Hey now!
Music has always been an important part of my life, someplace right underneath God and family, and was the fuel that kept
me going during the many trying times when it seemed that all hope was lost. I'm sure that you are probably thinking the same
thing as you are reading this right now, and that is a good thing!
On September 11, 2001, when the whole world -- even the music -- seemed to stop for a day, there was only God left to turn
to and that is one reason why I have always kept Him in the #1 position in my life. He is the one constant source of love
and hope, and my gratitude for that is why I always tried to give something back to Him by helping others in need all of my
life.
All that said, September 12, 2001 gave birth to some brand new songs, and instant rebirth to some old classics like Ray
Charles' version of "America The Beautiful" that served as the inspiration to a Brotherhood of Man that suddenly found itself
almost totally enveloped in darkness and despair. Music helped to bring light to a seemingly unfathomable situation, and gave
the rescuers and relief workers -- which included many of my friends and family full time -- new inspiration. It helped to
define a spirit, will and determination, which could never be killed, because it is divine in nature! Sure enough, 9/11 also
found my dear friend Freddie Scott and me participating in the some rescue and recovery efforts, and doing benefits for
the rescuers and their families with other recording artists around New York City and on Long Island. Despite all of our combined
decades of experience in the world of music, were we all somewhat amazed how much it really made a difference at Ground Zero
and all over America.
The Rock, Pop and R&B music that many friends of mine created and performed (some are pictured in the photo galleries)
like the Beatles were definitely inspirational to me over the years. The sounds and the words carried positive messages of
love, hope, faith, peace, coping, carrying the day and appreciation for all of the wonderful things in the world that embraces
us. This can be heard in songs like the Rascals' "It's A Beautiful Morning" and the Beatles' "All You Need Is Love" or
Hermans Hermits "There's A Kind Of Hush," and has positively affected generations untold millions!
Some of their songs like "People Got To Be Free," and "Revolution" also featured a theme of rebellion carried
within the framework of a democratic constitution that preserves the unbridled rights of all people to be free, and continues
to be an influence on popular culture, and in the way people think and act all over the world! The minds of these legendary
artists, these giant thinkers and prolific poets, and the hands that held the pens which emblazoned word to paper were definitely
connected to the Author of All That is Good! They helped to bring an end to an unpopular war and communism as we knew it.
Their words carried American soldiers out of Viet Nam and toppled the Berlin Wall that symbolized the Iron Curtain that separated
East from West. Many good people died trying to solve these problems with lead and steel, but in the end, it was a few simple
words and melodies that prevailed. They made an entire world think of what was, and, more importantly, made it dream of what
could be.
Peace and love to all!
