The 1969 Soundtrack!

“Live your truth. Express your love. Share your enthusiasm. Take action towards your dreams. Walk your talk. Dance and sing to your music. Embrace your blessings. Make today worth remembering.”
~ Steve Maraboli

Today is another look back at the soundtrack of many of our teenage lives … for me, it just happened to be the end of those teenage years. It was, as the final song indicated, also the end of the age of innocence.
We heard a lot of great music, including a few songs some of you may have never heard (but that was your fault, not mine.) 🙂
From mumbled promises, mongrel pianos, salty dogs, burnin’ heartaches, and a Bally table king to discovering the wonder of Stevie, ruby throated sparrows, smiling on your brother, and a lot more, this is the music that was wafting through the air.

Play button is on the left … Volume slider is on the right

The 1969 Medley

The Who – Simon & Garfunkel – Crosby, Stills & Nash
Beatles – Stevie Wonder – Cream – CCR
Three Dog Night – Procol Harum – Guess Who
Led Zeppelin – Youngbloods – Rolling Stones

Comments (20)

  1. Barbara Brill

    A classic choice Ray as the music speaks to the anger, confusion, love and hope of the time. In those two short years (’68-’70) the change in our lives was incredible … we left the innocent cocoon of our small town and entered the real world and it was not always pretty. It was a wild ride but we held on and grew up quickly … this week you’ve given us all an opportunity to look back to our youth … and you’ve reminded us of our strength. We are survivors! Thanks for that…. Stay well and stay safe …

    1. Ray (Post author)

      Thanks, Barbara. You have encapsulated the era perfectly all week long. 🙂

  2. Donna

    Yup we were changing, the World was changing and as always it was reflected in our music. Innocence was fading as we learned what it means to be an adult. Thanks for another great trip down musical memory lane.
    Hubby is curious where you were stationed as he was also in the Air Force. He was stationed in Plattsburgh.
    Happy melodies to you today and always.

    1. Ray (Post author)

      Thank you, Donna.

      I never left Lackland. After completing basic training, I was discharged with what turned out to be an incorrect diagnosis of arthritis of the spine. I was told I would be in a wheelchair by the time I was 30. I’m almost 70 and I’m still walking!

  3. Wendyl

    I’ve loved listening to the soundtrack of your youth and coming of age. I’ve loved listening to it for as long as I can remember which is why it is part of me and so dear to my heart. I’ve also recognized how listening to the songs I learned through you makes me smile because it’s like being with you. Being with you as the young girl with headphones and a harmonica and being with you as a woman who adores her Daddy and all the ways you have blessed my life. Thanks for all of it! I love you so much! XOXOXOXO

    1. Ray (Post author)

      Dear Wendyl … Watching you grow up with an appreciation for music has been so rewarding. We did spend hours and hours listening together and those are times I will never forget. In a way, putting medleys together allowed me the opportunity to continue those days of a young girl hanging with her old man; watching her identify which Beatle was singing a particular song (and never being wrong), and as time passed, listening together to songs by her “heroes” of the late 70s and into the 80s.
      It has all been a wonderful trip. You have blessed my life in ways you cannot begin to imagine.
      I Love You
      XOXOXOXO

  4. Dale

    Wow #maryclayton … Ty Ray

    1. Ray (Post author)

      Ms. Clayton ripped that vocal, Dale. It still gives me chills.

  5. Don Doyle

    Ray you have sure rounded up all the usual suspects here. What a lineup! The first thing I noticed was the length of the songs. The first 3 selections totaled over 15 minutes. Quite a change from what had been the industry standard of less than 3 minutes. I remember Light my Fire & American Pie as being among the early songs to promote the increased length. I also remember that the new FM Underground stations embraced this change and we were off to the races. I found Frequentcy Modulation and never looked back! DJs that played what they wanted and it was just what I wanted. Freedom of the air waves, a novel concept then and even now. Dylan’s lyrical influence became more and more apparent and groups like Procol Harum flourished. Great memories Ray. Thank you for putting together this set. Once again you have transported me back to my youth and reminded me of how important the music was in keeping me sane and directed. Ray you are the Man! Keep on Rockin’ my brother.

    1. Ray (Post author)

      Thanks, Don.
      AS the sixties came to an end, the entire theme of music changed. I refer to it as “grown up” music. The “June and Moon” pop days were drifting away and songs with meaningful lyrics were taking over. And yeah, the length of songs expanded greatly as musicians stretched their muscles. FM radio sure had a lot to do with that. So did The Beatles, with Hey Jude in late 1968.
      It was a grand time!
      ROCK ON, MY BROTHER!

  6. Sandy Gaither

    Oh my gosh 1969, that was a great year! The birth of my third and final son and child, was greeted with all of this wonderful music. Here I was a young mother of three sons, still rockin! And now all these many years later I’m still loving this music just like I did Wayback when it was new. I remember my parents hated the music they thought it was Obscene. How dare they!! Thank you so much Ray for taking us on another journey back in time to capture some of those old feelings that we had when we heard these the first time, and the patience that you take to make sure every set is so perfect for us. You are a marvel and the best!

    1. Ray (Post author)

      Thank you so much, Sandy! 🙂
      I managed to fit in the birth years of your three sons all in one week! That must have made the memories even sweeter.
      My mother didn’t mind the music but my father agreed with your parents … How dare they? 😉
      Your comments ALWAYS make me smile.
      ROCK THE DAY, MS. SUNSHINE! ❤️

  7. Fred

    Had to share this Ray!! Your opening says it all!! Love ya!!

    1. Ray (Post author)

      Thanks for sharing this, Fred. Love ya right back! ❤️

  8. Penny

    Another great one … LOVE IT!! again song from the Youngbloods speaks volumes for todays world. Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together try to love one another right now!! Who would know all those years ago how the music would be so spot on in todays world???
    Have a wonderful day Ray!!!

    1. Ray (Post author)

      Thank you, Penny. 🙂
      I tried to end the medley on mixed notes; the Youngbloods song which espoused love for our fellow man, and the Stones song about violence, which was, of course, the other side of the coin. Gimme Shelter is also very relevant to today’s world … sadly.
      Ooh, see the fire is sweepin’
      Our streets today
      Burns like a red coal carpet
      Mad bull lost its way

      I’m very happy you enjoyed the medley, and as always, I love your comments!
      Rock The Day, Ms. Flip-Flop ❤️

  9. Marty

    I keep thinking this may be my favorite medley Ray has treated us to. Today’s medley of ‘69 tuned is among those favorites.
    Enjoyed reading the article about Led Zeppelin, and many others, performing in the Albany area. Thanks Pat Kelly!
    I wonder how many remember the Guess Who playing at the Duck Inn? It wasn’t Led Zeppelin however we’re are talking about the Duck Inn in Springfield. So much great music from that era and we appreciate you providing reminders how good it really was.

    1. Ray (Post author)

      Thanks, Marty, it’s comments like yours that make my efforts so worthwhile. I sincerely appreciate them … and you.

  10. Hawthorne Mary

    Wore out lots of vinyl on these tunes.
    Didn’t recognize the Procal Harum tune, although Whiter Shade of Pale is a fave and even saw them in concert…

    1. Ray (Post author)

      Thanks, Mary Helen 🙂
      Salty Dog was one of my favorite songs by Procol Harum but Whiter Shade of Pale was certainly better. It’s probably one of my favorite top ten songs of all time. Unfortunately, it was released in ’67, not ’69.
      I’m happy you enjoyed it!

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