Alive n' Kickin'--Tighter, Tighter (1970)

    There are some stories that inspire me more than others, and the story of Alive n' Kickin' is one of those. The band formed in 1968 and was soon signed to Roulette Records which was known mostly for Tommy James. James had written a song for them, "Crystal Blue Persuasion", but liked it so well that he kept it for himself and instead wrote, "Tighter, Tighter". It was released in the spring of 1970 and reached #7 on the charts. A second song, "Just Let It Come" was on the top 100, then the group faded from view and finally disbanded in 1971. 

     A few years later, with the band members out of the music business, they realized that doing what they loved no matter if they were "popular" again was preferable to working outside of the craft. So in 1976, they reunited as a wedding and party band. They have been going strong ever since garnering a reputation of being one of the best bands in the northeast. For me, anyone who can enjoy what they do...on their terms...is inspiring.