Meet the Musical Icons In my Book "Absolutely Hutely" Part 2

Greetings, One thing that has become clear about Classic Rock Bands is that they changed personnel often. Blood Sweat & Tears has had numerous alumni as did Steppenwolf who I showcased in my first blog. The Byrds were no exception. Another thing that has been common among great bands in the Rock-n-Roll era is that they covered songs previously written, and sometimes recorded, by incredible singer/songwriters. The Beatles covered Little Richard, Barry Gordy, and Buddy Holly songs early on; although, their original prowess was extraordinary very early in their careers. We do and must "Stand on the shoulders of giants" if we are to understand the genre we hope to expand. The Byrds, like the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and the Turtles scored big hits by standing on the shoulders of praise-worthy predecessors. The Byrds flight-of-fame was influenced by Folk legends. Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man" was their breakout hit in January of 1965. "All I really want to do" and other Folk anthems would follow. Every member of the original Byrds, which consisted of Roger McGuinn, Michael Clark, David Crosby, and Chris Hillman had a good a resume. McGuinn was a bit of a teenage sensation with the Chad Mitchel Trio. Their past and future histories would be well documented. Needless to say, they all went on to other successful ventures. Crosby, Stills & Nash is a good example of this. But to answer the question as to why they appear in my book is my main focus here. In " Mr. Space Man," McGuinn seemingly wakes up in a dream the way Dan does in "Absolutely Hutely." His visitors are from another world, time, or plane of existence. However, McGuinn and the boys say "I hope they get home all right," and they even want to go with the aliens. Thaletos and Codrus see the future in my book and they are concerned for the safety of others as well. Whether they consider Hutely and I aliens, or not, is covered in the book. Hopefully, they behave themselves. Moving on, and not a minute too soon, the Byrds score a huge hit by covering a Pete Seeger song. Seeger adapted the song "Turn, Turn, Turn," from the Book of Ecclesiastes. My older brother, Bobby, sent me a copy of "The Essential Pete Seeger." Seeger had an evangelical Folk wisdom that I felt the Byrds inherited. "Jesus Is Just Alright" and "From A Distance" continue in this spiritual, musical tradition. "Going Back," which was written by Goffin and King, reflects a lesson Dan must learn. The Oracle of Delphi and Hutely help Dan go back. "I think I'm going back to the things I learned so well in my youth." Dan revisits his distant, courageous past and realizes "A little bit of courage is all we lack." As an adult he realizes "Now there's more to do than watch my silver climb." Taurus's treachery exemplifies this lesson. Crosby's "Lady Friend" drives home Robert Bly's "Girl with the golden hair" lesson in "Iron John." Crosby writes: "Here it comes again the last wave," which I interpret as being the lonely darkness of nightfall, "and I'm so far away from shore." Dan feels the same way in romance, and he needs solid ground to rest his infatuated heart. Crosby concludes "I'm gonna have to live without her and survive." I mention "Chestnut Mare" because of my love for animals. Dan learns how humans benefited by observing animals over the years. Roger longed for a "Fine lady" to give his brand. Dan gets Hutely, and that's exactly what he needs to understand the true ways of the world. Till next time, Dan Tilley.