| General Fiction posted October 19, 2022 |
  |
That special song.
Abraham, Martin, and John
by Terry Broxson
I cried when I first heard the song "Abraham, Martin, and John." I was twenty-two years old and had just graduated college. The song first played on the radio starting in August of 1968. Today, when I hear it on the oldie stations, I sing along and still get misty from the emotion the song generates.
The song was written and recorded as a tribute to Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King. All four were assassinated and linked forever for their interest and work in improving black Americans' civil and human rights.
I thought John Kennedy was an American hero. He set America on a new path. We went to the moon because he said, "Why not?" John Kennedy stopped missiles in Cuba and avoided a possible nuclear war. He wanted equal rights and justice for all Americans.
Bobby Kennedy was at the forefront of the legal battles for civil rights as Attorney General. Both brothers were excellent speakers and made convincing cases for their views.
Martin Luther King was a great non-violent black leader who led marches and rallies all over America for equality and civil rights. His speeches flowed with a pathos few speakers could achieve. His rallies and marches were an act of bravery and inspiration.
Abraham Lincoln kept the Union intact. He signed the Emancipation Proclamation Act.
These American icons were killed by assassins motivated by hate.
I think Dr. King in his "I Have Been to the Mountain Top" sermon, the last speech he gave, said it best for all four men, "I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the promised land."
I admired all the men honored in the song. But what made it special, in the fall of 1968 was a Presidential Election. I had been supporting Bobby Kennedy. I was heartbroken when he was killed.
The Democratic convention nominated Hubert Humphry, I knew I would support and work to elect him. This would be my first vote for President of the United States. The other two candidates were unacceptable to me: Richard Nixon, the Republican, and George Wallace, the American Independent Party.
My guy lost. But my state was the only one in the south or southwest to vote for Humphry.
"Abraham, Martin, and John," reminded us of the great leaders we lost and the work that was still to be done. The song was written by Dick Holler, best known for "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron."
The song was recorded by Dion Dimucci, a rock and roller, who sang about "Runaround Sue."
The song has a folk quality to it. It uses a flugelhorn, an electric organ, to achieve its gentle rhythm.
Many artists have covered "Abraham, Martin, and John" over the years. My favorite three are Harry Belafonte, Andy Williams, and Smokey Robinson. If you have an opportunity please listen to their versions.
That Special Song contest entry
I cried when I first heard the song "Abraham, Martin, and John." I was twenty-two years old and had just graduated college. The song first played on the radio starting in August of 1968. Today, when I hear it on the oldie stations, I sing along and still get misty from the emotion the song generates.
The song was written and recorded as a tribute to Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King. All four were assassinated and linked forever for their interest and work in improving black Americans' civil and human rights.
I thought John Kennedy was an American hero. He set America on a new path. We went to the moon because he said, "Why not?" John Kennedy stopped missiles in Cuba and avoided a possible nuclear war. He wanted equal rights and justice for all Americans.
Bobby Kennedy was at the forefront of the legal battles for civil rights as Attorney General. Both brothers were excellent speakers and made convincing cases for their views.
Martin Luther King was a great non-violent black leader who led marches and rallies all over America for equality and civil rights. His speeches flowed with a pathos few speakers could achieve. His rallies and marches were an act of bravery and inspiration.
Abraham Lincoln kept the Union intact. He signed the Emancipation Proclamation Act.
These American icons were killed by assassins motivated by hate.
I think Dr. King in his "I Have Been to the Mountain Top" sermon, the last speech he gave, said it best for all four men, "I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the promised land."
I admired all the men honored in the song. But what made it special, in the fall of 1968 was a Presidential Election. I had been supporting Bobby Kennedy. I was heartbroken when he was killed.
The Democratic convention nominated Hubert Humphry, I knew I would support and work to elect him. This would be my first vote for President of the United States. The other two candidates were unacceptable to me: Richard Nixon, the Republican, and George Wallace, the American Independent Party.
My guy lost. But my state was the only one in the south or southwest to vote for Humphry.
"Abraham, Martin, and John," reminded us of the great leaders we lost and the work that was still to be done. The song was written by Dick Holler, best known for "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron."
The song was recorded by Dion Dimucci, a rock and roller, who sang about "Runaround Sue."
The song has a folk quality to it. It uses a flugelhorn, an electric organ, to achieve its gentle rhythm.
Many artists have covered "Abraham, Martin, and John" over the years. My favorite three are Harry Belafonte, Andy Williams, and Smokey Robinson. If you have an opportunity please listen to their versions.
 Recognized |
Artwork by nikman at FanArtReview.com
You need to login or register to write reviews. It's quick! We only ask four questions to new members.
© Copyright 2024. Terry Broxson All rights reserved.
Terry Broxson has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
