What a crazy year it’s been.
And what a wild week. This is as good a place as any to thank all of you for the kind words, for reading this blog, for offering your views, and simply engaging with me here and in the social space. A look at my Facebook page and Twitter feed tells you all you need to know about how thankful I am this year.
Thanksgiving is also a benchmark that tells us the year is rapidly coming to a close. The decorations are now “up,” Christmas music is on the radio, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday are just a step away.
Time flies. Tempus fugit.
And the older we get, the quicker it seems to go. As mindful and aware as we might be of everything around us, there’s no escaping the rapid movement of our lives.
Some people collect stamps, coins, sports memorabilia, or watches. As regular readers of this blog know, I’m a collector of Classic Rock TV commercials – especially those that cleverly use iconic artists and their music to brilliantly market their products.
That’s why when I saw this ad featuring Elton John for John Lewis & Partners, a UK-based department store chain, it reminded me of the passage of time in a powerful, poginant way as we follow of Classic Rock’s brightest stars back in time thought his career – and our lives.
https://youtu.be/mNbSgMEZ_Tw
I was fortunate to see Elton last month in Detroit at the beautiful Little Caesar’s Arena. He still sounds great, accompanied by some of his original band mates, including Davey Johnston and Nigel Olsson. At the end of the show, Elton closes with “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and a video montage of his life flashes by, not dissimilar to what you see in this spot.
For Elton, it’s a stark reminder of the passage of time – as it is for all of us. And yet, an affirmation that even in his seventies, Elton still brings it.
And then there’s the band that totally defies time – The Rolling Stones.
This was the week they brilliantly kicked off their 2019 U.S. No Filter Tour. And masters of all media as they are, Mick and Keith schooled all today’s bands about precisely how to use social media, buzz, and community to get the word out.
It’s great to be playing back in America. Feels like we’re coming home. https://t.co/t2FnkLmIyb pic.twitter.com/TNuqi3YtYu
— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) November 19, 2018
For the Stones, it all about looking back while looking forward. Like so many Classic Rock bands still at it today, they defy time, space, and logic.
Time stops for no one. Except the Stones.
This Thanksgiving Weekend, I’m going to do my best to carpe diem – seize the moment – and express thankfulness to all around me. And look ahead to 2019 and the exciting year ahead of us.
Hopefully, it will be the same for you.
Have a wonderful weekend, enjoy your family and friends, some football, and I’ll see you bright and early on Monday.
A special Happy Thanksgiving to Cat Thomas, Lori Lewis, and Bruce Goldsen!
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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Yes, Fred – both classics in every way. But I had to laugh at Keith, of course it feels like coming home-you’ve lived in CT for years, mate!
Exactly, Tai. These guys are great salespeople!
Thankful for your blog. Thankful that a young disc jockey was playing Rolling Stones music back in the day and that same D.J. gets to do it to this day. Happy Thanksgiving, Jacobs Media!
Amazing stuff, right? Back at you, Barry, and Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Fred…. Thank you to you and your staff for all you do for radio on a daily basis. It will take true believers like you to revitalize radio! Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Appreciate the kind words, Dave. Happy Thanksgiving to you & yours.
Wow. Chills–literally–watching the Elton John commercial. So beautiful and moving and powerful. Thank you for sharing, and again, a very blessed and happy Thanksgiving to you and all the Jacobs team.
Back at you, Dave. I LOVED the commercial, too. Thanks for the comment.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Will you be listening to Arlo Guthrie’s Alice Restaurant this Thanksgiving? It’s an annual thing my family does.
I hadn’t thought about that, Steven. But I may have to just Alexa to fire it up this afternoon. Thanks for the reminder.