70s Fever Part 5: The Regular Crowd Shuffles In

"They always say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself."

- Andy Warhol, 1975

The 1970s were a time of monumental change.  And, as Mr. Warhol suggests, that change didn't come about haphazardly- it was the people who had the initiative, or in many cases the simple luck or misfortune, to be the bearers of change for a decade in flux.  My favorite part about history is the people, and as may be able to tell if you've been following the other half of this blog, I enjoy studying people fairly in-depth.  As such, the movers and shakers of the 1970s are where I'll turn my focus for next semester's continuation of Gospel of the Piano Man.

Last week I wrapped up my Joel Has Soul series with a look at some of Billy Joel's most relevant life lessons for us college kids, but because 70s Fever will continue more or less intact as 2016's installment of my blog, I won't be concluding this series in the same way.  Instead, as a preview (and in celebration of me being decisive for once in my life) this post will be a short introduction and exploration of next semester's topic: my curated list of the most interesting people of the 70s.

So without further ado, allow me to introduce the cast of America's most transformative decade:
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Presidents With Promise:  Richard Nixon & Jimmy Carter

Their presidencies spanned the decade, seeping back into the 60s and overlapping into the 80s. Nixon, just reelected the year before, was riding a wave of popularity before his reputation came crashing down with the Watergate Scandal in 1973.  In contrast, Carter was always relatively unpopular with the American public, a legacy that was cemented in 1979 by his infamous "Crisis of Confidence" speech. Nixon achieved scores of accomplishments in his time as President, but after resigning slunk out of the public spotlight, disgraced.  Carter never quite fit the role of President, but went on to become a distinguished diplomat, humanitarian, and author. In many ways these two Americans icons are polar opposites, but their very differences underscore subtle similarities and human truths that are simply fascinating.  I suppose there's just something about being "the most powerful man in the world" that frames human flaws and tendencies in such a compelling way.

Richard Nixon
(Richard Nixon Foundation)

Jimmy Carter
(Wikipedia)

"It is only a beginning, always. The young must know it; the old must know it.  It must always sustain us, because the greatness comes not when things go always good for you, but the greatness comes and you are really tested, when you take some knocks, some disappointments, when sadness comes, because only if you have been in the deepest valley can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain." 

- and also-

"... always remember, others may hate you, but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself." 

- both from President Nixon's resignation speech, which provides some interesting context.

 "We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles."

- Jimmy Carter

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Visionary Puppeteer: Jim Henson

From Sesame Street to The Muppets, Jim Henson's imaginative puppet creations have stood the test of time; Sesame Street is settling into its new home on HBO, and after various successful movies The Muppets just landed a new show on ABC.  Henson was an innovative game-changer in the 1970s, creating characters like Ernie and Kermit the Frog, icons who have been shared the stage with some of the world's most famous and formidable men and women.

Henson and Kermit
(Huffington Post)

"The most sophisticated people I know- inside they are all children."

- Jim Henson

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Musical Masterminds: Eagles & John Denver

the Eagles (Grantland)

I know, I've already talked about these two once, but is once ever enough? Considering that I've dedicated half of this blog (and its title) to one singer, I figure it's only fair to spread the love to a few other 70s music favorites.  Besides their awesome songs, the Eagles themselves are more than interesting: from quirks like having the lead singer on drums, to shifting members, to a Hollywood stint in the perennial favorite The Country Bears, there's plenty to discuss when it comes to the Eagles.  And Denver, apart from being a gifted singer and songwriter, was a devoted environmental activist and pilot (and he produced a Christmas album with the Muppets, so he is undoubtably cool).

John Denver (Rolling Stone)

"Music does bring people together.  It allows us to experience the same emotions.  People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit.  No matter what language we speak, what color we are, the form of our politics or the expression of our love and our faith, music proves: We are the same."

- John Denver

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Kitchen Crusader: Julia Child

As anyone who has seen Julie and Julia knows, Julia Child revolutionized the world of cooking with her famous cookbook Mastering the Art of french Cooking and subsequent TV cooking shows.  Despite being a classically-trained chef, Child never took herself too seriously and put a fresh and joyful spin on the ultra-serious world of French cuisine, part of her mission to make fine cooking approachable for everyone.

(Smithsonian Magazine)

"In France, cooking is a serious art form and a national sport."

- Julia Child

Joel Has Soul Part 5: It's Sad and It's Sweet

Today is a sad day, for it is the day of my last Joel Has Soul post on this blog. My final post will be a 70s Fever post, so get excited.

But in the meantime, I figured there was no better way to wrap up my Billy Joel series than with a few final thoughts from the Piano Man himself.  I've compiled some song quotes and themes from Joel's own life to create a list of Billy Joel life lessons.  Don't roll your eyes- you'll be needing all the inspiration you can get as finals week swiftly approaches.  So without further ado, enjoy :)
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1.  Home
Not much of a lesson, I know; this is more of a life theme that frames many of Joel's songs.  It's no secret that Billy Joel loves New York and he's written several song that feature his physical home as a prominent subject.  But at the same time, throughout "You're My Home" he sings a series of sweet statements like "wherever we're together, that's my home".  In this way, Joel presents the idea of 'home' quite ambiguously.  Home can be a place, it can be a person, it could even be as simple as a melody or sense of self.  If you've been feeling homesick, remember that you always more than one home to go back to.

2. Slow down every once in a while.
For me, life has been moving at the speed of life since I arrived at Penn State just a few months ago, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that way. It's easy to become so wrapped up in work and thinking about the future that before we know it, the entire fate of the free world rests upon us passing one quiz or getting a sentence just right in a paper.  But in his perennial hit "Vienna", Joel reminds us that "it's alright, you can afford to lose a day or two" and "you can't be everything you want to be before your time."  Take a deep breath.  Billy Joel's got your back.

3. Don't take yourself too seriously.
This is a life lesson straight from Joel's own life.  Despite being one of the most popular performers of his generation (not to mention holding seven honorary doctorates), Joel continues to make jokes about himself to the press and at every concert, and often graces reporters with his profound insights.

4. Never be afraid to explore and try new things.
Are your parents, obscure relatives, and friends trying to convince you that majoring in comparative literature with minors in biology and astronomy makes no sense whatsoever?  The next time someone tries to stop you from taking risks, remember that Billy Joel has produced songs in the styles of doo-wop, classic rock, pop hits, and power ballads.  His subject matter has ranged from the Vietnam War to north-Atlantic fishing towns to love.  Clearly, Billy Joel wants you to do you.

5. Savor these moments.
Yeah, life may be a bit rough right now.  The honeymoon phase has ended, and we're truly in the deep end with school work and stress.  But don't forget to embrace the tough moments too.  In nostalgic yet honest songs like "I've loved These Days", Joel teaches us that life is made up of good and bad times, and every personal trial adds that much more depth to our lives.  And when you find yourself in a contemplative mood, take advantage of it ponder the big questions.  It's fun to be all "Only the Good Die Young" for awhile, but don't be afraid to explore the "Summer Highland Falls" side of life every now and again.
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And that's it! Hopefully throughout these five posts you've been able to find at least one Billy Joel song to jam to; thank's for tuning in to Joel Has Soul!