I've never paid much attention to the Hall of Fame, or even the Grammys, always assuming that my taste in music shouldn't be dictated by popularity polls, but upon seeing they had been nominated, I voted for the Moody Blues in this, the first year they had ever been so honored.
They seem like an obvious choice to me, even if their style doesn't fit the rebellious taunts and overamped guitar feedback often associated with "real" rockers.
Instead of jeans or glittery costumes, the Moody Blues dressed somewhat elegantly in slacks and sports coats, often with turtle necks, ruffled shirts or, alternatively, ties or ascots with dress-shirts.
Their greatest work includes thought-provoking lyrics, often reflecting an underlying album theme, and arrangements that included mellotron synthesized symphonic touches or even full orchestras.
One of their founding members and vocalists, Ray Thomas, was also a flautist, and his flute solo in "Nights In White Satin" is as recognizable as Jimmy Page's opening guitar riff in "Dancing Days," though obviously in a totally different musical vein.
Much of the time, however, Ray wasn't overly pensive. In fact, in many ways, he was the Ringo of the group, adding some musical levity to an otherwise serious concept album.
Much of the time, however, Ray wasn't overly pensive. In fact, in many ways, he was the Ringo of the group, adding some musical levity to an otherwise serious concept album.
Earlier this month, Ray passed away --- not entirely unexpectedly since he had battled prostate cancer for a few years --- but unfortunately before he could attend that upcoming ceremony.
Ray had turned 76 less than a week before he died.
When I first became enthralled by the Moody Blues, 76 seemed very old indeed, but now it seems too young to leave this world these days (of future past?).
I mean, that milestone is only twelve years away for me, and I have much more I want to do and see.
That limited lifespan is God's way of reminding us to appreciate each day.
We shouldn't put off indefinitely visiting the places we want to see.
While the next experience may take us to other amazing worlds, the fact is that we have by providence and heredity been given the opportunity to explore this amazing world in ways even the wealthiest royalty could never have imagined during the apex of their power in centuries past.
If we have the financial means, we should take full advantage of this unique time in history when average people can explore the world.
By the way, before you dismiss your prospects of taking that dream vacation because of your own age approaching or surpassing that of Ray, consider another musician born a year and a half before Ray.
He was also the "Ringo" of his own very successful group.
Ringo Starr himself will be touring again in 2018 with his newly revamped All Starr Band.
Yesterday on AXS TV, I watched a recording of the 2016 All-Starr Band performing live in Indiana. At the time, Ringo was a couple of weeks younger than 76.
Ringo danced around singing songs from his own long career and also enthusiastically played drums backing the band's other stars performing their hits, his unflagging energy level reminiscent of his early days with the Beatles.
The question becomes where have you always wanted to go?
Taking that trip may just provide the boost you need to revitalize your energy levels to think about one more "trip of a lifetime" after that.
In any case, there's no time like the present to travel.
"Better service leads to better trips!"
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