I’m not going to take up too much of your time this week. Hopefully you have more important things to do on Thanksgiving day. I do want to give thanks of my own, and one of the things I’m thankful for is that I have this space to do it. So thanks to all of the people who have kept Popdose going strong for all these years.

Like all of you I’m thankful for family (even though they sometimes drive me crazy), and friends. I get to spend the day with the love of my life (even though I sometimes drive her crazy). I have a roof over my head, and food on the table. I know that I’m far better off than many, and I’m grateful for that.

Sly & the Family Stone

I am also thankful for the people who read this column every week. I’ve often said that Soul Serenade is a labor of love for me. Every Wednesday morning I leave the island I live on and cross the bridge that connects Jamestown with Newport. Then I head to a little cubicle in the Newport Public Library to write my column for the week. For me there’s nothing more inspiring than being surrounded by books. There are several reasons why I look forward to my Wednesdays in Newport. Chief among them is that while I’m researching the column I almost always learn something new about the music that I love.

I’ve been writing Soul Serenade for more than three years, and last week’s Donny Hathaway column was one of the most popular in the column’s history. Your support confirms that there are people who want to read about this great music every week. Sometimes I wonder how long I can keep coming up with something new for you every week, but if you keep reading it, I’ll do my best to keep writing it.

I wish you a joyous Thanksgiving in the warm embrace of family and friends, and I thank you for letting me be myself … again.

Sly & the Family Stone – “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”

About the Author

Ken Shane

Ken Shane lives in Narragansett, R.I. He is a freelance writer and far and away the oldest Popdose writer. In fact, he may be the oldest writer, period. He wants you to know that he generally does not share his colleagues' love for the music of the '80s, and he does not forgive them for loving it. (Ken passed away in November 2022. R.I.P. —Ed.)

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