[redhead]

Char:

Your point about the music critic and how he should have known better is well taken. He should have.

The reason I was taken aback when I read “I never thought of it as an American anything” was because it came across as somewhat of a “them vs. us”, and I never even thought about it that way. I take you at your word when you say it wasn’t meant to be disparaging. We all love him.

With regard to your point regarding “just because someone thinks a song is a part of the culture, that doesn’t necessarily make it so”, please refer to my initial post when I said that “so when someone ERRS in thinking that a song is an “American Classic”, try to remember…” (“errs” being the operative word).

I sited Carefree Highway as an example because I work with a lady who grew up in Phoenix and according to her, many people our age who live there do love the song. I imagine that that is because in addition to referencing “home” (concept notwithstanding), it probably serves as a reminder of what was going on in their lives and in the culture when they first heard it as young people.

While I can’t remember exactly where I read or heard it, I believe Gordon himself has said that it was when he secured a management contract in the States that things really began to “break open” or "happen" for him. If I’m wrong, I’ll be more than happy to stand corrected.

You asked about the Beatles, Stones, etc., and if I consider them to be “American” rockers. No, I don’t. Do I consider their songs to be part of “American” culture? Absolutely, I do. Which isn’t to say that they aren’t also a part of Canadian, Australian, British, etc. culture as well, as it isn’t mutually exclusive. In fact, a show here in the States called MAD MEN recently played the song “Satisfaction” a few weeks ago as a cue to the audience that 1965 in America was being portrayed, and no one is arguing that Mick Jagger is American (although I’m not 100% sure as to the actual status of his citizenship, lol).

Note to JJ: with regard to Springsteen, go ahead and claim him if you like and I promise not to scratch my head. I always thought he was overrated, lol.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughtful and intelligent responses to my posts.

redhead