Hey, Ron:

Kids are certainly making music today, but mostly not in the same style. It all gets back to connection. In the 60's, folk singers and singer/songwriters were making music that connected to their audience at that time. It was the Vietnam War era, and protests songs dominated the songwriting. Even older traditional songs like Penny's Farm and John Johanna made a connection, because they were about working class folks being taken advantage of by the "system" of those times. How many protest songs are being written today? I'm sure that there are plenty, but they're mostly heard in small grouyps of people who are social activists. None are making it to MTV.

Kids today are making music that connects with their audience. And imitating what they hear on the radio and see on TV. You write and sing what you know, and if you want an audience, you'd better be sure that the music you make connects with them or you'll lose them.

The other difference today is that the Beat is the thing. Most of the music is so bass-heavy that it makes the fenders of your car rattle if you play it. Music since the disco era has been for dancing, mostly. Ever tried boogeying to Lord Randall?

Jerry