In this inaugural episode of Season 3 of American 100, we get a slightly adjusted format for our slightly adjusted times. Grief is the theme. Aretha Franklin & Dolly Parton provide the lens through which we will be examining this process that we’ve all be

Well be right back! But theres plenty for you to do till then. Micah explains. In the meantime, always keep a song in your heart!

We would see the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert Kennedy; the Tet Offensive would begin in Vietnam; and comedian Will Smith would be born. Its 1968, and both Percy Sledge and Cliff Nobles would show up on the American Bill

President Reagan dies, the Federal Assault Weapons Ban expires, and both LL Cool J and DIDO show up on the Billboard Hot 100! Its 2004, friends, and Friends isnt the only thing everybodys talking about. 

Idi Amin takes control of Uganda, Charles Manson and three of his followers receive the death penalty, and Jim Morrison is found dead in a bathtub in Paris. Also Matthews Southern Comfort and The Grass Roots hold places on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s 1971

The Black Panthers are founded, The Beatles are bigger than Jesus and Vietnam rages on in the tumultuous year of of our focus this week. Also, The Cyrkle and Ray Conniff would find themselves on the Billboard Hot 100. Join our host Micah McKee, his trusty

The DeLorean hits the markets; President Reagan appoints Sandra Day OConner, the first woman Supreme Court Justice; and the Columbia spacecraft is launched and safely returned. Its 1981, of course, and both Barbara Streisand and Ronnie Milsap would hold

John Glenn would become the first American to orbit Earth; the Cuban Missile Crisis would threaten, once again, to plunge the planet into war; and Marylin Monroe would sing an especially concupiscent “Happy Birthday” to the leader of the free world, John

Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper would be killed in an infamous plane crash; the Guggenheim would open; and both Alaska and Hawaii would become states. In 1959 the Hot 100 would feature The Fiestas and proto-surf rockers, Jan and Dean. Join