Kansas City Playlist: Hits Keep Coming

We finish posting tonight on a tragic topic and as news of another KCMO murder hits.

Right now police are investigating the scene of a fatal shooting in the 1800 block of E. 78th St.

We'll post more deets as we get them . . .

However . . .

The specifics of the latest local tragedy isn't quite the point of this post. 

Allow us brief moment of contemplation so late into the night and in the dead of a dark winter . . . 

Murder stats are mostly glossed over in this town . . . They're dutifully reported and then universally mourned at the end of the year and, usually, the same groups of people mark the carnage and attempt to elicit a response to the largely uncaring public.

Some of the stories stand out and others don't. 

Forgive what might be a forced analogy but for tonight's playlist this tragic situation reminds us of the passing of a music legend.  

Ronnie Spector was seemingly just another face in the crowd and the leader of one of many hit making girl bands in the early 60s - What might very well be the pinnacle of the American century. However, this week her passing set off a wave of nostalgia and confirmed that she remains an integral part of American music history.

Remembering Ronnie Spector, the Beating Heart of Rock'n'Roll

A true original, the Ronettes leader pioneered an eternal attitude-tough and tender at once. In the aching grit and woah-oh-ohs of Ronnie Spector 's voice was a woman from Spanish Harlem harnessing her dreams and pushing them inside out. Drama, wonder, devastation, and confidence all coalesced in her perfect pop storm.

And so . . .

At this late hour and at the outset of the year we mourn so many Kansas City homicides that are seemingly inevitable and will cut short dozens of young lives, devastate families and impact our metro culture. The light of so many potential stars, loved ones and many innocent people will be extinguished before their time . . . For Kansas City residents who have watched this trend slowly emerge, the political paralysis that has taken hold of this cowtown as numbers worsen should be unimaginable but, in fact, it's a part of the current cultural epoch as well . . . Moreover, this lingering crisis, one of many, reminds us that it's unlikely the US will dominate the next 100 years. 

Accordingly . . .

Tonight's playlist is quick and consists of single clip featuring a simpler time and bygone era . . .

As always, thanks for reading this week. Have a safe & fun Saturday night.