Revealed
Truths -
A column by music authority Michael Bell. Well-known in many (and often questionable)
circles around the country for his expertise on all things music, Bell is a self-taught master
with knowledge and insight into the music that represents and has
shaped and changed an entire generation.
His world-travel and obsession
for live-concerts in every venue, state and as many countries as possible may
have influenced his remarkable ability to hear vague nuance and veiled
meanings in a generation of rock and roll. Those most familiar with Bell suspect something a
little deeper.
Midwest roots factor into a quiet but
deep and certain passion, and on a particular, mostly lucky night in a small
town in Kansas, a night sometime in February of 1964, Bell’s most profound love affair began.
Waiting as usual for his parents to
settle in for an evening of television, he slipped into his usual spot in the
dark hallway just outside his bedroom, (where he was supposed to
be tucked-in and sleeping*), flattened against the wall and out of sight, he
watched the black-and-white TV around the backs of his twenty-nine year
old parent’s heads. Bell did not know then that his
already developing fascination with music would change forever just
seconds later when Ed Sullivan introduced George, John, Ringo and Paul
for the first time on American soil. Bell would never be the same. The rest,
as they say, is history.
You may agree or disagree with his
perspective. You may even think you know
more about music. Or you may just learn a thing or
two.
*Rumor has it that Bell’s much more obedient and less
appreciated younger sister spied him in the hallway that night.
Adamant that his shenanigans be rightfully exposed, she
repeatedly coughed and cleared her throat in hopes of a quick and extremely
painful capture of the sneaky culprit in the hall. As oft was the case
back in the day, her attempts failed and he snuck safely, although
changed, back to bed. (It's very likely she took a
beating for her efforts at a later time).
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