Barry Silverstein
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Articles by Barry Silverstein
Laser Displays: The Next Leap for XR and the AR Alliance’s LDAR Initiative
By Barry Silverstein A revolution in display technologies has unfolded during the past decade, driven by the relentless march of smartphones and the emergence of extended reality (XR) — encompassing both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
A Man of Principle
Jerry Greenfield is a model for all of us Jerry Greenfield just couldn’t take it anymore. On September 17, 2025, Greenfield, the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, the uniquely quirky ice cream company, resigned after 47 years. According to The New York Times: In his statement, Mr. Greenfield said he could no longer “in good conscience” remain at the company he started with Mr. Cohen in 1978.
The Best-Selling Album Produced in a Basement
Boston’s 1976 self-titled debut was a record-breaking success Press enter or click to view image in full size I was a relatively new Massachusetts resident in 1976, having moved to the Boston area just a few years earlier. From a musical perspective, I had migrated away from psychedelic rock, but I was still getting over the breakup of The Beatles. When I learned of a new group named “Boston” how could I resist giving them a listen.
Solo Rock Superstars of the '60s and '70s Who Started Out with Groups
It's a sometimes forgotten fact that before individual rock stars made it big on their own, they often started out as part of singing groups or bands. The trend started in the early days of rock 'n' roll and it continues to this day. Any number of legitimate reasons could cause a lead singer or top musician to break away from a group, but it is likely ego played a large role in the decision.
Ford Pardons Nixon
DAY IN HISTORY-SEP. 8, 1974 President Gerald Ford appearing at the House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on pardoning former President Richard Nixon, Washington, D.C. Thomas J. O'Halloran, photographer. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons American presidents have long made use of pardons; they are granted the power to pardon people who have committed federal crimes in Article II of the Constitution. One of the more controversial pardons in U.S. history was the pardon of Richard M.
Old Technology Was Good Enough
CROW'S FEET WRITING PROMPT #91-Old Fashioned Way When I consider the old fashioned way of doing things, I immediately think of technology. Like many Boomers, I've lived through mind-boggling technological changes. The IBM Personal Computer (PC) wasn't even introduced until 1981 and the Apple Macintosh didn't say "hello" until 1984. The World Wide Web didn't exist until 1993.
Is "Rock Opera" an Oxymoron?
The traditional "opera" is an all musical performance telling a story in several acts. The songs are often sung in Italian because opera originated in Florence, Italy at the turn of the 17th Century. As such, it seems ludicrous to associate rock 'n' roll with an "opera." And yet... and yet... rock 'n' roll has been known to break plenty of rules, so "rock opera" is, indeed, a real thing.
An Amateurish Hollywood Production
Grant Masters as Adolph Zukor, the narrator. Credit: Curiosity Stream How did Hollywood become Hollywood? It's a story that has intrigue, drama, heroes, villains, power plays, technological breakthroughs, and unexpected twists. If TITANS: The Rise of Hollywood had told this story accurately and adeptly, it would have been all that and more.
Princess Diana Dies in Car Crash
DAY IN HISTORY-AUG. 31, 1997 (Right to left) Prince Charles, Princess Diana and Prince William at Government House, New Zealand, 1983. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1423-0465. Robert John Tucker, CC BY 4.0 Almost a year to the day of her divorce from Prince Charles (August 28, 1996), Princess Diana was tragically killed in a car crash on August 31, 1997.
Historic March on Washington
The “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom” was originally two separate concepts. Labor unionist and civil rights activist A. Philip Randolph conceived of a “march for jobs” on Washington in 1941 against racial discrimination against Blacks in employment. By the late 1950s, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), under the direction of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., planned a march on Washington for freedom.
Woodstock Attracts 300,000+ People
DAY IN HISTORY-AUG. 15, 1969 Multi-day music festival reflects a counterculture movement Press enter or click to view image in full size Promoted as the “Woodstock Music & Art Festival, An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace and Music,” one of the world’s largest music concerts came to be known simply as Woodstock. Flying in the face of conventionality, this music festival was neither three days (it turned into four) nor was it held in Woodstock (it was held in Bethel, New York).
Bad Vibes = Great Album
“Rumours” by Fleetwood Mac was fueled by the band’s angst Press enter or click to view image in full size It goes without saying that emotions are inextricably intertwined with music. And sometimes, raw emotions can result in memorable music, as is the case with the 1977 album Rumours by the British American band, Fleetwood Mac.
One-Hit Wonders that Reached #1 in the 1960s
One-Hit Wonders that Reached #1 in the 1960s A “one-hit wonder” is considered to be a hit record by a musical artist who scores no other hits. It also could mean an artist who, despite other recordings, is known only for a single hit. It almost sounds counter-intuitive that a one-hit wonder could become a #1 single record. Typically the record had to be so special it didn’t matter if the artist was unknown or had unsuccessful releases.
Riots Rock Watts in Los Angeles
In the 1960s, the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, California was a tinderbox waiting to erupt. Predominantly Black, it was a racially segregated area of the city with high unemployment, plagued by poverty. In 1964, California’s Proposition 14, supported by a majority of white voters, overturned the Rumford Fair Housing Act, a 1963 law enacted to prohibit racial discrimination in the purchase or rental of residential real estate. This penalized the Black community.
“The Stranger” Saved Billy Joel’s Career
With the July premiere of a two-part documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, on HBO Max, it seems an appropriate time to highlight a Billy Joel album. The Stranger, Joel’s fifth studio album released in 1977 by Columbia Records, is far from ordinary: It featured Joel’s touring band, assembled only the year before, and a new producer, Phil Ramone, who would go on to produce five more albums for Joel. And The Stranger literally saved Billy Joel’s career.
Disco: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?
Disco: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down? This is Part 2 of a two-part article. Read Part 1 here. It was the mid-1970s and disco was having a moment. Increasingly, large record labels in the U.S. and internationally were overwhelming smaller labels by issuing disco records. What began as a fringe dance movement was now a legitimate musical genre. Disco had become mainstream — and that meant big money was to be made.
A Very Different Kind of Love Story
A Very Different Kind of Love Story On February 9, 1964, when I was not yet fifteen, I was watching The Ed Sullivan Show. I saw a British rock group that had just come to the U.S., The Beatles. That singular experience was responsible for the beginning of my love affair with the music of The Beatles. While I continued to listen to songs by The Beatles for decades and still do, I have studiously avoided reading any biographies about John, Paul, George or Ringo.
Disco: Thumbs Down or Thumbs Up?
PART 1 OF 2 PARTS A growing dance movement goes mainstream Photo by Uzay YILDIRIM on Unsplash This is Part 1 of a two-part article. DISCO The very word conjures up controversy among young and old music fans alike. At its height, no musical genre was as popular as disco, and its fall from the top was just as spectacular. Whether you’re thumbs down or thumbs up on disco, its rise and fall — and reinvention — is fascinating.
What are Black Characters Doing on ‘The Gilded Age’?
Is it DEI or part of the historical record? Credit: HBO Max Currently, the federal government of the U.S. is busily obliterating anything and everything with the initials “DEI” (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), spurning what they represent. But the HBO Max series The Gilded Age is taking the opposite tack. Consider it DEI applied to an historical television series, perhaps where you least expect it.
’60s and ’70s Rock Groups with “Blue” in Their Names
A color that means so much more in music Blue is likely the color most associated with music. After all, the “Blues” have been an integral part of popular music for generations. Rhythm and Blues (“R&B”) is certainly one of the foundational genres of rock ’n’ roll. So it should come as no surprise that “Blue” finds its way into the names of numerous rock groups, none more than in the ’60s and ’70s. The following list offers credibility to that claim.
Experiencing “Are You Experienced?” Again
A look back at the debut album by the Jimi Hendrix Experience Everyone who loves rock music knows about the “British Invasion.” Starting in 1964, Americans were basically re-introduced to American rock ’n’ roll by The Beatles and a raft of other British bands. A few years later, an American guitarist, James Marshall Hendrix, was brought to London by former Animals bass player and newly minted music producer Chas Chandler.
The British Invasion’s “Me-Tooers”
Me-too musical artists who followed in the footsteps of The Beatles As regular Rock On readers know, I never tire of writing about the British Invasion, most recently in this article. There’s a good reason: The British Invasion was a time when American rock ’n’ roll was infused with new energy, thanks to our friends across the pond. They brilliantly repackaged American music and fed it right back to us, putting a British spin on it. The Beatles officially opened the floodgates in 1964.
Hormel Introduces “SPAM”
DAY IN HISTORY-JULY 5, 1937 The canned meat became popular worldwide after World War II Introduced on July 5, 1937 by Hormel Foods, SPAM is a processed meat product originally made from five simple ingredients: pork with added ham meat, salt, water, sugar and sodium nitrite (a preservative). The name is generally thought to be a contraction of “SPiced hAM.” Americans were emerging from the Great Depression in 1937 and refrigerators weren’t common in most households until the 1940s.
Smokin’ Hot Doobies
A powerhouse band in the ’70s, The Doobie Brothers are still at it The Doobie Brothers, a California band formed in 1970, became a hit-making machine in the ‘70s. Remarkably, they just released a new album (Walk This Road) in June 2025. Talk about resiliency! Walk This Road came about after original members John McFee, Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons reunited with Michael McDonald for a 50th Anniversary tour in 2021. “After the tour went so well,” said McDonald, “it made sense.
Pop Music’s Most Influential TV Show
“American Bandstand” originated “Rate-a-Record” An on-going feature of Rock On is “Rate-A-Record.” We use the mysterious rating scale of from 35 (totally meh) to 98 (outstandingly awesome) so readers can let us know how they feel about certain songs selected by writers. Some readers may wonder where, exactly, this oddball rating system comes from. It originated on pop music’s most influential U.S. television show — American Bandstand.
Celebrating American Rock Bands with American Place Names
’60s and ’70s bands that were named after their U.S. locales America’s Flag Day (June 14) and Independence Day (July 4) are approaching and, unfortunately, the negative perception of the U.S.A. is heightened these days. So it’s worth pointing out that the current presidential administration doesn’t necessarily reflect the views of all Americans. There are plenty of folks who abhor their government officials but love their country.
America’s First Drive-In Theater
DAY IN HISTORY-JUNE 6, 1933 Popularity of drive-ins peaked in late 1950s — early 1960s The idea of showing movies outdoors was not new when Richard M. Hollingshead, Jr. patented the drive-in theater. Outdoor movies had been displayed since 1915; movies were shown in a crude outdoor venue as early as 1921. Hollingshead, however, was the first to patent and open a drive-in theater on June 6, 1933 in Camden, New Jersey. It became a model for the modern-day drive-in.
How to Ruin a Disney Classic
The original “Lady and the Tramp” from 70 years ago should have been left alone I was six-and-a-half years old when I first saw Disney’s Lady and the Tramp in a movie theater exactly 70 years ago, in June of 1955. While I was not the most experienced film critic at the time, I loved the film. It was a classic then and it remains one today.
Are Boomers Defined by Brands?
“The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.” (Frank Lloyd Wright) Non-fiction pieces, personal essays and occasional poems that explore how we feel about how we age and offer tips for getting the most out of life. Follow publication You are what you eat, drink, wear and drive, aren’t you? What an audacious question to ask! Individually, a Baby Boomer may be defined by his or her upbringing, beliefs, values, or even career — but by brands? Well, yes.
The British Invasion from “A” to “Z”
The Animals and The Zombies followed The Beatles with U.S. hits I’ve written a number of articles for Rock On about the “British Invasion,” started by The Beatles in 1964, that took over American pop airwaves on both radio and television. Oddly enough, it was America’s most popular TV variety program at that time, The Ed Sullivan Show, that helped fuel the excitement over British rock music.
Don McLean: No One-Hit Wonder
His second album goes beyond “American Pie” Say the name of the musical artist Don McLean and the first song that always comes to mind is his iconic classic, “American Pie.” An anthem to early rock ’n’ roll and the Boomer generation, “American Pie” catapulted McLean to stardom and to this day has global reach. The song skyrocketed to #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1972, also reaching #1 in Australia, Canada and New Zealand, and charting at #2 in the UK.
First Transatlantic Solo Flights
DAY IN HISTORY-MAY 20, 1927, 1932 Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart both crossed the Atlantic exactly five years apart May 20 is a key date in aviation history. On that date in 1927, Charles Lindbergh began a 33–1/2 hour solo flight in an attempt to cross the Atlantic Ocean. He left from Roosevelt Field in Long Island, New York on Friday morning, May 20, arriving at Le Bourget Airport, just outside of Paris, France, on the evening of May 21.
Psyched About “Surrealistic Pillow”
It’s still the best album by Jefferson Airplane As I wrote about for Rock On in October 2024, the San Francisco band Jefferson Airplane was emblematic of the hippie counterculture sixty years ago. Regarded as one of the first acid rock bands, Jefferson Airplane’s music was hard to categorize, blending folk, rock, jazz, blues and psychedelia. I guess you could say their style was, well, surrealistic. The band’s versatility is plainly evident on Surrealistic Pillow, released in 1967.
Four Students Killed at Kent State
DAY IN HISTORY-MAY 4, 1970 National Guardsmen open fire on anti-war protestors I remember the day four college students were shot and killed for protesting the Vietnam War at Kent State University in Ohio. I was about to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree from New York University. Because of the tragedy at Kent State, my graduation ceremony, which was supposed to be held at Madison Square Garden in New York City, was cancelled. Instead, I received my diploma later by mail.
Chernobyl Nuclear Plant Explodes
DAY IN HISTORY-APRIL 26, 1986 On April 25, 1986, personnel at Reactor 4 of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine began preparing to test new voltage regulators. Operators performed a series of actions, including over-riding automatic shutdown mechanisms, prior to attempting the test on April 26. In combination with a serious design flaw, the actions taken by the operators caused the reactor to be extremely unstable.
What are the Key Concerns of American Retirees?
Results of a respected national survey were just released The Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and Greenwald Research just released the results of the 35th Annual Retirement Confidence Survey (RCS). It is the longest-running survey of its kind, measuring worker and retiree confidence about retirement. The survey was conducted online from January 2 through February 3, 2025 across the general population, roughly divided equally between workers and retirees.
Remembering Jim Croce
“Photographs & Memories” demonstrates his timeless talent In May 1970, I graduated from college. I also graduated from (but did not abandon) my love of British Invasion music and acid rock. At the start of the decade, I was being turned on in a different way by the likes of James Taylor. In 1972, I discovered another singer/songwriter whose lyrics engaged me — Jim Croce. Tragically, Croce died in a plane crash on September 20, 1973 at the age of 30.
Two Other Liverpool Bands Who Hit It Big in the Sixties
They popularized the “Merseybeat sound” The greatest band in rock ’n’ roll history — The Beatles — came from Liverpool. But they weren’t the only successful rockers from that port city in Merseyside, England. Two other bands from Liverpool — Gerry and the Pacemakers and The Searchers — formed around the same time as The Beatles.
Earthquake Devastates San Francisco
DAY IN HISTORY-APRIL 18, 1906 The worst earthquake in U.S. history In the early morning of Wednesday, April 18, 1906, a major earthquake struck the city of San Francisco, California. According to the USGS (United States Geological Survey): At almost precisely 5:12 a.m., local time, a foreshock occurred with sufficient force to be felt widely throughout the San Francisco Bay area. The great earthquake broke loose some 20 to 25 seconds later, with an epicenter near San Francisco.
Why Amazon’s Virtual Voice Could be an Audiobook Game Changer
Here are five things I learned from using it Audiobooks, just like their podcast brethren, continue to grow in popularity, and Audible (an Amazon company) commands . That’s why Amazon’s current beta version of “virtual voice” from Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is important. I was offered the opportunity to convert some of my Kindle eBooks into Audible audiobooks using virtual voice. Here are five things I learned from using virtual voice that could help any author, publisher or audiobook buyer.
Boston Marathon Bombing
DAY IN HISTORY-APRIL 15, 2013 One of the worst terrorist attacks on U.S. soil since 9/11 The running of the Boston Marathon is an annual event — over 100 years old — traditionally taking place on “Patriot’s Day.” This Massachusetts holiday commemorates the battles of Concord and Lexington, Massachusetts fought on April 19, 1775 and marking the start of America’s Revolutionary War.
How “Monterey Pop” Made Rock History
The pre-cursor to Woodstock had many musical firsts Rock enthusiasts consider the Woodstock Festival of 1969 the greatest rock festival in history. But two years earlier, the Monterey International Pop Festival, also known as “Monterey Pop,” happened. It is considered by many to be the inspiration for Woodstock. Monterey Pop took place in June 1967, sandwiched between January’s “Human Be-In” and the “Summer of Love,” both occurring in San Francisco.
When Cream was On Fire
Member-only story APRIL CHALLENGE: LIVE ALBUMS The live performances on “Wheels of Fire” are unmatched Barry Silverstein · Follow Published in The Album Cafe · 3 min read · -- Left: Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton of Cream. From an undated publicity photo. Public domain via Wikimedia Commons. Right: Wheels of Fire album cover. Credit (U.S.): ATCO Records I unintentionally pre-empted Buddy Gott’s April Challenge (“Favorite Live Albums”) when I wrote about Eagles Live in March.
Martin Luther King Jr. Shot and Killed
Member-only story DAY IN HISTORY-APRIL 4, 1968 Celebrated civil rights leader dead at age 39 Barry Silverstein · Follow Published in Day in History · 3 min read · -- Martin Luther King Jr. during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, during which he delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech, calling for an end to racism.
The Supergroup of the Woodstock Era
Member-only story Troubled by turbulence, CSN(Y) still had a remarkable run Barry Silverstein · Follow Published in Rock On · 5 min read · -- Left: CSN debut album. Right: CSNY debut album. Credit: Atlantic Records Crosby Stills & Nash (CSN), with the later addition of Young (CSNY), is widely credited with being the first folk rock “supergroup.” What does that mean exactly?
Johnson Shocks the Nation
Member-only story DAY IN HISTORY-MARCH 31, 1968 “I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your President.” Barry Silverstein · Follow Published in Day in History · 3 min read · -- U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson announcing to the nation that he will not run on March 31, 1968. U.S. government photo.
“Eagles Live” is Still a Great Album
Member-only story A double album with an unusual backstory Barry Silverstein · Follow Published in The Album Cafe · 3 min read · -- Image from Eagles.com, copyright 2025, Eagles. Album cover credit: Elektra Records It’s pretty obvious that I’m an Eagles fan, as I wrote in my article for Rock On, so it should come as no surprise that I love anything Eagles. This double album, Eagles Live, was the first live album released by the group, which makes it unique.
Behind the Super Hits of the Sixties
Ten legendary record producers who helped shape rock ’n’ roll Barry Silverstein · Follow Published in Rock On · 6 min read · -- Producer George Martin in the studio at Abbey Road with The Beatles (Ringo Starr not shown), circa 1966.
The Power of Multiple Points of View
“Beyond That, the Sea” weaves the perspectives of eight characters into an engaging historical novel One proven technique in creating novels is telling a story from the perspective of different characters. But when a novel is structured around numerous characters’ points of view, it is very much like juggling multiple balls in the air without dropping them — challenging for all but the most experienced at execution.
Spend Time with a Rock Storyteller
Groove to Bob Seger’s storied “Ultimate Hits” compilation album Barry Silverstein · Follow Published in The Album Cafe · 4 min read · -- “Ultimate Hits: Rock and Roll Never Forgets” album cover. Credit: Capitol Records Soon to celebrate his 79th birthday on May 6, Bob Seger is a legendary rock songwriter/singer/musician who fought his way up to the top. From his Detroit, Michigan roots to his local popularity in the Sixties, he had his first national single hit in 1968 (“Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man”).
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