In 1997 we were honoring some of our heroes.

James Brown and David Bowie each got their star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

And that wasn’t it for Mr. Bowie.  On January 9th they celebrated his 50th birthday with a big concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City.  Very nice instead of giving him presents he didn’t want or need, the proceeds went to the Save The Children Fund.  Bowie was joined by Frank Black, The Foo Fighters, Sonic Youth, Robert Smith of The Cure, Lou Reed and Chicago’s own Billy Corgan.  Now if we could just get Bowie out of retirement…..

Ben & Jerry honored the band Phish in the best way they know how…they put their name on ice cream!  Doesn’t get better than that!  Phish Food was chocolate ice cream with marshmallows, caramel and these little bitty fish-shaped bits of fudge.  Shear genius!

Jazz man Wynton Marsalis became the first jazz musician to win the Pulitzer Prize For Music!  That’s a big deal.  And well deserved.  Wynton is not only a brilliant musician, but is tireless in his work on music education, and breaking down the genre barriers.  He has collaborated with everyone from Eric Clapton to The Chicago Symphony Orchestra.  I had the privilege of meeting him once and we had an amazing conversation about education and justice in a brief period of time.  I’ll never forget his kindness and concern.

And on March 11, 1997, Paul McCartney, MBE, became Sir Paul McCartney.  He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.  They go way back.  He played  this year at the Queen’s big Diamond Jubilee party.  I love when Prince Charles addresses the Queen as “Your highness.  Mummy.”  Paul cracked up.  Good times with the royal family.  I think moments like that Paul never forgets his humble beginnings in Liverpool.  That’s what keeps him real.  Way to go, Sir Paul.

http://youtu.be/trApdbemU2k