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