1969 stood as the final year of a tumultuous decade, shattering domestic tranquility with epic events and cultural trends. Consider Woodstock, the most famous music festival of modern times, attracting over 400,000 rock ‘n’ roll fans. Or NASA’s Apollo 11 space mission and astronaut Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon. Or the October 15th Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam, the largest peaceful protest of a war in American history. Or the Beatles’ final public performance on the roof of Apple Records in London.
Then ponder impact of the gay community’s Stonewall Riots, Senator Ted Kennedy’s Chappaquiddick scandal, murderous rampages of Charles Manson’s cult family, a reviled military draft lottery, and the beginning of President Richard M. Nixon’s fragmented and disgraced presidency.
It was a year of technological achievements such as ARPANET, predecessor of the Internet; the Boeing 747 jumbo jet; and the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Popular culture fans crowded theaters to experience a breakaway hippie movie called Easy Rider. Elton John, David Bowie, and John Denver emerged to become music icons.
Seven professional writers collaborate with author Brent Green to share their experiences and memories of a raucous, transformative year. One question resonates throughout this book: Are You Still Listening? Joining Brent in this endeavor are Carol Orsborn, Ph.D., David Cogswell, Richard Adler, Jed Diamond Ph.D., Robert William Case, Bob Moses, and Greg Dobbs.
For those who experienced 1969 firsthand, these essays and stories may stir buried memories and invite reflection about that defining year. For those who were born later, this book invites contemplation about our social and political progress fifty years later. Do we see greater national unity? Do we hear lingering discord? Do we sense progress?
1969: Are You Still Listening? is available from Amazon.com, both in paperback and Kindle. After you read our book, we’d love to learn your reactions in the comments below.
1969: Are You Still Listening? received a 2019 National Indie Excellence Award for the category of Social/Political Change. You can discover more about the book and authors at our website.
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