What Feb 9, 1964 meant to me:

** At nine years old, it awoke inside me a love for music...much like being slapped in the face, but in a good way.

** My entire neighborhood changed immediately.  Every kid on the block borrowed broomsticks as guitars and decided which Beatle they represented.  I argued that since I was lefthanded and my middle name is Paul, that I had the birthright to be Paul.

** It changed the American culture instantly. 

** Other great British bands became instantly famous.

** It helped us get past the JFK assassination, just 3 1/2 months prior.

** It started an unspoken competition with Brian Wilson, of which we are all the beneficiaries

** On a related note, it created a barrier between Beatles and Beach Boys fans.  You had to declare yourself one way or the other.

** For the next six years, just about everything on the radio was fantastic.

People used to wonder who "the next Beatles" would be.  Well, as it turns out, I don't think the question even gets posed anymore...

Marty