As I sit here watching the Inauguration ceremonies, like millions of other Americans, I cannot tell you how my emotions are swarming through my soul. An African-American being sworn in as our 44^th President of the United States is something I didn’t really believe I would see in my lifetime. I feel a sense of pride and although, admittedly, I did not vote for Mr. Obama because I thought like many Americans, he was not experienced enough to hold this high office.  

When he was elected though, he became my President and I decided to get behind him and the massive task he has before him. I want to contribute somehow, some way. I sympathize with him and being a leader, like the President, is not just a job, it is a massive responsibility which rebounds worldwide.  

I subscribe to the New York Post and it is delivered to my home daily. I have to stay in touch with New York and although Las Vegas is my hometown now, New York is in my blood. I came across a letter he wrote to his children and as I read it, I had a glimpse into his soul, I believe. I kind of knew this man had a vision. He envisions a dream for his children and for America. The letter was heartfelt and extremely earnest.  

To take time to write to his children alone is amazing and more than anything else, fatherly. Maybe he could be the one to lead our country when we need it most. Time will tell but what a jumpstart. Count me in President Obama. 

HISTORY WILL DECIDE, BY GEORGE 

I could not help but think how tough it is to relinquish the power of the Presidency as well. Our democracy is based on the nature of “change” when you think about it. Every four or eight years the President must step down. Our founding fathers envisioned this and wanted to avoid anyone retaining power for too long. They made sure it would change and as history has proven, sometimes for the better and sometimes, for the worst. 

In 1933 when Franklin D. Roosevelt took the oath of office, term limits for the Presidency did not exist. He served three consecutive terms as President. Congress decided to amend the Constitution limiting the Office of the President then, to two terms only. A new election became a mandate and opened the door to governmental change.  

I wonder what our history with say about George W. Bush? I suspect it will be far kinder than his critics have been lately. Giving credit where credit is due, we have to be mindful that during his terms, we have not been attacked on his watch. I don’t believe this was luck at all. It was his will to protect the United States was it was overpowering. I am, for one, grateful for his concentrated efforts to keep our country safe. Some way disagree with my appraisal and ultimately, history will let us know if George succeeded or not.                                                                

DÉJÀ VU ALL OVER AGAIN 

You gotta give credit to Yogi Berra. His comments and quips are the best. Our publicist, George Dassinger lives in the same town as the Yogi Berra Museum and has met him on a number of occasions. So we were talking about his comment, “Déjà vu all over again”. Not only does it have its own humor but it nails it, too.  

When you have been around as long as I have, you have seen it all and lived it many times over. I told George that in 1958, when I was 18 years old, Eisenhower was the President. We were in the throws of recession and the country was trying to pull itself out from the pain of the Korean War. Except for contemporary music, nothing seemed exciting to me. Music was a way to express ourselves and for me, the start of what I am today.  

The music then playing on radio said it all. From Jerry Lee Lewis, to Fats Domino, to Richie Valens, to Elvis Presley, to The Flamingos (“I Only Have Eyes For You”) and humbly Little Anthony & The Imperials (“Tears On My Pillow”) and oh so many others, hit radio was our way (or our generation’s) of expressing ourselves. All in all, as things have changed in 50 yeas, it still remains (kind of) the same.  

Here we are in another economic recession, coming out of the war in Iraq and guess what, one of the things holding us together, giving us expression, is our music. Maybe you aren’t a fan of today’s recording stars but keep in mind, like 50 years ago, those artists and radio “speak for a generation”. They will inherit the earth, you know?  

CLEVELAND ROCKS 

We are trying to put together in association with the Rock HOF, a special concert featuring Little Anthony & The Imperials a night or two prior to the induction concert on April 4th. Nothing is confirmed but we have left it in the capable hands of Steve Green, our booking agent. As soon as the date is confirmed, I will let you know.  

In the meantime, we will be performing at the Rock Hall on February 13^th as part of the concert series we do for the Hospitalized Vets volunteer group based in Prescott, AZ. If you wish more information on this show, please contact Frank Cimorelli/VA Concert Initiative at 928-848-7803 for details. I did write something previously, but the show is only weeks away, we are trying to make it a memorable show which ultimately benefits our hospitalized veterans. 

SALUTE TO OTHER HOF INDUCTEES 

I want to salute the other inductees: Metallica, Jeff Beck, Run D.M.C., Bobby Womack and Wanda Jackson. They also are inducting sidemen Bill Black, DJ Fontana and Spooner Oldham. This is an eclectic group of inductees but it defines the art form we call rock ‘n roll. Congratulations one and all and we honored to share the stage with you.