Denny Somach - A Walk Down Abbey Road

By Denny Somach

A Crossroad Press Production

Digital Edition published by Crossroad Press

Smashwords edition published at Smashwords by Crossroad Press

Crossroad Press Digital Edition 2020

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Denny Somach is one of the most successful independent producers of network radio programming. He is a recognized rock historian and has appeared on the Today Show, Larry King, CBS Early Show, CNN, CNBC, Michael Smerconish Show, Howard Stern and others. Denny is also the executive producer of Eric Johnsons Grammy winner, Cliffs of Dover.

His previous book, Get the Led Out: How Led Zeppelin Became the Biggest Band in the World, was a bestseller. Visit him on the web at https://DennySomach.com

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Table of Contents

As this book will attest to, the Beatles meant many different things to many different people. Whatever they meant to you is dependent on who and what and where you were at the time. Like Rashomon.

This is what the Beatles meant to me

In the early sixties, the western world was still recovering from the effects of a horrific world war. Ironically, our parents had won the war but were losing themselves in a post war materialistic morass.

The fifties generation begat Elvis and in doing so liberated their bodies. My generation begat the Beatles and in doing so liberated our minds.

It had to happen. Its the duty, the biological imperative for each generation to usurp the last; to test the limits, to push the envelope and, as harsh as it may sound, to eventually displace their elders and move on. Its natures way. (This is something I have to keep telling myself as I struggle to appreciate Rap music.)

The Beatles were a phenomenon waiting to happen, an idea whose time had come. They epitomized the spirit, the flavor, the tone, the melody of our generation.

With our mandate, they defined the platform of our tenure. This is what great icons are all about. I think this is what John meant in his notorious reference to Christ.

The Beatles were (dare I say it?) the saviors of my generation. We empowered them, we begged them, and we ordered them to save us from our bewilderment, our fears, our angst. They obeyed, gallantly. Like mop top Jean Valjean, they climbed to the top of the burning barricades. Crying, Follow us, they led us out of our self-centered adolescence and into the collective social maturation that underscored that unique era known as The Sixties. Whats so incredible, so utterly charming, is that, like all great deliverers, they really didnt have any idea of what they were doing. After all, they were just four working-class lads from the North Country, singing songs of love, and looking for a gig.

We all love to go back, to wax philosophical about the past, to wallow in the melancholy. Those were the days my friend. But be careful, you can never really go home. What happened back then was as much a function of the time and the place and the social environment as it was of personalities. In that sense, even if John were alive today, the Beatles could never really get back together.

No, you can never go home, but you sure can have a lot of fun rummaging through old memories by listening to the songs, looking at the photos, and reading books like this. Time marches on. Fully two more generations have come on the scene since the sixties. Much of what we went through as a counter-culture in the name of freedom and conscience is now part of mainstream rhetoric. Thats okay, too. Its getting better all the time. But I dont think Ill ever get used to hearing the Muzak version of Revolution while waiting to get my teeth cleaned.

Cheers, lads.

Micky Dolenz

Micky Dolenz was born on March 8, 1945 in Los Angeles. He is the drummer and lead vocalist with the 1960s rock band, The Monkees. The group rose to fame on the TV series of the same name, and went on to release a number of hits including Last Train to Clarksville, Im A Believer, Pleasant Valley Sunday, and Daydream Believer. Dolenz is currently on tour with Michael Nesmith celebrating the music of the Monkees, as well as performing solo. See MickyDolenz.com for more.

I was part of the baby boomer generation.

On Sunday, February 9, 1964, along with over 73 million other Americans, they came into my familys home on the DuMont television set in the living room. There they were: Paul, George, John (sorry girls, hes married), and Ringo. And I became part of the Beatles Generation.

My life was influenced by that magical performance in ways I would not know till years later. Only eleven years old, I had not yet thought about what I would make my lifes work, but the seeds were sown that night.

Looking back, it is remarkable how much the Beatles have not only influenced me musically, but my life in general. When I began college, I had planned to go into the world of business, either as a stock broker or analyst. But music was calling, and since I couldnt play an instrument, sing, or read music, it would be the business of music that put me where I am today.

As a radio DJ, producer, author, and rock historian, I have had numerous interactions with the Beatles and their extended family.

Ive had the honor to spend time with and interview Paul, George, and Ringo on several occasions. Ive visited with Yoko and Sean at the Dakota more than a few times. Produced Julian Lennon for his first American television appearance. Created and produced the first weekly Beatles radio show, Scott Munis Ticket to Ride , which ran on over 200 radio stations for over ten years. Had the opportunity to produce several Beatles radio tributes with hosts that included Graham Nash, Mick Fleetwood, and Bob Costas. Was invited by my friend Alan Parsons to the celebration for the 20 th anniversary of Sgt. Pepper at Abbey Road Studios. Have become a friend and confidante of Larry Kane, who was the only American journalist to tour with the Beatles on their 1964 and 1965 tours, and helped him research his three best-selling Beatles books. Have been to Liverpool and Hamburg as the guests of insiders who allowed me to see what they saw and walk where they walked.