It begins as a dream, a dream that usually starts during childhood where the craving for expression never ceases. Several such dreams blossomed in the early 70’s and had continued conception in 1976. What is so special about 1976?

1976

• In Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall, President Gereald R. Ford and Democratic nominee Jimmy Carter began the 3rd presidential debate of the 1976 Campaign.

• The Winter Olympics added ice dancing to their program and the gold for US in the women's event was won by Dorothy Hamill.

• The Copyright Act came into effect becoming Public Law number 94-553.

• The subway system in Washington DC is opened.

• The final score: 112-106 ends the final ABA game ever played, as the New York Nets defeat the Denver Nuggets and win the American Basketball Association championship.

• Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak form the Apple Computer Company.

• Marcus Welby, M.D. airs its final episode of this medical TV drama.

• Idaho’s Tetron Dam collapses.

• Son of Sam kills one person and wounds another in his first series of attacks in the city of New York.

• From the north-eastern U.S. to south-eastern Canada; Groundhog Day gale hits.

More importantly, while the world was evolving, true Independent Artists were building the foundation of music that would equally change the face of history and permanently imbed itself within the fabrics of our memories. What is so special about 1976?

Not only does Fleetwood Mac record Rumours in 1976, which would become a blockbuster album in 1977; but Kiss would release their unforgettable first platinum album, The Destroyer and Larry Mullin Jr. would form U2 in Dublin. True Rock and Roll were defined by the still popular U2, as their chemistry kept the bond creating great service music for 29 years. This struggling band stuck together through near-poverty and fortune.

Rock and Roll sounded like the rugged voice of Stevie Nicks, as Fleetwood Mac roots were inspired by The Bluesbreakers, John Mayall’s legendary British Band. The wave of what is considered legendary music of today was rooted by the dramatically shoddy Alice Cooper and the remaining New York glam-rockers of Kiss. Let’s not forget to mention this band’s influences: The Beatles, Black Sabbath, and David Bowie; all of which had their own influences. It is a chain reaction of quality and inspiration within the music culture of today. One great memorable band would not be who they are had it not been for another. The Beatles as we know were one of the ground breaking bands ever in the 20th century and regardless of their breakup in 1970; the band continues to influence others. The Beatles, as great as they were, had their influences- musicians, artist who they deemed as "great." Their two influences were: Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan-the two greatest icons that fathered Rock and Roll. The Beatles and Bob Dylan continued to influence the unforgettable Jimi Hendrix.

Music shapes history and reminds us of memorable events. What would the Vietnam War be without: The Beatles, The Rolling Stone, Roy Orbison, Len Berry, The Four Seasons The Supremes, Frank Sinatra, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, The Turtles, The Rascals, and Frankie Vallie.

Where is music today? As the world evolves: technology, socio-economic growth, and culture; the evolution of music has found its way to the fore front of quick fixed greed. Music was once represented by Independent Artists that were dedicated to their craft, worked hard and new what true sacrifice meant. Is money the root of all evil? As we look at our artists today who become musicians by way of money. Jennifer Lopez "J-Lo" can be considered a semi-average actress, after making lots of money she’s now decided to be a semi-average pop-star. Let’s not forget our NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, who equally took a stab as a Rap artist. What about our friend NEO… oops or shall we call him Keaunu Reaves. It seems the former Bill and Ted Excellent Adventure star has finally made a name for himself in Hollywood and now we can all listen to his band Dogstar. We see sex appeal pay off as well as the money to buy a record deal for J-Lo, Brittany Spears, Ashley Simpson, Lisa Presley, and now Paris Hilton. What’s going on? Are these people real musicians?

This is my question to you. We are now turning on the television to watch American Idol to watch future musician be nothing more than "sound-alikes" or the better word un-original make shift artists. There are lots of talented people on American Idol but can they really compare to: Fleetwood Mac, U2, and Kiss or those that have changed the world and have influenced bands today: Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, and The Rolling Stones- just to name a few.

As we listen to Paris Hilton and other such money whores, we must remember the real artist. Music is meant to be created by true hard working, God given talent- not bought by posers wanting a stage. We must respect those that have truly sacrificed for the sake of real memories and history. Oh where, oh where did the true artists go?