One writer looks back on the greats in music

"It's the end of the century," the Ramones noted nearly 30 years ago. And the Ramones, like that century, have come and gone. As starter decade of the 21st century comes to a close, so does the semester and The Carolinian's printing season, I'd like to thank readers and pay homage to those whose candle dwindled over this decade, but have influenced me profoundly. Keeping them alive, if only in phono-form.

"We need change, and we need it fast / Before rock's just part of the past / 'Cause lately it all sounds the same to me," the Ramones, Joey (2001), Johnny (2004), and Dee Dee (2002).

The original rockers; Sam Phillips (2003), the Sun Records man who sent rock-n-roll into our hearts and airwaves. Billy Lee Riley (2009) who bopped with aliens, and Bo Diddley (2008), a gun slinger. The man in black Johnny Cash (2003), and his lovely wife June Carter (2003).

Les Paul (2009), who made the tools to set the way. British dudes, George Harrison (2001), my favorite Beatle, John Entwhistle (2002), bassist extraordinaire, and Syd Barret (2006) the Piper at the Gates of Dawn. Rocksteady, Desmond Dekker (2006), and rock on, Dimebag Darrell (2004). The future is unwritten, Joe Strummer (2002).

Country wild boy, Waylon Jennings (2002), purveyor of that "Nashville sound," Chet Atkins (2001), and Link Wray (2005), NC native and inventor of the mighty powerchord. The king of soul James Brown (2006), and its "High Priestess", Nina Simone (2003), who showed the world the power of North Carolina girls. Nappy Brown (2008), NC sultan of sultry soul, and, "what would I do without you, to see me through," Ray Charles.

Outside the music realm, you were a good man, Charles Schulz, (2000). Christopher Reeves (2004) will always be superman. Late Night television pioneers, Steve allen (2000) and Johnny Carson (2005) keep it clean, while Richard Pryor (2005) and Bernie Mac (2008) keep me in stitches. And we'll never close that book on Bettie Page (2008).

Finally, I would be nowhere without Mr. Hunter S. Thompson (2005), "Myths and legends die hard in America. We love them for the extra dimension they provide, the illusion of near-infinite possibility to erase the narrow confines of most men's reality. Weird heroes and mould-breaking champions exist as living proof to those who need it that the tyranny of 'the rat race' is not yet final."

With out their influence this world would be a far different place and not for the better, thanks. It's been a blast this season. I hope you readers out there enjoy our weekly time together, and I'll catch you all in 2010!