The 60s Official Site Blog

Highly Recommened Reading "Hullabaloo! The Life and (MIs) Adventures of LA Rock Legend Dave Hull

2014-10-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

I received a book from the Dave Hull folks to read and review titled "Hullaballoo! The Legend and (Mis) Adventures of LA Rock Legend Dave Hull." If you are not from the west coast then you may not know this guy but I recall him at WTVN Columbus, Ohio, me being from Circleville. I listened to WTVN and WCOL.

When the book arrived and I opened it, I was shocked the size of the book being over 500 pages but the book delivered and I enjoyed every word, every photo and especially the nostalgia that Dave brought back to life for me. Dave Hull writes as if he is speaking to you in a conversation. I literally could not put the book down. The Fifth Beatle, Dave Hull, surely was in a class of his own. His stories of mischiefs and stunts while DJ at some of the top radio stations in the nation were humorous. Where are those cool jocks today? If you enjoyed AM radio and times and the 60s and a little beyond you will enjoy getting into this time machine as David Hull pilots us back to those great days of radio.

One Groovy Summer

2014-06-17T09:18:00.004-07:00

Fun during the summer of 1968 is the theme of the latest book I just finished. "One Groovy Summer" is about two young men looking and finding fun that leads to adventure during the summer of 1968. I found the book by Rocky Gregory enchanting and and full of many of my memories of summer, especially in 1968. The story follows two high school friends after high school with concerns of the draft, Vietnam War, and their college plans once summer ends.

Their adventure results in meeting hippies during this Hippie Movement period of time and other characters that make this book well worth reading. The onslaught of the Sexual Revolution was just beginning and the music of the sixties was making its bend towards a more psychedelic sound .

It begins and ends as a groovy adventure which I think all baby boomers would love to read so grab the book and start groovin'.

Al Sussman Transports Us Back to the 101 Days That Shaped a Generation

2014-03-19T05:50:00.000-07:00

I highly recommend "Changin' Times" by Al Sussman for all you sixties buffs and baby boomers. The author takes a look at 101 days that shaped our generation.

On November 22, 1963 we grieved the loss of our young president as the Beatles were preparing the release of their second LP in England. These 101 days (November 22, 1963 - March 1, 1964) had their impact on the entire world.

I know most everybody can remember where they were when they received the news John F. Kennedy has been assassinated. The nation was grieving and in shock and remained so throughout the holiday season. What continued to happen during the next 100 days following the death of our president shaped a nation and generation.

Read this historical book on how these 101 days not only affected our entire generation but the world as well. Beginning with the assassination of JFK through the Beatle Invasion. What pulled us up and made us to look at our TV in a different way?

Al Sussman looks at all events during the 101 days and leaves no stone overturned. Indeed "the times are a changin.." Enjoy this look back as Al Sussman masterly weaves the events in those 101 days.

My Observations and Fret

2014-02-24T07:34:00.001-08:00

I recently returned from about a month vacation in Florida. I definitely had to escape the cold weather coming down from the north to Texas. Anything below 50s is too cold for me! Two weeks of that time my wife and I spent with my best childhood friend, Ron and his wife who vacationing in Florida from Ohio. Loads of fun as we relived old times and shared the laughter of the shenanigans and situations we got ourselves in while we were in elementary and high school. He hasn't changed much except less hair and more wrinkles. The sense of humor was still there and the smile and laughter I remember remained.

While just he and I were hanging around together shooting pool or something we not only talked about politics, but how different growing up in the 50s and 60s was as compared to today. As we looked around the resort where we were staying, most folks were not really socializing with one another but had their phones in their hands, surfing the net, texting and doing whatever you do on today's cell phones. The same thing in the restaurants we visited. Couples together having dinner each engaged on the phone instead in of one another. I was a little shocked. The cellphone is now taking place of social conversation.

The same goes with today's teens and young adults. Numerous studies found that our young people are not developing the social skills necessary to adequately compete in today's world and that scores on aptitude tests have fallen over the past 5 years. Many psychologists have concluded it is the result of the technology age we live in. The technology has made our lives better for the most part but it is now taking charge of us instead of vice versa and that is why I am dismayed.

Just yesterday while my daughter and my granddaughter were visiting I tried to engage a conversation with my granddaughter and she had her head buried in her I-Phone so it is on my home front as well. These are kids that are not engaged in what is going on around them but the social media the cellphone brings and that concerns me because they will lead our nation sometime in the future.

Of course our parents and grandparents had the same concern with we baby boomers that we would be upcoming leaders so am I fretting over nothing?

I am Carl Hoffman of The 60s Official Site. Please visit the largest and most visited 60s site on the web.

JFK Assassination

2013-11-20T08:02:00.002-08:00

In my 60s Official Site newsletter I asked my subscribers where they were on November 22, 1963, when they received the news of President John F. Kennedy's assassination . The response was enormous as I continue to receive emails telling me where and what they remembered. Each week since the first week of November I have published many of their memories. I even received one from a young man who was only one year old at the time so he asked his mother where was she when she received the news. Emails from the UK and Canada were received also as many people world wide remembered just exactly where they were. It is so amazing after 50 years how well we all remember the exact place when we received the tragic news.

I too recall it vividly where I was and how my classmates of Circleville High School received the news. I was in Mrs. Wachs English class during my sophomore year in high school. We actually were marched to the gymnasium for a basketball pep rally where we sat with our class. The pep rally was unexpectedly interrupted by our principal. He walked solemnly to the mike and announced the tragic news. We were immediately dismissed and school did not resume until after Thanksgiving.

During that weekend after JFK's death I recall the rock 'n roll station we listened ceased to play rock music. Classic music was substituted during that time in honor of our fallen president. I just as countless other remained glued to our black 'n white TV set and watched the tears fall down my mother's face as John Kennedy Jr. saluted the flag draped coffin as it passed.

It has been 50 years now and I will never forget that day.

"50 Years On: The Albums Of 1963 That You Should Have In Your Collection" by Lisa Plumtree

2013-08-23T09:52:00.001-07:00

1963 was a simply great year for music lovers. Automatically, our thoughts might turn towards some of the more well known records of the time – particularly the Fab Four’s album “Please Please Me” (more on that later), but alongside this release, as important as it was, it was a musical year of great contrasts and interests. You may be someone who was brought up in the era, who knows and loves the sounds, but equally you may be someone who is coming to the music as a youngster, with a keen ear and willingness to learn. Here are just a few of the wonderful albums released during that year and why you should have them in your collection.

Dave Brubeck Quartet – Live At The Carnegie Hall

Undoubtedly the live setting suited Brubeck and his musicians more than a studio one. This album showcases the best of their sound and is unusual in that it is a full and complete recording of an entire concert, in one take, with hardly any edits applied afterwards. The band were worried that no-one would turn out to see them play. There had been a newspaper strike in New York so advertising for the concert was few and far between. The fears never came to fruition as the hall was packed and this performance rewards the listener with a taste of pure jazz that’s hard to beat.

Davy Graham – The Guitar Player

This virtuoso guitarist and folk hero is someone that everyone who loves to tinker on the guitar or play more seriously should add to their collection. This album is a prime example of a shining talent. Worth it just for the glorious sound of “Anji” alone, Graham’s technique is something that many musos aspire to and his mastery of the folk guitar is rarely equalled or bettered.

Lee Hazelwood – Trouble Is A Lonesome Town

This is included due to the recent reworking of the songs for an album entitled “Thriftstore Masterpiece Presents Lee Hazelwood’s Trouble Is A Lonesome Town” which includes many new acts recreating his original country masterpiece (albeit in a more modern style) from 1963. The original record though was Hazelwood’s first solo effort and came to fruition after a partnership with Duane Eddy and work with Nancy Sinatra was completed. It’s a record of stories and tales rich in folk history, containing many meandering ambles through dark subject matter, but one that should be a great collectible intro to country music for anyone that is not sure or doesn't know where to start. A worthy peer of Johnny Cash, but a musician who rarely gets mentioned.

The Beatles – Please Please Me

An album that still sounds as fresh today as it ever did; this is an astonishing work, full of energy and vibrancy. The original works show how the Fab Four took simple ideas and made them sound complex, whilst the cover versions inject a raw rockiness to the proceedings. Coincidentally, this album is now proving to be a hugely coveted collectible item, particularly in vinyl. For any lover of the band it would make a great collectible gift or present, though be prepared to stump up as much as $4,000 for a copy in stereo sound, whilst a mono copy of the album will still be worth $1,200! Copies of the record with a gold and black label on them are also sought after by fanatics. This is because they were pressed shortly before Parlophone records changed their branding to different colors. After these initial pressings, the labels were changed to yellow and black, therefore earlier ones are always going to be worth much more.

Never Grow Old – The Maytals

Ska was a genre that had found its roots in Jamaica during the 1950s and The Maytals capitalized on a US market’s increasing thirst for it during the 1960s. “Never Grow Old” is a worthy addition to your collection – with lyrics written by the legendary Toots Hibbert and back up from The Skatalites, this is worth it alone for the wonderful “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You)”. Many favour The Wailers over The Maytals, but they shouldn’t be forgotten.

The Beach Boys – Surfin’ USA

Surf-rock, a genre that intrinsically makes you think of The Beach Boys and this album, a collection of twelve all-American songs inspires nothing but thoughts of hot sunshine, good friends and wonderful times. It’s notable for it’s unique use of harmonies and the use of a technique called Double Tracking, which made the vocals sound all the more rich and varied. At the time of its release it spent seventy eight weeks in the Billboard chart and is still regarded by many music critics as one of the greatest albums of all time.

It truth, this is all about loving music of an era that produced so much rich and varied talents, genres and styles. Starting or adding to your collection is something that can give a great amount of joy, with treasured memories being rekindled and forgotten sounds remembered.

"My Summer on Haight Street," a novel by Robert Rice Jr.

2013-07-09T04:29:00.000-07:00

As many of you know I enjoy reading, especially books that relate to the baby boomer era, the sixties. Recently I had the pleasure of reading the pre-publication galley of the book "My Summer on Haight Street," a wonderful piece of reading from Robert Rice Jr. I picked it up one afternoon and finished that evening as it kept me riveted to each page and I could not put it down.

The story follows a recent high school graduate from Milwaukee in his final year of high school and his trip to San Francisco to the Haight Street district after graduating. The story is a fictional account woven around real events and real people as we get to enjoy those promiscuous times of the sixties and the memories of the music of the era.

The Vietnam War was raging and gearing up and as many did faced the probability of being drafted and with the undecided choice of attending college for a deferment. This entire book is an adventure during the summer of love that you don't want to miss. It was page turner for me which I didn't want to end.

I recommend you read it and discover as I did what I missed during the sixties. Definitely add this one to your summer reading.

Inside the Songs of the Sixties

2013-05-07T04:56:00.003-07:00

I just finished reading Brian Forsythe's book Inside the Songs of the Sixties. Through thorough research and interviews, Brian Forsythe has mastered the art of removing the fallacies, myths, and contradictions concerning the artists and music of the 60s. I found it to be a book not easy to put down once you began reading. It is loaded with facts and trivia concerning the artists and their music, some which you have read before but so many more that you have not. This book is a great reference for connoisseurs of the 60s and its music. It is now a definite reference for The 60s Official Site.

After reading Inside the Songs of the Sixties I discovered that I didn't know as much as I thought I did about 60s music. If there is any downside to the book, which is very minor, would be a need for a quick reference index broken down by artists or songs but I definitely highly recommend you grab this one.

You can purchase this book by clicking here.

And Then It Is Winter

2013-04-09T03:48:00.000-07:00

As heard on the Good Stuff with Jim Thompson

You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went.

I know that I lived them all...

And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams... But, here it is..the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise... How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go? I remember well...seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like... But, here it is...my friends are retired and getting gray...they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me... but, I see the great change... Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant... but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be. Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore...it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free will..I just fall asleep where I sit! And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!! But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last...this I know, that when it's over...its over....Yes , I have regrets.

There are things I wish I hadn't done ,,,,,things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime....So, if you're not in your winter yet...let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long!!Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life...so, live for good today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember...and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!!'Life is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one.

I Remember Charley Conrad's Barbershop

2013-03-26T06:56:00.001-07:00

I read the other day in the Carrollton Leader newspaper where Ed's Clip Joint was closing its doors after decades of cutting hair here in Carrollton, Texas. It was of the last typical barber shops here in Carollton. It was your typical men only barber shop where you could get a haircut and great conversation from politics to the latest gossip all for $11.00.

After reading the article my mind wandered back to Circleville, Ohio to that small barber shop on South Pickaway Street just across the street where the Nazarene Church was once located. I do remember the haircut was $1.50 or $1.75 for a flat top. Now I pay $20.00 including tip. As I look back to the 60s, it seems those little things back then really seemed so insignificant at the time but turned out to be a great memory today.

I had my first haircut at Charley's when I was probably 8 years old and continued to have him cut my
hair when I was an adult even after returning home from my tour in Vietnam. He also gave us kids some double bubble chewing gum after cutting our hair. I remember receiving that chewing gum even while in high school.

It seems like it was just yesterday when I would sit and wait for my turn and watch in awe as Charley cut the hair and chewed the fat with all the customers. Many like me listened to every word while others' faces were embedded in the magazine they were reading. Charley was a devout Christian so no foul language was ever heard from anybody even though the customers were all men. Today not too many barber shops are men only establishments as they are disappearing quickly.

From a small boy to a teenager I could not wait for Charley Conrad to feel I was old enough to get that razor trim around the ears and back of the neck. It seemed to me that was a sign you have finally grown up. I don't think I ever received one of them at Charley's until right before I left for the Army. I guess I was old enough to serve my country so I now get the razor cut.

I still can remember Charley Contrad's smiling face, as he gestured for you take the seat in the chair.

Looking Back at March 1967

2013-03-05T06:31:00.000-08:00

March 1967, 46 years ago, can you imagine that much time has gone by but many events from that time seemed like the other day? Circleville, Ohio, not a very large town but it was the entire world to me at the age of 18. I was still undecided what I wanted to do after graduating from high school the previous year. College, work or military service remained my choices as do today's young people.

The evening news with Walter Cronkite was announcing that President Johnson was beginning the lottery draft as we were building up our involvement in Vietnam. Additionally the Jimmy Hoffa story continues as he was sentenced to an eight year prison sentence as the Beatles song "Penny Lane" hit the #1 position.

I still remained convinced that I will find what I am suppose to do with my life. At that time I was working at Big Bear Supermarkets in Circleville. I was the full time frozen food/produce guy, responsible for stocking, ordering, rotating stock and assisting customers. I also doubled as a carry-out service as needed. A great job with decent pay for 1967. I was paid $2.25 an hour. The minimum wage at that time was $1.25 which I was received at J.C. Penney's before I took this job. I definitely was going to be a store manager one day as I started ruling out college as the war in Vietnam continued to escalate. For those of you who do not anything about Big Bear Stores, Big Bear was a regional supermarket chain operating in Ohio and West Virginia. The company was founded in Columbus, Ohio in 1934, and was headquartered there until its acquisition by Syracuse, New York-based Penn Traffic in 1989. For nearly 75 years, the chain was a Central Ohio institution. A few years later it went under as a result of poor management and competition.

I worked hard and was paid well but as more and more of acquaintances from my hometown felt the twang of the draft, I was convinced by my manager to try to join the Reserve but it was difficult as everybody else had the same idea and none of the units close to home had any open positions.

On March 25 The Turtles hit #1 with "Happy Together" as I was getting more and more apprehensive and in September 1967 I enlisted in the United States Army. I guess I found my destiny.

You can listen to the hits of March 1967 this month only on Soundtrack of the 60s with Neal Stevens to relive those times that was to me just the other day.

My Review of the Book "The Isla Vista Crucible"

2012-09-04T07:16:00.001-07:00

Approximately a week ago I finished reading "The Isla Vista Crucible" by author Reilly Ridgell. The book's backdrop takes place during the school year 1969-1970 in Isla Vista, the student community next to the University of California. It follows the lives of three college students during that time.

What I found interesting about this book was its accurate portrayal of that tumultuous period of the baby boomer era which included the Vietnam War , rock 'n roll music, race relations, and student political activism. Mr Ridgell manages to keep the reader riveted to each page as he tells the story and background of each character and their involvement in the student community of Isla Vista.

Each chapter opens up with a new month of that time and what music albums were popular then which I found entertaining and reminiscence of the popular music of the time. Mr Ridgell even had the musical tracks correct as he weaves the music into the story line. I have many of these LPs so I know he was right on.

This book does have detailed casual drug use which many of you may find offensive but it does not take away the content of a great read but only adds a reminder of the times. I highly recommend you read this book. You know I have never led my followers of The 60s Official Site wrong.

You can purchase the book on Amazon. For your convenience here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/Isla-Vista-Crucible-Reilly-Ridgell/dp/0983286167

Looking Back at June 1967

2012-06-05T06:46:00.000-07:00

On June 3, 1967, the number one hit was Aretha Franklin's Respect written by Otis Redding and first released by Otis Redding in 1965. It became the signature song for R&B singer Aretha Franklin. The day before, the Beatles released their LP Sergeant Peppers' Lonely Hearts Band. Although at that time I did not quite understand the conflict, the Six Day War between Israel and Egypt, Syria and Jordan began on June 5 and ended on June 10.

I was working at Big Bear Supermarkets in Circleville, Ohio overly concerned about the draft and the growing conflict in Vietnam. Little did I realized in less than a year I would be there. My boss tried to convince me to get into the Reserve or National Guard so I could remain home and continue to work. I also was still contemplating on continuing my education but I guess my destiny was to serve my country which I have never had any regrets as I also continued my education while serving in the United States Army.

On June 13, President Johnson nominated Thurgood Marshall to become the first black Supreme Court Justice while the top 5 songs respectively were (1) Respect/Aretha Franklin (2) Groovin'/Young Rascals (3) I Got Rhythm/The Happenings (4) Release Me (and Let Me Love Again)/Engelbert Humperdinck (5) Him or Me - What's It Gonna Be?/Paul Revere & The Raiders.

With the Vietnam War continuing to escalate I recall the verdict of Muhammad Ali on June 20 who was convicted in Houston of violating Selective Service laws by refusing to be drafted but The U.S. Supreme Court later overturned the conviction.

June 29, as the month closed out, Jayne Mansfield, one of the most beautiful sex symbols during the 60s, perished with two others as their car they were traveling in slammed into the back of a tractor trailer rig.

The number one hit as the month closed was Groovin' by the Young Rascals.

You can visit me on my website The 60s Official Site, the largest and most visited 60s site on the web. Also enjoy Neal Stevens exclusively on my site with his monthly show Soundtrack of the 60s as he plays the most popular songs from the current month of a 60s decade year. This month June 67.

"Succession" An Outstanding Novel by Herbert Lobsenz

2012-03-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

I just completed reading an outstanding novel by Harper Prize Winner author Herbert Lobsenz. This book is an awesome page turner. I relaxed on Sunday morning picked up the book and spent 6 1/2 hours reading this splendid story that has the back drop of the 60s. The novel takes place at the end of the Kennedy Camelot period. The main character is Jake Garrison who is tasked to take care of his dying father who wants nothing but to die with dignity and asks Jake for his assistance. Jake is a paranoid individual that is a New York big business hatchet man who becomes a partner to a sleazy associate. His associate asks Jake to downsize Kennsington Typewriters, a once successful but now failing company. Jake's wife, Diane, is carrying his child but not sure if it is his. Who can you trust? What side are these characters on as they try to out manipulate one another? Excellent reading and definitely a quality page turner with a few twists and turns. I highly recommend this to all my followers of The 60s Official Site.

I Remember March 1965 - It Was Cold

2012-03-05T06:22:00.000-08:00

Looking back at March 1965 I recall the entire month was cold in my town of Circleville, Ohio. As I sit here on my computer, today is March 5 and the temperature in Carrollton TX will reach 74 but on March 5, 1965 the high temp was 55 and in Circleville, Ohio it was 33 with a low of 22.

I was a high school junior back then and most of us walked to school. Buses did not bus as many students back then as they do today. It was definitely a brisk and cold walk to Circleville High School during the month of March.

The civil rights demonstrations were in full swing back then and I recall seeing on TV Some 200 Alabama State Troopers clash with 525 civil rights demonstrators in Selma, Alabama. I probably didn't understand it so much back then but it still shocked me. Also around the same time we sent our first combat troops to Vietnam while the radio was playing the number one song "My Girl" by The Temptations. It was the beginning of uneasy times of the 60s decade.

Still my world was the small town of Circleville as it was with the majority of students in my high school. Spring was coming and shenanigans were in the horizon as soon as the weather breaks. It turns out that the entire month of March 1965 remained cold and the warm weather will not arrive until next month when jockey straps will once again be raised on the flag pole on the football field.

The number one songs for the month of March 1965 including "My Girl" were "Eight Days a Week" and "Stop in the Name of Love." You can listen to the most popular songs on the radio at the time on Soundtrack of the 60s where Neal Stevens plays the most popular songs from that month and recalls the times of March 1965.

The Year is 1969 and the Month is January

2012-01-08T05:42:00.000-08:00

Looking back to January 1969 with Vietnam going at full force with over 550,000 troops serving in the southeast Asian country, my most vivid memory was the Rose Bowl game played on January 1st. The grand daddy of all bowl games featured #1 Ohio State against #2 University of Southern Cal with running back O.J, Simpson. The Ohio State Buckeyes had Rex Kern at quarterback, a graduate from Lancaster High School of Lancaster, Ohio. When the dust had settled the Trojans had five turnovers, two by Simpson, as the Buckeyes rolled over the Trojans 27-16. Kern was named player of the game.

On January 12, Super Bowl III was played and quarterback Joe Namath, predicted his Jets would defeat the heavily favored Baltimore Colts. Namath lived up to his prediction as the Jets stunned the odds makers and the Colts 16-7.

The Top Ten TV shows for the 68-69 season were;

1. Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In

2. Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.

3. Bonanza

4. Mayberry R.F.D.

5. Family Affair

6. Gunsmoke

7. Julia

8. The Dean Martin Show

9. Here's Lucy

10. The Beverly Hillbillies

The #1 song for the entire month of January 1969 was Marvin Gaye's I Heard It Through the Grapevine. This great song with one of the best voices in Motown history actually spent 7 weeks at #1. It peaked on December 14, 1968 and remained there throughout the remainder of December and the month of January.

Other great songs from the month of January were: Crimson and Clover/Tommy James & The Shondells, I'm Gonna Make you Love Me/Diana Ross & Supremes & The Temptations, B.J. Thomas' singing Hooked on a Feeling, Brooklyn Bridge's Worst that Could Happen and Elvis with If I Could Dream plus so many more outstanding sounds from the month of January 1969

On The 60s Official Site, on our monthly show Soundtrack of the 60s, DJ Neal Stevens plays the popular songs from this month January 1969. These are the songs you listened to on the radio back then. You can listen to it now by clicking here. This popular show and great music will remain on the website until February 1 when we will zoom back to another year with a featured month of February.

What Happened to Christmas as I Remember It?

2011-12-10T04:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas time is my favorite time of the year. As we age we look more back in time and instead of forward. I think the reason for this is that our memories of fun events are etched more vividly in our memory bank when we were young. I recall living in Ohio during the 50s & 60s how we hoped and prayed for a White Christmas. It just did not seem like Christmas unless it snowed. Maybe it was Bing Crosby song and movie "White Christmas" that made us wish for it. I also remember the TV shows that had a Santa Claus that read letters from young boys and girls and on Christmas Eve you would see him pack his bag and turn out the lights to end that year's show. You knew he was on his way that night to your house to bring the goodies. Do you remember special Christmas programs during the season. Never were the shows called holiday shows. These special presentations added so much more to the excitement of the season. You see a few of these programs now but not many. Why? I know but you figure it out.

I recall the Christmas season was truly a great time of charity and love and I believe it still is with one exception. The assault from minority section of the population is something we never experienced during the 1960s. Christmas Day is a federal holiday and has been since 1870 when President Ulysses D. Grant made it a legal holiday.

I recall how the expression Merry Christmas was given with no hesitation not too long ago. I also remember how we celebrated the season in our schools with musical assemblies. Christmas decorations including the Nativity scene were seen throughout the city without a complaint. Today it is norm to try to remove a special meaning of the celebration when it offends just a few persons. that over 90% of the U.S. population recognizes. I believe in freedom of religion not freedom from.

Controversy and criticism continues in the present-day, where some Christian and non-Christians have claimed that an affront to Christmas (dubbed a "war on Christmas" by some) is ongoing. In the United States there has been a tendency to replace the greeting Merry Christmas with Happy Holidays. Groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union have initiated court cases to bar the display of images and other material referring to Christmas from public property, including schools. Such groups argue that government-funded displays of Christmas imagery and traditions violate the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits the establishment by Congress of a national religion. In 1984, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Lynch vs. Donnelly that a Christmas display (which included a Nativity scene) owned and displayed by the city of Pawtucket, Rhode Island did not violate the First Amendment but in November 2009, the Federal appeals court in Philadelphia endorsed a school district's ban on the singing of Christmas carols. What a shame. We sang them in our school as part of the Christmas program. Today due to trying not to offend anybody, the Christmas vacation iss now called Winter Break in the public schools.

In the private sphere also, it has been alleged that any specific mention of the term "Christmas" or its religious aspects was being increasingly censored, avoided, or discouraged by a number of advertisers and retailers. In response, the American Family Association and other groups have organized boycotts of individual retailers. In the United Kingdom there have been some minor controversies, one of the most famous being the temporary promotion of the Christmas period as Winterval by Birmingham City Council in 1998. There were also protests in November 2009 when the city of Dundee promoted its celebrations as the Winter Night Light festival, initially with no specific Christmas references.

The attack has also gone to cable TV on Comedy Central on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart who in most cases has no appeal to the baby boomers. His appeal is for the younger generation who seem to admire him and look at his show as real news. It has become a pitiful situation when he sells what he shovels as news and comedy.

I remember the smiles, the laughter, the wide eyes of amazement from the young children, beautiful decorations and more importantly the real reason we celebrate Christmas, My God help us never to forget what we are celebrating and help us defend the true meaning of Christmas and our right to celebrate it. Merry Christmas to all even to non believers.

Recalling November 1966

2011-11-05T05:42:00.000-07:00

I had just graduated from high school in June and still not sure what path to take. I was torn between college, working and the military but in November 1966 I made a road trip to a Kansas college with a friend who wanted to see his girlfriend whom I had graduated with. I did not seek permission from home and my parents reported me missing after a couple of days.

My friend and I stayed in the dorm room of one student we met while there. I immediately got a taste of college life without attending a class at that time of my life. I do recall waiting outside a building for my friend's girlfriend to come out and an attractive girl came by and kissed me passionately and said "Hello Adam, awww, you are not Adam." Shockingly but with a smile I could only say "I can be."

At any rate we made it home through a snow storm with the Ohio Highway Patrol looking for us. On the way home Big Bear Supermarkets called my home and wanted me to start work the next day. Which I began my job a couple of days late as the frozen foods manager. I left JC Penneys for Big Bear Supermarkets for more money. Less than a year later I will be in Vietnam.

November 1966 events were going all around me without notice but I do remember that actor Ronald Reagan was elected Governor of California and the big news was Edward Brooks of Massachusetts becoming the first African-American elected to the Senate since Reconstruction. Being from Ohio the re-trial of the Sam Sheppard case was the big news. He was acquitted this time around. It was also the basis for TV series of "The Fugitive." Similarity was the fact Sam Sheppard's wife, Marilyn had been murdered and he had been convicted the first time in 1954. The second time around he was defended by F. Lee Bailey.

Music was great that month as was the entire year of 1966. Great songs like 96 Tears by ? & The Mysterians, Poor Side of Town with Johnny Rivers, Jimmy Ruffin's What Becomes of the Brokenhearted and Reach Out I'll Be There by The Four Tops just to name a few.

This month on Soundtrack of the 60s on The 60s Official Site, DJ Neal Stevens plays the songs we listened to in November 1966. A great year and a great month of memories.

I Remember October 1968

2011-10-17T04:36:00.000-07:00

Looking back to October 1968 the one event that remains etched in my mind is the Detroit Tigers defeating the St Louis Cardinals 4 games to 3 in the World Series. Also the Vietnam war waged on as I was there in Phu Bai, RVN when Armed Forces Radio carried the news that because of progress in the Paris peace talks, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced to the nation that he has ordered a complete cessation of "all air, naval, and artillery bombardment of North Vietnam" effective November 1. Perhaps the war's end was in sight and we could come home and now we know it lasted another 5 years.

The Olympics were being held in Mexico City and black American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos raise their arms in a black power salute after winning, respectively, the gold and bronze medals in the Olympic men's 200 meters.

It was a very trying time where violent protests of the Vietnam War were being waged as young men were dying in Vietnam but also there were positive happenings as well. Apollo program: NASA launches Apollo 7, the first manned Apollo mission (Wally Schirra, Donn Eisele, Walter Cunningham). Mission goals include the first live television broadcast from orbit and testing the lunar module docking maneuver.

The music of the era was beginning to change to a more heavy guitar influenced rock. During October of 1968, the top songs of the month were: Hey Jude by the Beatles, Fire by The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, People Got to be Free by The Rascals, Hush by Deep Purple, Time Has Come Today by the Chamber Brothers and Midnight Confessions by The Grass Roots. Hey Jude was to become the top hit for the entire 60s decade. The song credit to Lennon-McCartney. The song evolved what was suppose to be Hey Jules to comfort Lennon's son during his parents divorce. This classic hit from the Beatles actually was released in August 1968 and remained at #1 for nine weeks. It was the first single recorded on the Beatles' Apple Label.

You can listen to the best of October 1968 by checking out Soundtrack of the 60s. Each month Neal spins the best of the current month and a year from the 60s decade plus your requests and dedications.

August 1963 Rocks as I Remember It

2011-08-07T04:43:00.000-07:00

The summer of 1963 was the break between my freshman and sophomore year of high school and much of it remains etched in my memory. The Vietnam issue was beginning to take focus. Although our presence was only minimal as only advisers, the country started to make headlines. At the time I did not know where or what Vietnam was. The country was demonstrating anti-American sentiment and monk Buddhists were committing suicides by burning themselves in protest of Ngo Dinh Diem's government. We know the rest of the story as the years progressed. All of this did not matter to me as I was more interested in my world of Circleville, Ohio. We were a small town but it was the entire world to me and my friends.

I do recall the Kingsmen's song Louie Louie was released and was labeled obscene by many radio stations. The song was not obscene and it leaped up on the charts to the top position because of those rumors. Kids our age just loved to give our parents fits as we made them think it was raunchy. Even if it did contain the lyrics suggested, it would be very tame compared to what the kids listens to today.

As far as televison goes, do you recall the TV show What's My Line on CBS? Hosted by John Charles Daly and with panelists Dorothy Kilgallen, Arlene Francis, and Bennett Cerf, On August 8, the Kingston Trio were the mystery guests. I recall my mother would not miss an episode of that show so since we only had one TV I was forced to watch that show.

Another great event of the month, looking at it in a teenager' prospective, was the release of Alan Sherman's #2 hit Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah. Of course there were other great hits for the month which consisted of Fingertips by Stevie Wonder, My Boyfriend's Back by the Angels, Martha & the Vandellas' hit Heatwave and of course the Tyme's classic So Much in Love.

The most significant historical event was Martin Luther King Jr's I Have a Dream Speech delivered in Washington DC on August 28, 1963 during the civil rights movement. It has been labeled one of the best if not the best oratories of all time.

We remember August 1963 on Soundtrack of the 60s of the 60s Official Site as DJ Neal Stevens plays the hits from that month and delivers the key headlines of that period. Join him to share some of the fun this month as he plays the same songs you listened to in August 1963.

Remembering July 1965

2011-07-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

The summer of 1965, July to be specific was a very memorable month not only for music but events that eventually shaped our country. An event that took place back in July 1965 is now causing debate and concerns if it in fact can remain solvent. President Lyndon Baines Johnson signed Medicare into law on July 30, 1965 and which took effect in 1966.

On July 2, 1965 the President ordered an increase in troop level in Vietnam by 125,000 and he raised the montly draft call from 17,000 to 35,000.

On July 27 U.S., the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act was signed into law. The law required health warnings on all cigarette packages. The warning had little or no affect initially after the law was signed as cigarette sales continued to skyrocket. At that time they sold for around 25 cents a pack.

I never smoked other than an occasional cigar later in life so my mind was more occupied with girls and the great music of the times. The month of July brought us (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction by the Rollings Stones. This song was number one four of the five chart weeks. Great music, great times and one of the best decades to have grown up.

Other great music right off the Billboard charts for July 1965 was The Four Tops I Can't Help Myself, Back in My Arms Again, by the Supremes, and who can forget The Beach Boys singing Help Me Rhonda? Also on the charts was a song initially recorded in 1960 and withheld from his LP and released in 1965 as a single. It was none other than Elvis Presley's Crying in the Chapel. Some other great memories we tuned our transistor radios to were Wooly Bully, Cara Mia, Mr. Tambourine Man, and Yes, I'm Ready.

Yes summer of 1965 was a great summer with some of the best music ever recorded but then again wasn't the whole decade loaded with great music?

You can listen to all of these marvelous songs and plus many more at Soundtrack of the 60s where Neal Stevens spins the best music ever recorded. This month he features July 1965.

Altamont Augie

2011-06-07T10:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received the book "Altamont Augie" from author Richard Barager. I began reading it as soon as I opened the package and finished the novel this morning. What a ride!!! Being a Vietnam War veteran it awoke many forgotten memories of that time in history that many of us tried to forget. Nonetheless one of the best books about the sixties, Vietnam War, the culture and the events of that period of time.

The author succeeds in bringing to life fictional characters woven into true life events during the turbulent sixties. This story takes us through the battle of Khe Sahn in Vietnam to a Midwestern campus split between hate and support for the war. This story details the undying love between two college students who are so different . The roller coaster ride continues with each page you turn. I could not put the book down and wanted more.

Definitely first rate and highly recommended. A theatrical movie should be made from this book. Thank you Richard for sharing this with me.

The Month is June 1964

2011-06-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

School is out and as far as I was concerned summer had already started. I had just finished my sophmore year of high school and summer vacation was here. Baseball, foil ball, wiffle ball, pool time and hanging out with friends were going to lead to a great summer.

How was I to know that the month of June 1964, my favorite radio stations of WCOL of Columbus and WHK of Cleveland would be playing some of the best music of the year? The month kicked off on June 1st when The Rolling Stones arrived in the U.S. for their first American tour. I remember them appearing on Hollywood Palace on June 13 which for that show was hosted by Dean Martin, and my mother saying how unkempt and diry looking the Stones were. They still sounded great to me. Also during the month of June the Beatles released their LP "A Hard Day's Night." A great summer indeed!

The Senate passed the Civil Rights Bill on June 20, 1964 and later that month Jan & Dean released one of my favorites "Little Old Lady from Pasadena".

Watching American Bandstand continued throughout the summer and on June 6th, Brenda Holloway performed "Every Little Bit Hurts." I didn't have my driver's license because I was only 15 and only one friend had his so all us cruised in his 1950 Chevy. Memories galore duirng June 1964.

Neal Stevens of Soundtrack of the 60s for the month of June is playing those great songs of June 1964.

Vibration of the Nation Continues - May 1968

2011-05-02T06:09:00.000-07:00

This month I am looking back at the month and year of May 1968. Do you recall what was going on in your life during that month and year? It is very difficult to pinpoint exactly unless there was an event that was very memorable and you stored it away in your memory bank to be recalled whenever you like.

I do recall the music and events that happened during that period. The Vietnam War was at its highest point as more and more Americans disapproved of our involvement as protests continued across the country. On May 10, Vietnam peace talks began in Paris between the U.S. and North Vietnam and we know what that went and the number one song across the nation was Bobby Goldsboro's "Honey." The day following that Richard Harris released a song written by Jim Webb, "McArthur's Park." To me that was a real dumb song but with a nice melody.

On May 14, the Beatles announce formation of Apple Corporation and on May 15 McCartney and Lennon appeared on Johnny Carson's Tonight's Show to promote Apple Records with Joe Garagiola as substitute host. Do your remember that?

May 25, 1968 The Rolling Stones released "Jumpin Jack Flash" and the number one song of the week was "Tighten Up" by Archie Bell and The Dwells.

If you are a baseball fan of the San Diego Padres then you will be interested to know that the National League granted San Diego a franchise on May 28.

The music of that month was outstanding as was most of the music of the 60s era. You can listen to the top songs being played on the radio during that month and year at Soundtrack of the 60s for this month only. Neal Stevens, the DJ for The 60s Official Site spins them and gives you his insight on the music and of course the news of that month and year.

That wraps it up for this month, May 1968.