Teaching the principles of leadership and teamwork to the next generation of leaders using history as the vehicle through which to do it. John W. Colored Troops.
McCaskill brings History Alive!® through his personalized tours of monuments in the Nation’s Capital, and his dynamic public speaking presentations across the country. A true Renaissance Man, John is an educator, historian, lecturer, coach, tour guide, and inspirational speaker, who inspires and captivates his audiences by teaching the principles of leadership and teamwork by using history as a ve
11/14/2025
Sixty years ago the Battle of Ia Drang was the first major engagement.for the United States in Vietnam. The 1st Cav was transported into battle via helicopter. SP5 Calvin Bouknight, Washingtonian, McKinley Tech graduate, sacrificed himself for his brothers...
06/12/2025
The only question that matters pertaining to music, is it good, or is it not? It was good regarding two artists (and their music) who passed this week, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone, and Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys. Their music was the soundtrack during the 60’s and the 70’s, written and performed during much of the Vietnam War and Civil Rights era. Either you like their music, or you don’t. I have listened to their music, particularly while studying the history of both eras, but what I have always found fascinating was the “why” behind the music, the reason a song was written.
Working as a DJ in San Francisco, Sly Stone formed the band “Sly and the Family Stone” which was integrated, and it brought together different elements of various genres of music to form an incredible sound that was uniquely theirs. “Dance to the Music” was a great example of that.
My favorite tune by The Byrds was Mr. Tambourine Man” which, for guitarist Roger McGuinn, was inspired by Bob Dillon. They took Dillon’s 2/2 metered composition and changed it to a 4/4 metered song. But what really makes the tune is the rhythm of the piece. My favorite Beach Boy’s tune is “Don’t Worry Baby” which Brian Wilson said, was inspired by The Byrd’s rendition of “Tambourine Man.” And I must mention that Brian Wilson stated that many of the signature harmonies of the Beach Boys were inspired by The Four Freshmen.
We have lost two music greats, but they have left a catalogue that will “play on.”
Thank you Mr.’s Stone and Wilson; your music has made life a bit easier…
JWM
Good morning!