We have another eclectic mix today as we start another week of memories.

We have music events that occurred on this date. That includes a memorable song from the Beatles that was recorded sixty years ago today, and a powerful recording on this date by Roy Orbison and k.d. lang. We have a song from a multiple Grammy Award winning album by Bob Dylan, released on this date, and an iconic song by Cream, which was also released on this date.

We have a two-song tribute to a singer celebrating his 89th birthday, and a closing song that may not have any meaning to you, but it speaks directly to me.

Oh, and then there’s a classic country music single released by Merle Haggard on this date in 1969. There has long been controversy about the meaning of Okie From Muskogee.

It could be viewed as a satire of small-town America and its reaction to the antiwar protests and counterculture seen in America’s larger cities. On the other hand, the song gave voice to a proud, strait-laced truck-driver type; a self-confessed “square” who is confused by such changes.
Haggard addressed the meaning of the song and his reason for writing it:

When I was in prison, I knew what it was like to have freedom taken away. Freedom is everything. During Vietnam, there were all kinds of protests. Here were these soldiers going over there and dying for a cause and here are these young kids that were free, bitching about it. America was at its peak, and what the hell did these kids have to complain about? These soldiers were giving up their freedom and lives to make sure others could stay free. I wrote the song to support those soldiers.“

Memories … That’s What We’re All About

Play buttons are on the left … Volume sliders are on the right

Your Monday Wake Up!

Beatles – Cream
Roy Orbison & k.d. lang
Paul Revere & The Raiders
Ben E. King – Merle Haggard
Johnny Mathis – Johnny Mathis
Bob Dylan