Chapter 15

ROAD EXCURSIONS:  MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

Written By:  Rashon Leyf

            All those critics tell us to have our writings edited well. Well, maybe this chapter shows us what happens when we do so. It’s short – too short I think. Nonetheless, I am thinking (and hoping) it’s what Ralph expected as concerns the certain road excursion it (briefly) relates.

As you’ve been informed in previous chapters, for some reason or reasons, John and I were recently sent out on a series of travels. And we journeyed alone on most of those, but were accompanied on others. And Ralph told us that he wanted us to report to him concerning all the journeys we made, but said he intended to include only two such reports for each of us in the book – and thus, a total of four such “excursion” chapters would be included herein. And I know that John was allowed to use both of his excursion type chapters to document various – let’s say “philosophical matters.” And while I didn’t think it fair that Ralph granted John permission to expound upon some of his own personal concerns in these chapters, I nevertheless tried to adhere to what I imagined the original assignment had been.

            And yet, I received a second admonishment of sorts from Ralph when I discussed what he wished the content of these chapters to be. He told me I wouldn’t be allowed “to run off at the mouth” as John probably would be in his pieces, nor would I be allowed to use specific names of people or places. And when I asked why names were banned, Ralph said it was because we might get into trouble by using them. So, those are the ground rules (for me) I guess. And what they basically amount to, is that while John will be able to say more or less what he pleases in these “road excursions” chapters, my words within them will be strictly restrained! And, well, that’s the way it’s going to be, so I’ll do my best. And Ralph said he’d probably use my two Tennessee reports in the book. Thus, what follows here are my words to you concerning the first of those two journeys; and as you’ll see, sometimes writers can leave hints without actually stating absolutes!

            On a recent excursion to Memphis, Tennessee, I learned that simple “graces” are not often

“landed” by us through our own worthiness; rather, they’re usually granted us as forms, or else they’re condensed by us from the side effects of strivings toward certain destinations. And it’s my opinion that if ever in our lives we’ve derived any primary or secondary influences from any format of artful activity, then we’ve had grace gifted to us from the masters above, and from those artists who now reside in that land of eternity with them.

            And, when I think back upon mortals more creative and influential than myself, I often

realize then that although some of them didn’t possess great educational degrees, most did own a

strong sense of belief in self. And most also possessed an equally strong desire for selfless recognition

and advancement. In other words, their wishes for success lay not so much in what humankind might

think of them, as opposed to what it might learn from, and then perhaps change behaviorally because

of their efforts. And thus, since their underlying goals were basically righteous, they’ve usually left greater marks in eternity’s book than most of us ever shall.

            And are all of God’s children really players on a stage? I’d guess innumerable arguments have been made to say they are or aren’t. But plays all come to an end eventually. And then the curtain is drawn, and the lights go out, and the audience and actors all go home. And all that’s left then is whatever mark any certain performance may have made or left upon any certain mortal who was privy to that performance. Yet, isn’t it true that earthly judgments concerning earthly matters matter only for as long as those matters are still considered of any importance?

            Well, to be truthful, I didn’t know what type of edification I was supposed to be seeking when I embarked upon those crusades to Tennessee. And, actually I guess I wasn’t seeking anything except the experiences which might befall me. So, I travelled to Memphis, Tennessee. And there I saw how a number of singers and musicians have changed the world. And, of course I can’t mention any of their identities, nor can I disclose the names of places where they worked, played, or lived. But a number of people have become famous in Memphis. And a number of them have left memories that have aged, yet also grown. Still, it’s also true that the great central and ancillary influences certain mortals have had upon society are sometimes forgotten - or at least lessened in relevance.

            And isn’t it true that many today still attempt to downplay the relevance of the performance

arts? And aren’t such people often especially critical of so-called “teen idols?” Yes, probably they are. And, in my opinion, that criticism is not unjustified in many instances. Yet, it certainly was, and still is in regard to the greatest stars of Memphis.

            And who can say that the legacies of most of those stars are anything but positive? And sometimes perhaps we forget that their influence was also paramount to the development of other artistic careers whose impact upon society as a whole sometimes approximated, or actually equaled their own.

            But many other mortals, whether artists or not, have of course changed the world also, and many times not for the better. And I suppose it’s especially because of them, those who strove, and in some cases are still striving to curtail individual freedom, and simply worsen life upon this planet, that many humans look for heroes in people such as those who captured great achievements in all forms of art, but perhaps especially in the field of music. Yes, and often such stars offered all classes of society not only entertainment, but also perceived opposition to all such possible demagogues who would have imposed their will and viewpoints concerning proper lifestyles upon humanity in general.

            And one other perception which comes to one here in Memphis is the question of how long certain legacies will continue to be considered of importance to modern man. Surely some of the other teen idols who preceded those of the rock music era, that is, those stars of the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s are barely remembered today. Yet, who can say that the greatest stars of Memphis have not helped set into motion a change of outlook, which by now, over half a century later, has taken root as an established way of life here in the U. S., and in many other nations as well?