Hello friends and fans,
I guess it’s about time I checked in with all my fellow quarantined rockers and recliners. So I’ll start with this. These unique, challenging, and troubled times in which we now find ourselves are truly unprecedented, and for me, bring to mind the immortal words of Charles Dickens in “A Tale Of Two Cities”.
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair…
Well, the worst of times is obvious, but what about the best? I truly believe that in the midst of all this chaos and confusion, these trials and tribulations, we have been presented with the golden opportunity to come through and out of this with one bright and beautiful, shining truth we’ve never had before.
That monumental truth is the simple recognition that we are All in this together, no matter who we are. That means All of us, every living soul on earth, the world over! Not just here in America, but Every person, Everywhere, around the world. We are One People, not just American citizens, but inhabitants of this one planet Earth. The world population is humanity, one kind of thing, human beings. We are One, and it’s high time we understood, accepted, and embraced that with Love, compassion, and gratitude.
Let’s back it up a bit. I must admit that I never realized how divided we are as a nation. President Trump is making that only too clear. Even though I didn’t vote for him, he IS the President. I am responsible, you are responsible, We as a nation are responsible for that. And we got what we asked for!
Here’s what I mean. I think as Americans, we have become so intent on success, getting ahead, and the pursuit of our own basically selfish personal interests that, to the extent we have bought into those values, we have lost sight of the original American Dream.
Yes, that dream includes capitalism, and the desire to make something of yourself, to rise as far as your ability can take you. But it also encompassed peace, freedom, equality, integrity, spiritual values, and justice for all. What I am saying is that I think our values are reflected in the quality of leadership we have today.
President Trump is thought of as a businessman. People were concerned with the economy, and I suppose that’s how he got elected. So why should we be surprised when he acts, behaves, conducts himself, and makes decisions just like a businessman would?
I must also further admit that my faith in the American Dream has of late been shaken, but Not broken! You see, I have come to believe that humanity is on the verge of a spiritual awakening that is the next step in our evolution, which brings us back to our original subject—the truth and unity of humanity. Who are you? Who am I? Who are We, and what are we doing?
I believe it is time for man’s inhumanity to man, our cruelty to animals, and our disregard for the environment to end! I can not help but believe that this virus would never have arisen, were it not for the huge imbalances we have created by ceaselessly dumping harmful chemicals into the environment which affects humans and animals alike.
So, here’s the deal. I apologize for not writing more frequently, and now that I am writing, for the length, breadth, and depth of this address. But Monique and I really do care about you.
We both send our Love and appreciation for your kindness, caring, and support over the years. We just keep looking for the silver lining, but this is one hell of a dark cloud we’re under.
Remember—if we’re not part of the solution, we may be part of the problem. And don’t go saying, who me? I’m just one person. What do you expect me to do?
I had this friendly argument with a guy on tour some years ago. He got this sort of snide, sarcastic, cynical attitude and proclaimed—It really doesn’t matter what you say. No one person can do anything, to change the world, to make any significant difference in the general scheme of things. So why even bother, just forget it.
My response was—Then how do you account for people like Jesus, Gandhi, Einstein, or Hitler. Almost every significant event in history, every great scientific advance, practical discovery, or spiritual insight can be directly or indirectly attributed to one key figure. But all that aside, it’s really just the opposite. The one thing no person can actually do, is to go through life Without making a difference. You may think your life is meaningless, and nothing you do makes any difference, but you will be wrong.
It’s a very convenient way of avoiding responsibility for anything. I say that just thinking as you think, saying what you say, and doing what you do makes a difference. There is a universal spiritual and social consciousness to which each and every one of us contributes his or her part.
That adds up to big stuff—like who becomes the President, democracy or totalitarianism; discrimination and racism, or equality, freedom, and justice for all. It ultimately results in things like clean air, or pollution; normal moderate climate, or global warming; good health and security, or the COVID-19 virus, and dangerous times.
The point is, you don’t have to do Anything special. Just be yourself. Being yourself is enough. You are enough. You have a voice. You can vote. You Can make a difference.
Whew! What a relief to get all that off my chest and out of my system. Now, on a more musical note, as most of you are probably already aware, we are in the process of recording a tribute album for my brother, Johnny. Making this album has been something I will never forget. It has been an amazing, beautiful, spiritually rewarding experience, and a heck of a lot of fun.
We were just closing in on the finish when the virus struck. So far we have some amazing performances from Joe Bonamassa, Billy Gibbons, Joe Walsh, Warren Haynes, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Steve Lukather (Toto), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), Doug Rappoport (Edgar Winter Band), Waddy Wachtell (Stevie Nicks, Keith Richards), and Bobby Rush (Chicago blues man), with Ringo Starr, Derek Trucks, Larry Carlton and more still to come. It most likely would have been out for the summer, if not for the virus. Now we are probably looking at around April or May of 2021.
All I can say is ... Get Ready to Rock ‘n’ Roll! If you are a Johnny or Edgar fan, or just love guitar, Blues, or Rock; I guarantee you’re in for a real treat. I can’t wait to hear this one, myself!
Oh, by the way. I had a ton of pictures and autograph requests that had piled up for quite a long time. So for those of you who may still be waiting, they’re on their way. I do get around to them, eventually.
So, that’s about it from Winterland. Oh, I almost forgot. I wrote this song a little while ago when the protests were just starting, and Monique thought it would be a nice way to close.
A Different Color
They’re so many people
But so few have believed
In seeing the truth
Instead of living deceived
We talk freedom and justice
The American way
We all have this dream
But we don’t do what we say
Now all I can do
Is pray to Heaven above
I don’t know about you
But brother I’ve had enough
No matter the color
Or race you are of
You can’t love without forgiveness
And you can’t forgive without love
They’re so many colors
An artist can use
To balance a picture
Anyway he may choose
Just look in the mirror
And tell me what’s true
If you see a different color
I’m saying me too
Now all I can do
Is pray to Heaven above
I don’t know about you
But brother I’ve had enough
No matter the color
Or race you are of
You can’t love without forgiveness
And you can’t forgive without love
I was born and I’m living
And I’m gonna die
But we all need forgiving
Without asking why
I don’t know the truth
But when I see a lie
I can hope to do better
And I’m gonna try
Now all we can do
Is pray to Heaven above
We all know it’s true
That enough is enough
Whatever the color
Or race we are of
We can’t love without forgiveness
And we can’t forgive without love
Hope you and your families are all well, you are being careful, wearing your masks, and practicing social distancing. Until we meet again, don’t forget to Keep On Rockin’!
With Peace, Love,
and Gratitude,
Edgar & Monique
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