In such a short amount of time we have lost three true music greats, Tom T. Hall, Charlie Watts and Don Everly. These three have each left an incredible musical legacy and it would not feel right not to pay tribute to any of them.
When I have talked to other people about country music, one of the most common compliments towards the genre I have heard is that they like that the music tells a story. When it comes to telling stories through music you can not do better than "The Storyteller" himself Tom T. Hall. Perhaps the only one who can best him in this department is the master himself, Hank Williams Sr. Other than that Tom was on a level all his own. Whether he was telling a silly and funny story, a heartfelt and emotional one, or one that featured his unique brand of social commentary, the lyrics and stories to these songs are just as important (if not more so) to his fans as the music and his voice.
Bob Dylan once said “The Rolling Stones are truly the greatest rock and roll band in the world and always will be. The last too. Everything that came after them, metal, rap, punk, new wave, pop-rock, you name it... you can trace it all back to the Rolling Stones. They were the first and the last and no one's ever done it better.” High praise indeed. Though The Rolling Stones were not there at the birth of rock and roll, for many of us they defined the image of what a rock band is and should be. They are also one of the few bands to be around for so many decades without becoming old hat or irrelevant. You can find so many young people today, who may not have a great knowlege of 1960's rock and roll but who are unabashed fans of the Stones. Though Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are the members who get the most attention, drummer Charlie Watts was hugely important to their sound. Charlie was not one of the flashiest drummers and in fact his drumming often does not call attention to itself. But it is so perfect in its subtleties that the songs would have never been the same without Charlie. Just listen closely to what he does on songs like Get Off of My Cloud, Under My Thumb and many others and you will understand just how good he was.
I have been a fan of 1950's rock and roll most of my life and of course with this I love the Everly Brothers. Taking their incredible harmonies, great songwriting and the deceptive simplicity of their music, The Everly Brothers stood as one of the most unique and powerful forces in early rock and roll. Their music was equal parts fun and touching and for many music fans they move something deep inside musical lovers. Their music has left an impact on not only the world of rock and roll but country and folk as well.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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