Hey there folks, Rob K here. Long time listener, first time blogger. I've never blogged before, so it may take a few entries to get in rhythm.
As Rob B. said, the tour had been going well, but damn, it's been cold! A balmy 30 degrees today in Cleveland. It's nice to be warm again.
Not sure what my topics will be as we go forward, but today I thought I would talk about some of the cooler aspects of being on the road.
One of the best things about being on the road is the opportunity to see some of the great historic places around the country. Yesterday was a banner day on that front. As you see in the picture, I made the pilgrimage to the historic Motown studios. What a treat!! Jeff Mattson and I went over before soundcheck, (we raved about it so much, Dino ended up going over later in the day), and it was truly mind blowing. To stand in the "snakepit", studio A, home of the Funk Brothers. 14,000 songs were recorded in that studio. Every Motown hit up to 1972, I believe was created right in that little room. You could feel the vibe oozing from the place. All of the original recording equipment is still in there. The 1870's Steinway piano that played on every Motown hit is still in the corner, as well as the vibraphone, B-3 organ and a few of the drums.
I am a huge fan of Motown, not just because of the music, but also because of the way Barry Gordy started with a vision, and an 800 dollar loan, and turned it into an empire. At one point Motown owned every building on the block, using them all for different aspects of the business. Motown also came along at the perfect time to aid in the changing times of society. It became a bridge to help integrate black and white society and culture, and that importance should never be lost. Really the only negative I see from Motown, is the lack of fame and financial gain for the musicians themselves. Most of them were paid very, very little for making some of the greatest music of all time. They finally got some recognition with a movie about 10 years ago. Unfortunately it was too late for some of them to enjoy it. Today only 3 of the original Funk Brothers are alive.
If any one reading this has not seen the film "Standing in the Shadows of Motown", that is your homework assignment. Thank you for indulging my ramblings. I am open to suggestions on how to do this better and even on fielding questions you may have for us. PEACE
I loved the 2008 film Cadillac Records. It depicted the rise of Chess Records as well as the love affair between Leonard Chess and Etta James. Great movie! I wil have to check out Standing in the Shadows of Motown as well. I did see the Supremes in Atlantic City when I was a kid!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the history lesson Professor....:)
ReplyDeleteYour fans here in Indy miss you. Do you foresee a stop here in your fall tour? Glad to see you blogging. Wishing you peace and health on the road. May the schwarts be with you!
ReplyDeleteS
Right on Rob, I can't help much with blog critique as I'm just converting from VHS and Records to laser disc and cassette. :) But of course I'll provide some my 2 cents anyhow. I say, do it, say it, play it, etc from the heart and with that, I have a feeling you can't go wrong. Anyhow Motown fan as well, sounded like you guys saw some real cool old school Americana. And Ya Rob, you're right. This lifetime of devotion we choose, we know, and love is not about just seeing parking lots and sports arenas around the county. It's about the treasures along the road. Exactly for the reason you point out, my crew H.W.A (Hippies with Attitudes) documents the amazing places you and the other bands carrying the Grateful Dead torch take us. Coney Island was a trip, with the Wonder Wheel, the Cyclone, Freak shows, etc. H.W.A would never see this stuff. Well not to offend any New Yorkers, but I wouldn't go to Coney Island, unless there was a real reason. So there are so many stories like this to be told, but thanks for keeping our journey alive and "Hell ya, I'm enjoyin' the ride".
ReplyDeletePeace Lenny,
P.S. Rob K, …..KEEP ON BLOGGIN..baby!