Blast from YOUR Past: Writing a Living Legacy ™

This is one of those rare times that I can write one article for both of my primary blogs (Penchant for Penning and Blast from Your Past) – love it! Am I lazy? Probably. But let’s call it an efficient use of time. J Either way, my plan is to remind you that your life is important …

In this day and age of prolific publishing and everyone-is-an-author era, we still often forget to write what matters most at “The End.”

This was brought to my attention as I wrote the first book in my series, Blast from Your Past! Rock & Roll Radio DJs: the First Five Years 1954-1959. About halfway through, I realized I was helping these men and women leave a legacy for their descendants. Most would likely never write an autobiography. In telling their anecdotal behind-the-microphone tales, I am also leaving a legacy of my own – one that gives back to others. The realization pleased and humbled me.

Autobiographies of us “ordinary” people are rarely written. Do you think they’re only for famous folks or the fleeting, extra-ordinary events that pop up in life? Think again.

I’m talking about “Writing a Living Legacy”™ …

With the share-ability of the Internet, we are no longer stifled with just one book that truncates our lives at “The End.” In a Living Legacy, long after you have written your last word, future generations can laugh with you, cry with you, exclaim at your antics … and add their own.

Happy 50th Anniversary-The Kingsmen’s “Louie Louie”! BFYP’s Mike Korgan, Producer

Memories, Music & Mike!

It’s International “Louie Louie” Day!* “OK! Let’s give it to ‘em … right now!”

Alright, granted, I’m writing this less than two hours before midnight (beer in hand), but I posted early this morn on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter – what?! You didn’t see it?!

And here, I thought everyone followed Blast from Your Past … Riiiight … like everyone follows your social networks, too. Wow, we are all soooo self-absorbed these days. I’ll follow you, if you’ll follow me. LOL!

Let’s trip down Memory Lane to a simpler kinda life. What a magical musical time, the Sixties.

Moving Out … Moving Up … Movin’ On

However you want to say it, I’m outta there! Made a move from an apartment over a 24/7 highway to a quiet, residential, tree-lined neighborhood. Ahhhhh … silence is truly golden.

I hate moving. Who doesn’t? The act itself is agonizing – and more so, the older you are. “Dem bones” don’t like that much backbreaking activity!

It wasn’t a totally positive move, but one that needed to be made; and now that I’m mostly settled, I can feel the music of moving … in so many songs … for so many different reasons. Join me on a romp down BFYP’s Memory Lane as we find all kinds of musical reasons to move out, move up and move on …

WFDU-FM’s The Vintage Rock & Pop Shop ROCKS!

Yipes! So much for resolutions, vows, priorities … whatever name you want to give those first-of-the-year dedications to organization and turning over New Year leaves.

I blew it already – totally missed January’s article! Ah, the story of my life. I’ve missed a lot of fun while trying to deal with life’s frustrating anomalies.

BUT fun is IN for February! Blast from Your Past is having another special to help support The Vintage Rock &Pop Shop – the fun and entertaining 1950s/’60s nostalgia show hosted by Ghosty on WFDU-FM!

New Jersey’s Farleigh Dickinson University operates WFDU-FM 89.1, a public broadcast radio station, on which several shows are featured. February is their annual fundraising month, and to keep Ghosty’s show on the air for another year, we need to head on over and donate to the cause – let’s keep Rockin’ On!

Wolfman Jack Turns 75, National DJ Day & Half-Price Books!

New York’s “Cousin Brucie” began his pre-1960 radio career at ZBM/Bermuda. It was an eye-opener for both of them.

Before Ron Riley became everyone’s fave DJ at WLS/Chicago, he suffered through stints as “Polka Ron” (WKRS/Waukeegan) and “Smiley Riley” (WAPL/Appleton). Oh, we were so sappy back then.

DJ Frosty Mitchell’s 1950s Swing Club on Iowa TV.

But we had fun! Join us in hilarious reverie with Blast from Your Past! Rock & Roll Radio DJs: the First Five Years 1954-1959 in an enhanced and expanded ebook edition (Amazon), and half price signed print books from the Blast from Your Past website. Let’s turn back the clock and revel in behind-the-microphone stories of fifteen early Rock & Roll Radio DJs!

In 1954 newbie television’s vice-grip tightened on radio’s audiences, stole its shows, and introduced color. But a fresh attitude bubbled under radio’s airwaves. Then it happened – the unmistakable beat burst its bubble and Rock & Roll rescued Radio!

Fifty-nine years later we not only celebrate National Disc Jockey Day* on January 20^th, but the very next day we get to reminisce about the antics and airchecks of Wolfman Jack, the consummate Rock & Roll DJ, as we commemorate what would have been his 75^th birthday! (January 21^st)

Who did you listen to besides Wolfman Jack, Ron, and Cousin Brucie? Check out BFYP’s “Book 1” Table of Contents – you’ll likely see at least one other name you’ll recognize. And if not, I guarantee you’ll still enjoy the trip down Memory Lane as we review the trials, tribulations and triumphs of a revolutionary five years in music history. Take a peek!

Let’s explore a little DJ history …

Need Holiday Dollars? Sell the Clutter in your Closet!

In September we talked about Boomers buying and selling their youth. Let’s take it a step further … what’s in your closet, garage or attic that you can reminisce over for a few minutes … and then let it go?

I ask because I’ve had to do that recently. Let’s face it – times are tough and some of us are looking around our homes with dollar signs layering over the memories. Is it time to de-clutter?

Whether it’s an act of necessity or simply a wish to un-clutter fifty years of stuff, there may come a time when you fondly run your hand over a fave teddy bear or beloved G.I. Joe action figure and say, “We’ve had a good time together – let someone else enjoy you.”

Remember George Carlin’s 1986 shtick about stuff? “That’s the whole meaning of life, trying to find a place to put your stuff.” Do you just have a “pile of stuff with a roof on it”? lol According to George that’s your house, of course.

Blast from Your Past’s Boomer Gift Guide – Let’s Rock!

As much as I’d like another eleven months before the Holidays take over, that isn’t going to happen. Sigh. And though I refuse to decorate or shop for Christmas until Thanksgiving Day, I shall not deprive you early-bird shoppers from great new Blast from Your Past Holiday Gift Packages!

I just finished updating the BFYP Boomer Gift Guide, and completed the pages for two exciting BFYP Custom Gift Packages that I hope you’ll think someone on your gift list can’t do without.

The first Gift Package has only FOUR available, so if you know someone who would love a replica Classic Car (scale model) and a copy of Blast from Your Past! Rock & Roll Radio DJs: the First Five Years 1954-1959 – along with a couple of other fun nostalgic items, click here to check them out.

I lucked into four cool Yafa Pen Special Edition Nostalgic Car collectibles from 2004 and paired them with a book, a reproduction Radio Music Survey and more, for only $27.95 (a $38 value). Choose from:
* 1955 Thunderbird convertible with royal blue metal-flake (remember those paint jobs?!)
* 1955 Thunderbird convertible in classic black
* 1957 “Fuelie” Corvette hardtop in hunter (Xmas!) green
* 1965 classic Mustang in hunter (Xmas!) green
Click here for more details, lots of pictures, and purchase your favorite. But hurry – when they’re gone, they’re gone! But there’s more gifting to be done …

The Many Faces of Wolfman Jack

January 21, 1938 ~ July 1, 1995
“Have Mercy, Baby!”

Wolfman Jack 1972 TV Time magazine

It’s Halloween month and no one loved Halloween and howling at the moon more than Wolfman Jack.

Some people are just larger-than-life. They exude personality and charisma in a way that makes many jealous and others swoon.

Frank Sinatra. Elvis. The Beatles. Sean Connery. Tom Cruise. (Oh, all right …) Justin Bieber. (I know they’re all guys … but guys don’t generally “swoon” over charismatic celebs … like Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, or Katy Perry.)

Radio DJ Jim Higgs with Wolfman Jack circa 1972

And then there was Wolfman Jack.

Collectibles – Big Boomer Business

Ever notice how “second-hand” has become “vintage” and “old” is now “collectible”? By trade, I’m a writer – I notice these things. As an eBay buyer / seller, it’s important to know the differences.

Peace-Love-and Rock & Roll!

And for Baby Boomers, it’s especially advantageous to have at least a passing knowledge about what has value that may be gathering dust in a garage or attic. After all, if you start digging out those old 1950s toys or 1960s music memorabilia, or peace signs from the 1970s, you might be able to fund your retirement!

Driving (Cruising!) Takes a Back Seat to Social Networking

Oh no, Joe, say it ain’t so! Cruisin’ is takin’ a bruisin’ and we may find we’re losin’ it forever to the new order of life.

What on God’s green Earth am I talking about? “Cruisin’ the Main,” baby … or for the too-young-to-know-what-it’s-about, cruising Main Street on a Friday or Saturday night in your ride. Man … those were the days!

Hip old talk aside, the popular pastime of the 1950s – 1970s or so, was known by several names: Cruisin’ the Strip, Cruisin’ Downtown, Cruisin’ the Drag, or as in my area, Cruisin’ the Main (Main Street).