Friday’s Nugget: “Love is a Beautiful Thing” - The Young Rascals - 1966

As I was driving home from work one night this week this particular 150 seconds of 60’s rock ‘n’ soul popped up on the IPod. I thought that this would be an appropriate Nugget for this particular Friday.

Here’s why:

First off, musically there were very few American bands in the 60’s that ever transcended simply being the pop band mouthpieces for producers or record labels outside of the soul milieu. The Byrds. The Beach Boys. The Doors. Don’t forget The (Young) Rascals in this list. This is Great American pop music which speaks to its time, shot straight from the hearts and souls of these 4 guys who found each other in New York: Felix Cavaliere, Eddie Brigati, Gene Conrish & Dino Danelli. This tune was the B-side of “You Better Run” (you “youngsters” see Pat Benetar) which peaked at #20 on the charts in 1966, written by David Brigati, the older sibling to vocalist Eddie. It hinted at things to come for the band and pop music in general.

Secondly, the sentiment is quite apropos this week as well. After all the bad mojo in Colorado with the floods and hardship last week, it really has been heartwarming to tangibly feel the love of from family and friends checking in with Susan & I, but especially to see people helping people without ulterior motive or pre-set agenda – just people seeing the need and jumping in to help.

Third, two weddings are on the docket for tomorrow Saturday the 21. A new pal Des A. back in CT (an amazing mind chock full of rock & roll knowledge) is celebrating her son’s wedding Saturday. Much joy to them, Des. The second ceremony is that of my pal, RENT-A-DJ mentor, fellow music junkie, vocal talent extraordinaire and one of the best people I know, Mark Atherlay, is marrying his lady Dee in the Hollywood Hills. I wish you both every happiness that you so richly deserve, friend.

And finally I have to celebrate the life and love of another married couple I have never met, Gerry & Cheron Boland of Lyons, one of the hardest hit Colorado mountain towns flooded this past weekend. 57 years wed, Gerry & Cheron were separated by the flood waters as they left their home to evacuate to safety. Unbeknownst to each other, they BOTH found different sanctuaries from the waters, but Gerry feared for his wife and went back toward their flooded home to try to find his wife. He was lost in the flood. Yet hearing Cheron (and her children) smile as they speak of Gerry’s loss as a testament to their love story exemplifies the title of this week’s Nugget: Love is a Beautiful Thing.

Let’s NEVER forget it. Love ya, Sue.