Dad always spun Johnny Cash records and mom sang with Perry Como, Paul Anka, Chet Akins, Roy Clark and so many more talented artists. From Elvis to Old Blue Eye’s we have them on 45, 33 and 78. I laughed along with Alan Sherman, Bill Cosby and The Smothers Brothers.

I never really had the ear for music until one day I watched A HARD DAYS NIGHT, it was on TV late night PBS. I was hooked. Dad told me – ” Lar, the Beatles are the best – not only can they sing, and perform as a group – but they are each excellent writers – and each one alone is a super talent unto them self.”

I didn’t quite know what Dad meant then – but I learned over time the impact of these guys… I think they are from another world really- because this was a once in a lifetime synergy. Now I know why Dad brought his 1965 Epiphone Granda Guitar – it was almost just like John’s Epiphone Casino- and I still have it. He loved them too.

Did they do drugs? did they party? – of course. What artist doesn’t – who cares – look at the music they left the world with and the legacy and fond memories. They re-invented themselves as the times changed. And each incarnation got better and more sophisticated as technology in music changed- they made the rules and broke them !

Truly in my heart I believe the world needs their music more than ever – I wish the leaders of the world would listen to the messages in many of the songs- LOVE PEACE KINDNESS UNDERSTANDING EACH OTHER – and 100% rock-n-superchaged FUN. We may learn something very profound about humanity from their poetry.

I know of many artists that inspired them- the Great Roy Orbison, Little Richard, Buddy Holly, Elvis, The Big Bopper, Bill Haley, Chuck Berry- all had a huge influence on them – but once they arrived BAM!! It was BEATLEMANIA for many.

Dad was right – I wish he was here now at the 50th anniversary to see how important they are to our world still. But I know he’s up there listening with George and John – YEAH YEAH YEAH !!!

Like them or not – BEATLES FOREVER !