The Beatles, Sing, Jennifer Hudson, Golden Slumber & Me

A big thank you to Henri Gann (The Trekkers 60s Guitar Group SG) who has contributed more than a dozen articles for this blog. That's a lot of articles.

An article by Henri Gann (California), written some time ago was left in the vaults of my archives. When he reminded me today, I realised I had forgotten all about it. My apology Henri, but here it is and in colour. I'm glad to have paid for the Starbucks coffee and cakes at Raffles City, otherwise, there'll be no end to your, "Why didn't you blog my story?" 

09.09.2019.

Kidding, Henry.

The Beatles Music and Me...

The music lovers of today who had transitioned from teen to young adult in the 60s era are often reminded of at least one Beatles hit associated with different stages of their life. Psychologist attributed this to a phenomenon called the Reminiscence Bump. 

*The reminiscence bump is the tendency for older adults to have increased recollection for events that had occurred during their adolescence and early adulthood.” Wikipedia

Picture 1

While in a Strawberry Field recently with my granddaughters in Northern California, their words of C’mon Papa, try these strawberries. They are so sweet and a picture of John Lennon at the Strawberry Barn House had my earworm ringing repeatedly with the melody of Strawberry Fields Forever and Lennon’s Imagine.

I can still remember when the Beatles first had their hits of Please, Please, Me ( 1963 ), She Loves You ( 1964 ) and I Want To Hold Your Hand ( 1964 ). Groups in Singapore were still playing Cliff Richard and the Shadows and there were others that were beginning to play music of the Beatles while I was preparing to leave for America.

The Beatles continued their popularity in America with hits after hits in years to come. Remember We Can Work It Out ( 1965 ), Eleanor Rigby ( 1966), Penny Lane ( 1967 ), Lady Madonna ( 1968 ), Something ( 1969 ), Let It Be ( 1970 ) and many others.

Picture 2

During that time, their music had evolved into lyrics which were more poetic and with it a minstrel beat to go with it. I have to admit that these new Beatles sound had a calming effect on me during my difficult transition years as a young adult in a distant land away from home. I especially liked their lyric poem from Yesterday ...all my life seems so far away; There are places I remember...I know I’ll never lose affection, For people and things that went before, and Help me get my leg off the ground. 

By the end of the 60s, I was convinced that listening to the Beatles can be great therapy for many just like it did for me. Just consider the words from Lucy in the Sky of Diamonds ... picture yourself in a boat on a river, With tangerine trees and marmalade skies; All You Need Is Love ... there’s nowhere you can bet that’s isn’t where you are meant to be; Gonna get by With A Little Help From My Friends; and Hey Jude, remember to let her into your heart, Then you can start to make it better.

Picture 3

The Beatles music continued to be a part of my life in the 80s as my kids were growing up. Yellow Submarine was their introduction to the Beatles and they loved it and wanted more. 

Now 50 years later while watching the movie “S-I-N-G” with my grandkids, it was Jennifer Hudson’s singing of Golden Slumber that gave me the Reminiscent Bump. As with many of the Beatle songs, this song carried messages which provoked deep thoughts into the meaning of life.

Picture 4 

A special thank you note to Dr. and Capt. Woody Lockhart to take me on a flight above Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco to celebrate my 50th Anniversary in America. 

There are places I remember... I know I’ll never lose affection For people and things that went before, and Help me get my leg off the ground. 

Images and article: Henri Gann Copyrights Reserved.