Forever Lasting

Once in a while there are iconoclastic events or movements that forever impact and change how humans think, perceive, or interact. When a bawdy William Shakespeare wrote and published his infamous Taming of the Shrew he could not have known the lasting impact it would have on future plays, movies (of course he wouldn't have known this), or the English language. There would have been zero chance that Shakespeare would have an idea that his comedic play about a man attempting to "tame" his would-be wife by starving her and depriving her of drink would be debated by scholars centuries later as to whether it was misogynistic or not. After all, while he may have wanted to drive home a point, there would have been no way ole William could have possibly known of the plays lasting impact!


Notably, other writers have created a substantial uproar with things they have written, but none, in my opinion, have gotten close to striking nerves, inflecting changes in language, or impacting the human race (purely from an artistic perspective) like William Shakespeare. His comedies, tragedies, and dramas are without comparison or competition. In fact, many movies and stories written today are based on those he created five hundred years ago.

Again in my opinion, there are creative, artistic visionaries who come along once every two or three centuries that have an influence over so many others; they make or do something that changes how future artists conduct themselves. It is with that that I proclaim The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" as the musical equivalent of William Shakespeare's plays.

Fifty years ago this album was released and remains one of the most listened to musical ensembles of all time. This album has single handedly influenced musicians for three generations and will likely continue to do so for several more. Those four hippies from Great Britain managed to write music that was beyond meaningful--it resonates with the soul and stirs the human psyche. Some will argue their "White Album" was their greatest, but much of it was about marketing and branding The Beatles' image. Sgt. Pepper's was/is deeply moving, thought provoking, melodic, and entrancing.

Hits like "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and "With a Little Help From My Friends" are known by most who listen to any music, but songs like "When I'm 64" and "Lovely Rita" should give anyone pause in appreciation of The Beatles musical genius.

Happy fiftieth birthday Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band! We are all so much better off with you in our lives.