about an hour later.

I’m not sure how long it was that Adam and I spoke on that day, but from what I recall it was easily over an hour. Adam asked some questions, but did a lot of listening. He expressed genuine interest in not only the reasons why I wasn’t rejoining, but in the ways I felt the organization could improve. Adam cared what I had to say, and although he ultimately wanted me to come back to N.A.C.E. Philadelphia, he afforded me the time to communicate not only what I wanted to get out of the organization, but also what more I felt the association could do for all of its members.

At the conclusion of our conversation, I offered to renew my membership.

Adam Rineer is a great salesman, but more so, he’s a great leader. It was the fact that Adam was willing to take time for me that made me so willing to be a part of the organization he was the president of. I suppose that might have been the premise of my whole issue in the first place, and Adam reinforced for me the belief that N.A.C.E. was not just about the association or the membership dues, it was about the people and the professional relationships established in such an organization.

A leader’s greatness is measured by the willingness with which people choose to follow them.

Recently Adam moved to Houston, Texas and will be stepping down as chapter president very shortly. He will be missed. He has praised me when I deserved it, and brought me to bear when i needed to be. I cannot imagine him to be anything less than an amazing manager of people, as he is truly a people person. Adam did not command my respect, he earned it.

Good luck Adam, and Hail to The Chief.

-Craig Sumsky

Photo by Phil Kramer – www.pkphoto.com

Once upon a time – around 2004 – I joined a very prestigious organization called The National Association of Catering Executives (N.A.C.E.).  I remember my first N.A.C.E. event well.  I particularly remember a young woman by the name of Hillary Werner (vice-president of the organization at that time) who was kind enough to take me around and introduce me to a bunch of “Who’s Who’s” that were (and many still are) the movers and shakers of the event industry in the greater Philadelphia region.

Since joining N.A.C.E. I’ve gained some great friends, made priceless contacts, and learned a great deal. And while prior to joining I’d already been in the event industry for over a decade, being part of a professional organization has turned out to be an invaluable resource to myself, and my company.

Sometime in February or March of this year I was speaking to Adam Rineer, the current President of the Philly N.A.C.E. chapter.  I was bending his ear about my experiences with social networking and my wish that more chapter members would get involved.  Twenty minutes or so into the conversation, Adam suggested that I run an educational program on the subject at an upcoming meeting, and I agreed.  At first I was honored to be asked…

And then the panic set in.

I’ve always been an internet person.  From online games to YouTube to today’s social networking websites, I’ve always been a pretty serious surfer.  But doing and teaching are two very different things, and the prospect of speaking in front of my industry peers on a subject which I believed to be so important created quite a bit of (admittedly self-imposed) pressure for me.  Through my frequent activity on Twitter and Facebook I had learned a lot.  But the thought of distilling all that information into a one hour presentation seemed quite a challenge.

My first task was to choose my team, and I must say that I chose pretty well.  Staffing the right people for the right job has always been one of my strengths.  So choosing Mark Kingsdorf from Queen Of Hearts Wedding Consultants and Dave Williams from DVideography was a no-brainer.  Both of these guys know their stuff on this subject and were well-suited to bring a lot to the program.  As my moderator, I chose Justin Guarini (that’s right, the American Idol guy) who is also quite the Internet Guru in his own right.  And maybe just as important, I wanted this program to be fun-filled and entertaining as well as informative… after all, entertainment is what I do best.

So fast-forward to the big night.  September 15, 2009 at The Loews Hotel in Philadelphia, ‘Marketing On The Edge’.   I’m guessing that Adam Rineer, and N.A.C.E. V.P. of Programming Doug Quattrini (who was a huge help) included the ‘Edge’ part in the title as a reference to Cutting Edge Entertainment, but I haven’t had the chance to ask yet.

The program was flawless, and although I rehearsed and rehearsed my agenda beforehand, I was pleased (and relieved) to see the program take on a life of its own.  As Adam told me afterwards, “You can judge the success of a program based on the level of audience participation” and there was certainly no shortage of that.  I can’t even pretend that I wasn’t “in my glory” that night as dozens of attendees lined up after the program concluded to tell me how successful they thought it had been, with emails and phone calls that followed for days after saying very much the same thing.

I have so many individual thank-you’s to acknowledge, but I’ll try my best to mention just a few…

To Adam Rineer, thanks for giving me the opportunity, honor and privilege to contribute and to share my knowledge with my fellow industry peers.  You will be missed when you move to Houston, and I wish you all the luck in the world.

To Doug Quattrini, without whose assistance the program wouldn’t have been the success that it was.

To my fellow panelists Mark Kingsdorf and Dave Williams, who more than being just fellow panelists, were moral support and good friends.

To Justin Guarini, I owe you one for this.  You were perfect.

To David Hall (Director of Catering at The Loews) for having me and making me feel welcome.

To Eddie Bruce for coming out and showing your support, it meant a lot.  And thanks for primping me before I went on stage, you are truly class-personified.

To my staff for coming out to show moral support, and for representing Cutting Edge Entertainment.  I am very lucky to have you on my team.

To Meryl Snow (Feastivities) for your audience participation… bravo.

To Brittany Campli, for teaching her Dad about the internet. 

To Hy Goldberg for your kind words after the program… that meant more to me than you will ever know.

To all my other N.A.C.E. friends and family, Thank you for your attendance, your support, and your friendship.

I hope to see you all online soon!

-Craig Sumsky

Photos courtesy of Drexel Hill Photography

Thanks to the September N.A.C.E. meeting sponsor Joe Pulcinella Photography

Follow Cutting Edge Entertainment on twitter – http://twitter.com/cuttingedgedjs

www.cuttingedgedjs.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

I had just turned ten in February of 1979 when, with a gift certificate in hand that I had received for my birthday a week earlier, I strolled into Sam Goody’s at the Neshaminy Mall.  I suppose I could have bought any album I wanted, but I chose The Beatles ‘Blue Album.’  I had listened to Abbey Road on 8-track and knew I loved the band and so it was decided, unilaterally, that a Beatles album would be the first record this DJ ever bought.

The Beatles have drifted in and out of my life over the last four decades.  ‘Blackbird’ was the song played at my high school graduation, and in college I took a class where I learned that Paul McCartney was actually the first Beatle to pass (or so the legend went) because he didn’t wear shoes on the Abbey Road cover and ‘Strawberry Fields’ said “Paul is dead.”  Over the years I was constantly learning new things about The Beatles, because they were just one of those bands that left a larger footprint then other bands.

John Lennon was forty years old at the time of his death in December of 1980, a little over a year after I purchased that first album.  I think it’s somewhat strange and ironic that fate has had my Beatles journey begin again shortly after my own fortieth birthday.  Somehow John and ‘the boys’ don’t seem so old to me anymore, and in looking at a photo of the former Beatle, I find myself  looking into the eyes of a John Lennon the same age as myself.

So in surfing around the internet (something John Lennon would have certainly found fascinating), I stumbled upon the website of Philadelphia newsman Larry Kane.  I remembered something about him being the journalist who covered The Beatles ‘invasion,’ and subsequent tours in the mid-sixties, and it was on his website that I learned what Larry had been up to lately… writing books about The Beatles.  Being a creature of compulsion, I was in the car fifteen minutes later driving to the nearest bookstore to grab a copy of Larry’s ‘Lennon Revealed.’

Perhaps you need to be from Philadelphia to understand that Larry Kane was ‘our’ anchorman, and for a Philadelphia native, his words and face were as familiar and as trusted as Walter Cronkite was on the national level.  I might also add that as a voracious reader, I have read biographies on scores of music artists from Elvis and Sinatra to Van Halen and Jim Morrison, but never before had the ‘who the author was’ aspect of it had as much influence on my choice to read the book.  Simply put, of all the dozens of biographies written about The Beatles and John Lennon, if Larry Kane wrote it it just had to be true.

I finished the book a few days ago, and it was brilliant (but I’m not giving you any spoilers).  Since reading it I have begun a new love affair with the music from the Blue Album, as well as the Red, the White, Abbey Road, Sgt. Peppers… but I digress.  The book was absolutely brilliant, and it woke The Beatles fan in me from a slumber that had lasted too long.  A book that does that is much more than just a book, it’s a testament.  I would not only recommend it to, well, anyone who reads books, but especially to anyone who truly loved John and The Beatles.

There was one discrepancy in the book that I took issue with, which was some of the terminology that Larry Kane chose, or rather lack thereof.   You see, Larry makes many references to his ‘special bond’ with John Lennon, and to John being the ‘subject of his reporting,’ but not once did he refer to John Lennon as a friend, and for the record I think that needs to be corrected.

I looked up the word ‘friend’ and found two definitions. The first was ‘a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard,’ and the second was ‘a person who gives assistance; patron; supporter.’

Above all else, this book was filled with the passion and love only a friend can feel.  From the emotion I felt from the author early on in the book when he referred to Lennon’s assassin as “nothing but a gutless, cold-blooded murderer who shot the dream maker in the back.”  To the sentiment he expressed at the end, when he said “I vowed to keep the memory of his incredible talent and spirit alive.”

Larry, in case you are reading this, newsmen and authors do not make vows, friends do.  It is the love, friendship, and immense respect gained from such a close relationship that makes this book truly great.  The only bias in it was that for all John’s humanness, the author is telling the story of a dear friend. Mr. Kane also goes on to say that he hopes this book plays a small part in keeping John’s memory alive, and to that I say he has succeeded. I am grateful that this book was written by someone who truly loved John in the way that revealed John Lennon as, above all else, a human being.  I have rediscovered John Lennon and The Beatles, and for that I thank you Mr. Kane.

-Craig Sumsky

Photo of John Lennon courtesy of © Bob Gruen (The Photographer who took it)
used with permission
www.bobgruen.com

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Admittedly I was twelve years old when Walter Cronkite said his “That’s the way it is” for the last time as CBS Evening News anchor, but not only do I remember him well, but just the mere mention of his name evokes memories and emotions of a world that was much different than today.

As coincidence has it, I am currently reading a book titled ‘Lennon Revealed’ written by another news man, Larry Kane.  In it, he reflects on how at the time, when The Beatles were on their U.S. tour in 1964 and 1965, the press was cooperative and compliant when asked to keep the fact that John Lennon was married ‘under wraps.’  He goes on to point out how that must seem implausible from todays perspective, in this time of celebrity media frenzy to expose even the most personal tidbits of any notable persons public or private life.

But it was a different time.  Perhaps turbulent, perhaps troubled, certainly not innocent yet there was a barometer of what was ethical and responsible that has somehow been lost on the garbage spewing dirt dishing media of today.

Walter Cronkite was a man amongst men… an ethical man reporting the news in an ethical way in a more ethical time  Some called him the most trusted man in America while many others held his opinion in such high regard that when he spoke out against the war in Vietnam, President Lyndon Johnson was reported to have said, “If I don’t have the support of Walter Cronkite, I’ve certainly lost the support of the American people.”  He reported from the battlefields of World War II, reported on The Korean War, the death of J.F.K., Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Vietnam and the first man landing on the Moon.  This man was history.

From 1962 to 1981, Mr. Cronkite was the man America tuned in to to get their news, and memories of my grandparents huddling around the television every night for the CBS Evening News (you could set your watch by it) is a memory I will not soon forget.

What is most sad about his passing, and I realize this only as I now write this, is that so many never had the privilege of knowing him as a broadcaster.  He lived twenty eight years past his retirement, and although CBS felt it was time for a younger fresher face, he could have gone on for much longer. This isn’t a man who ‘got old,’ on the contrary, if my memory serves me correctly as I have heard others say as well that Walter Kronkite always was old… it was part of his charm.

You will be missed Mr. Cronkite, although you already were.

And that’s the way it is.

-Craig Sumsky

Charcoal drawing of Walter Cronkite by Jayson Mondala

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I read someplace that endings are only the beginnings of something else.  This is very true, but often times endings are opportunities.

When I’m not a DJ (when I leave work for example), I’m also a lot of other things.  I’m a video gamer, a fairly good cook, a world traveler and a collector of many things… particularly books. Ok, so maybe I’m not being completely honest, I’m a total bibliophile (a book collector).  I’ve been a voracious reader for as long as I can remember.  My reading evolution began someplace with Dr. Seuss, then A.A. Milne, then Judy Blume, then C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Richard Adams, Vladimir Nabokov, Stephen King, Anne Rice, Anais Nin, Alexandre Dumas (Can I stop yet?), and the list goes ever on.  Unlike music, I can’t recite from memory the books I’ve read like I can with lyrics, but I certainly am just as methodical in how I organize and catalog them, perhaps even more so than my music library.  And although I use the word ‘library’ to describe my music collection, I wouldn’t dare use that word to describe by book collection… I’m just not there yet.

For the past two and a half years I have kept a large part of my book collection on a borrowed bookshelf (two shelves actually).  A handsome pair of seven foot tall Ethan Allen shelves that someone offered to let me hold for them, with the understanding that one day, someday, they would come to collect them…  Today is that day.

“I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will”
~Sam Cooke

So for the moment, I have over four hundred some books in piles on the floor.  This does nothing for my wanna-be Henry Higgins self image, but those shelves – like so many other things in life – were never permanent, and now the search is on for a replacement.  It is time for a change.

“Turn and face the change”
~David Bowie

So many songs are written about change, and so many books as well, all with the same message in mind.  Change is good; Change for the better.  Sometimes the changes we make in our lives can be disruptive, but how disruptive they are exactly is often times up to us.  I’ve known that I would be saying goodbye to these shelves from the day I brought them home, and although they provided a temporary solution, the thought of now seeking something more permanent is both exciting and exhilarating.

During these past six months I have seen many changes, and a lot of people dealing with change.  Folks changing how (and where) they live, play, eat, work and spend.  I’ve done some changing myself in some of those areas, particularly in the way I do business… I’ve ‘adapted to my environment’ you might say.  In the midst of constantly hearing  ‘recession, recession, recession’ I have seen some clever ideas, some new ways of thinking, and some creative alternatives to the way people ‘used to’ do things.  I’m amazed at how a little ingenuity can sometimes go a long, long way.

“Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative and don’t mess with mister in-between.”
~Johnny Mercer

I think I can handle finding a place to put a few books.

-Craig Sumsky

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