What would you do if you could do anything?
Singing with the Byrds
A Note from Hope, publisher, BeInkandescent Health & Wellness magazine — As the drama of a global pandemic has begun to enter the US this month, we take this opportunity to reflect on the beautiful things in our lives. Case in point: The pleasure of sitting down with rock legend Roger and his wife and manager Camilla McGuinn. This remarkably down-to-earth couple graciously invited me and my business partner and husband Michael into their home in Orlando, FL to talk about his career, their lives on the road, and the reality of achieving such heights in the music business. In addition to the delicious interview and a little music by McGuinn who picked on his guitar as we talked, we toast with Camilla’s favorite champagne, Veuve Clicquot.
How did we land this interview? It began last April when they were touring with the band of authors The Rock Bottom Remainders, and our firm, Inkandescent Public Relations, helped promote the 2010 Wordstock Tour when it came to Washington, DC. Founded back in 1992 by musician and author Kathi Kamen Goldmark, the band came about when she got to talking to her friend Dave Barry and they decided to pull together a handful of literary icons who loved to play music. “We figured it would be a great way to have fun while giving something back and raising money for charity,” says our Truly Amazing Woman of the Month.
Sam Barry, who is Kathi’s husband and Dave’s brother, explains it like this: “The Rock Bottom Remainders are a literary rock band that has been lurching its way through middle age by making lots of noise for a good cause.” Other members include Mitch Albom, Roy Blount, Jr., Greg Iles, Stephen King, Matt Groening, James McBride, Amy Tan, Ridley Pearson, and Scott Turow.
Here’s to connecting, celebrating, and honoring the magic that comes into our lives! Stay well. — Hope & Michael
LuckyStars: Illustration by Michael Glenwood Gibbs, MichaelGibbs.com
Our Lucky Stars
By Hope Katz Gibbs and Michael Gibbs, publishers
BeInkandescent Health & Wellness magazine
At 68, legendary rock star Roger McGuinn is going strong. He recently performed at the popular DC music venue where his one-man show wowed the packed house. McGuinn strolled out onto the stage singing “My Back Pages,” which was penned by his long-time friend Bob Dylan.
For the next hour and a half, the minstrel in the Stetson sat before a beautifully lit ruby backdrop surrounded by his favorite three guitars and a banjo. As he eloquently shared the history of folk music and told the story of his career, he sang and strummed dozens of the songs that he and The Byrds have made famous.
For the finale, he sang “May the Road Rise,” an old Irish blessing he turned into a ballad with his wife of more than three decades and official roadie, Camilla McGuinn. April 1, in fact, was their 33rd anniversary, and the inspiration for the name of their music label, April First Productions.