Defining A Generation

I always knew that my generation was special.

Even before the word “Boomer” was in my vocabulary.

I remember seeing my little old grandmother, who probably wasn't that old but looked ancient to me, walking around in those old lady dresses. She also had those high top black lace shoes. I made up my mind right then and there that when I got old, I would walk barefooted before I wore those shoes.

Funny how those born in the ‘40s and ‘50s all wanted to be a little bit different.

Looking back, what really defined our generation was the music. It broke the mold of the old fashion ballads of yesteryear.

With our music came dance and plenty of it. It seems like there was a new dance almost monthly. And new music to go with it.

In my teen mind it was very important to keep up with the dance trends and learn how to do them all. Besides the Jitterbug, which was our staple, we had the Twist, the Stroll and many others.

Life was so much simpler back then. One of the biggest problems we had as teens was choosing the type of music we liked. Was it Elvis are Ricky Nelson? Something to occupy the minds of teens who liked music and I didn't know anybody that didn't.

Rushing home from school and turning on American Bandstand was a must. That way we could keep up with not only the music but of course the clothes.

The kids that danced on Bandstand were just normal teens. Not rich, though they became mini stars in their own right. They even had special publications featuring them and talked about the songs they danced to on the show.

The Bandstand’s host, Dick Clark, was a hero. All the famous entertainers on our generation appeared on his show.

Clark was a genius of gigantic proportions. He did more for the music industry, our generation, and generations to follow, than anybody. His Dick Clark production company spun off more TV programs and award shows that I can possibly name.

I got to meet to Clark in person and talked to him about the days when I was growing up. He agreed that was a very special time.

As much as the music, the clothing styles of the ‘60s reflected our attitude. Many of today’s styles have evolved from that era.

We used our clothes as a form of self-expression.  Many of the boomers were the original trend setters, impacting what everyone wore. Gone where the boring typical blouse and skirt. Not to mention the boring shoes.

Jeans became a staple in our wardrobe. I have more jeans in my closet than any other type of pants.

Boomers loved our clothes, our music and our cars. Then when someone invented the cassette tape I thought I died and went to heaven. Here was something that I could take with me, stick in my car, and listen to music 24/7.

The cassette replaced the old 78 RPM records that were so heavy and cumbersome.

I never noticed the difference in the sound or the quality between the cassette tapes and the 78s. But now vinyl is back.

A few weeks ago we were cleaning the basement. I found a bunch of 78s which I didn't even know we had. Yes we still have a turntable that can play them. One of these days I will wipe down the records and see if the sound quality is still there.

I guess what they say is true. Everything that is old is new again.

My granddaughter got a record player for the holidays. It plays vinyl records.  Now she is collecting her favorite musicians on 78 style records. How about that?

My granddaughter has black leather lace up boots too. Not exactly like my grandma but close enough. But they look so cute on her. And no I'm not getting them!