February 8, 2008
Written by Kelly Kleinsteuber
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the guru to the Beatles who popularized transcendental mediation
in Western culture, died this week. His influence on the Beatles altered their musical
style, which was a common trend for musicians in 1968. The music of that pivotal year
impacts everyone who remembers it, but not always in the same way.
Three Texas Tech experts can talk about the music that reached people from all perspectives.
From the music that defied the political atmosphere to the music that became a spokesperson
for a generation, these experts can add insight to your story. Visit experts.ttu.edu
for more information.
Bruce Clarke, professor of English and former member of the group, Sha Na Na, can
speak about the new direction being taken by rock musicians to a less radio-friendly
format and innovative styles of music inspired by other musical genres. He can be
reached at (806) 742-2500 ext. 274 or bruce.clarke@ttu.edu.
Angela Mariani, assistant professor of musicology, can discuss the aspects of psychedelia
and drug culture that were expressed in music and how it influenced people’s lives
in many ways including dress, personal expression and drug use. She can be reached
at (806)742-2270 ext. 232 or angelamariani.smith@ttu.edu.
Christopher Smith, associate professor and chair of musicology in the Department of
Music, can speak about the impact of popular music on an entire generation and how
that same music reached out to the audience to bring awareness about cultural issues.
He can be reached at (806) 742-2270 ext. 249 or christopher.smith@ttu.edu.
Story produced by the Office of Communications and Marketing, (806) 742-2136.