Shout-out to Rick for penning his piece
Dear Editor,
Just wanna say I enjoyed reading Rick Liblong’s commentary ‘There used to be big-name talent’!
As a Detroit Denby HS student in the the early 70’s, I absolutely knew who Jethro Tull was. ‘Aqualung’, released in ’71, was probably the band’s most notable song amongst many others! OMG, I can still hear it beating in the back of my brain as I write this!
Long before I ever became a dedicated rock music fan, I was attune to country music; at my US Navy veteran dad’s command, it was a must that we watched the ‘Johnny Cash Show’ that aired on ABC from June 7, 1969, to March 31, 1971. Being honest, I remember listening to Cash’s version of ‘Ring of Fire’ long before I ever heard of Jimi Hendrix!
And, sometime back in the early 90’s, on a weekend trip to Toronto, I, along with my dear late wife Sharon Samyn, had the chance opportunity to have a short exchange with a most-personable entertainer who the Angels of Heaven swept away a few months ago. It was movie star/country music icon Kris Kristofferson. Such a friendly vibe he exuded, a good guy with an accomplished career!
If I were ever to have become an entertainment industry superstar, I’d wanna be as genuine and personable as Kris, that’s for sure!
Back in the day, I was more a hard rock music fan than country fan. I was well accustomed to listening to Ted Nugent playing with The Amboy Dukes well before he became more ‘Wango-Tango’!
Then, and when, in the early ’80’s, the popular Detroit-based radio station W4 FM changed formats from rock to country music, I took a liking to it. My dad’s side of the family always enjoyed what was often referred to as ‘hillbilly’ music back then. Albeit politically incorrect these days, no offense intended; I’m sure Kid Rock would understand!
Years later, autumn ’85, my late wife and I had the grand opportunity to sit first row at the Royal Oak Music Theater to watch another soon-to-be superstar country music singer. It was none other than George Strait. And, after the performance, George stood onstage and was gracious enough to shake hands with Sharon. I distinctly remember he had such a genuine smile of appreciation for his fans!
Getting back to rock music, and for a final point of interest, can anyone explain why Grand Funk Railroad has not been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Their song ‘We’re an American Band’, released in summer ’73, was one of the most played power rock anthems of its’ time, and this GFR hard-beating, loud-vocal, iconic song is still highly popular today!
In closing, I just wanted to send a big SHOUT-OUT to Rick Liblong for penning his piece focusing of the pleasant nostalgia of the past. It certainly brought me back to my younger years and ‘Living in the Past’, just like the Jethro Tull song does every time I hear it!
— Kenneth Hreha
