1960s

If ever a song perfectly captured teenage betrayal, it was “It’s My Party” sung by Lesley Gore. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the spring of 1963.

"Precious Lord, take my hand. Lead me on, let me stand. I am tired. I am weak. I’m worn. Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light. Take my hand precious Lord, lead me on."

Boomers are accustomed to rock musicians' colorful stage names, from Ringo Starr (real name Richard Starkey) to Sting (Gordon Sumner). That's why it's surprising to discover that the leader of the campy, colorful Paul Revere and the Raiders actually used the one on his birth certificate, at least the first and middle parts.

Glenda Thomas was a San Francisco elementary school student in 1963. This month, she recorded her memories of November 22, 1963 and sent them to our Tumblr, JFK Memories.

by Lloyd Stableford

by Dave Farmer I was a senior in high school in Joliet, Ill. when I first heard JFK had been shot. Entering my next class, I saw my classmates standing silently near a radio as the announcement was made that JFK was dead! Several female classmates began sobbing as I fought back tears myself, probably because I had spent 20-30 minutes eating and speaking with JFK during his campaign.

by Robert Proctor

by Julie Burnett

by Wendy Weber

by Tom Stachelek