Local music afficionado and scholar Byrne Power presented an in-depth look into the prevalence of drugs and alcohol in popular music over two evening presentations at the public library. Power shared examples of music reflecting alcohol references dating back to Roman times, and continuing through ages into present day. Country music was emphasized in this segment, as Power compared local country hits with older, more traditional drinking-songs.
The second presentation focused drugs in music, with a particular emphasis on the explosion of drug references in the early 1960’s. As psychadelic drug use became more prevalent in certain aspects of society, music evolved in specific ways to reflect this phenomenon. Audience members reported being surprised at some of the drug references in music they were familiar with. Power also went into detail into songs relfecting specific substances such as marijuana, heroin and psychadelics. Both presentations will be edited to air in a special KHNS presentation at a later date.
Program Dates: February 8th and 16th, 2007