The first time I heard the keyboard in rock n roll was in 1974. I had just turned four, but I remember that keyboard part from "Sweet Home Alabama" like it was yesterday.

Then, I heard the solos from "Free Bird" and (my personal favorite) "Tuesday's Gone." It was classic.

Piano and keyboard should be in the background, but still be noticeable. Keyboard players should, likewise, be consummate professionals and have presonalities.

I never saw them live, but I wish I could have. One of the classic bands, Lynyrd Skynyrd, can add another name to heaven's roll call of:

Ronnie Van Zant
Steve Gaines
Cassie Gaines
Allan Collins
Leon Wilkeson

And now....
Billy Powell. (1952-2009)

Fly like the Free Bird.

Rest in Peace.

Here we go...

Today is a monumental day in American history. We are inaugurating the first black president of the U.S. This shows how much we have grown as a nation. God bless Barack Obama and his family, and hope he steers our country in the correct direction.

Now, the downside. We see if the socialist comes out, or if it's kept in check. The "spreading the wealth around" has started with these bailouts, and is going to continue. Let's see what happens with the (un)fairness doctrine, and the second amendment.

I have trepidation about things. We just have to see, and hope for the best.

Stuff

I got my grandfather's golf clubs for Christmas re-gripped and cleaned up. They're beautiful...and, of course, either the weather's been too bad to play, or I've been so busy I can't breathe. So, I have to wait.

Glenn Beck's coming "home" to Fox News. Can't wait to see it. I'm going to have my DVR ready.

The boys are doing good. Growing like weeds. Tried to keep them to stay 5, but they were insistent on turning six.

My wife was happy about me not watching football now. But, I reminded her, basketball and hockey are on now. She's not happy about my not watching football any more.

I might be changing job duties at work. I'm not holding my breath about it, but I am praying hard about it.

I also have a thing or two in the works that I'm thinking about. I need to flesh them out thoroughly before I proceed. I'll keep people informed.

2009

Gonna be a good year. Happy New Year to everyone.