Well, this past week was definitely a "journey through the past" for many of us who watched the PBS specials featuring highlights from the 60's. Kicking off with "No Direction Home", a documentary about Bob Dylan, helped set the scene for what was to come. Rare glimpses into the life and times of this private and self-effacing man were a special treat for me. Joan Biaz made the comment that "it goes down real deep" for those of us who are fans of Dylan. This is very true and sometimes hard to explain to others who don't share the sentiment. But, one thing is certain, as musicians and songwriters, we can all learn something from him. What stands out most prominently about Bob Dylan in my mind, is the fact that he is always true to himself and doesn't let anyone put him in a box. When others wanted him to carry their torch or lead their cause, he stayed on course and followed his own path. He knew who he was and as a result many more people benefited from hearing his music and message. Bob Dylan carried his own torch and it proved to be brighter and stronger than all the others who came before him.

Wednesday night presented "The Best of the Beatles" which was actually a play on words - "Best" referring to Pete Best, the former drummer of the Beatles. It was interesting to hear this familiar story told again through the eyes of Pete Best himself. A gracious man, you couldn't help feeling his regret for having missed out on being a part of the most famous band in rock n' roll history. But can you imagine if the group had been John, Paul, George and Pete? Naah... I don't think so.

Revolution and anarchy finished off the week. We saw the idealism of the 60's turn into disillusionment by the end of the decade. After years of struggling for peace, hopes were exacerbated by the assassinations of Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King. Dropping out, tuning out, increased drug use- all signs of an unhappy, unhealthy society- now marred the dream. Some good came out of this time though. Starting with George Harrison and his relief concert for Bangledesh, efforts began to be made by musicians to help raise money for people in need. We saw the formation of "Band Aid", another brainchild of Bob Dylan, come into existence with the help of Willie Nelson. It continues to this day to raise money through annual benefit concerts held on behalf of the many struggling farmers in our nation.

There is so much here to reflect on and think about! Music and musicians can make a difference. Some of the important lessons I've learned from famous musicians and songwriters this week are:

Be real.

Don't compromise.

Put your heart into it.

And always keep your eyes open for opportunities to help others in need.

By keeping these things in mind, perhaps my own music (and yours too) can have a part in making the world a better place.

FREE Reprint Rights - You may publish this article in your e-zine or on your web site as long as you include the following information: Kathy Unruh is a singer/songwriter and webmaster of ABC Learn Guitar. She has been writing songs and providing guitar lessons to students of all ages for over 20 years. For free guitar lessons, plus tips and resources on buying a guitar, songwriting, recording and creating a music career, please visit: http://www.abclearnguitar.com

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