The Day the Music Died

I can feel a palpable wave of sadness circling around the world as more and more people learn of the death of JJ. A void has been created that can never be filled. When is the last time such a vast hole of loss of modern musical genius was created? John Lennon?

I cannot help but think of the scene from Cleopatra 1963 when Octavian learns of the death of Marc Antony. Of course it would speak of JJ Cale instead of Marc Antony and omit the cutting your tongue out part. But other than that, it is accurate.

While countless news items mention his famous “Cocaine” and “After Midnight,” they seem sadly unaware of the true magnitude and brilliance of his repertoire of compositions. For more than thirty years, JJ has been composing music that few people could ever hope to compose. His mastery of the guitar was something legends are based on. Few guitarists who have ever lived will begin to ever approach his mastery of the instrument.

JJ was the perfect blend of brilliance and humility. His understanding of the human condition was unparalleled. He filled huge stadiums in Europe while the great majority of Americans never knew who he was although they may have been familiar with some of his songs.

Many of the greatest musicians who have ever lived are weeping today.

The grand patriarch of the cats of this house was named after JJ.

Wouldn’t you love to be there when they meet?