Saying rock and roll is dead, and having it actually be six feet underground are two very opposing “realities.” Who killed Rock and Roll? Was it old school rap? Was it alternative rock? Perhaps it was just the year 1992 when Nirvana took mainstream popularity, and grunge changed music as we knew it? That era certainly put a damper on hair metal. Non- arguably when Jimi Hendrix died over 20 years prior to that, so did a giant piece of rock and roll history. The rooted in rock and roll decade of origin, however, as we came to know it, began somewhere in the 1940’s with a more gospel type sound and a custom Les Paul played by Sister Rosetta Tharpe who is considered to be the first woman to play rock and roll. Then in the 1950’s with musical artists such as Buddy Holly, Elvis, Little Richard, and friends, the rock and roll world expanded even more. The 50’s were a time when the world was prosperous, as it was a few healing years after WWII halted to a bloody end. After all that hate and violence, the world needed an energy like no other. The guitars were rolling out the boogie woogie moves, but also carrying through with blues rock solos, which were appropriately named so for being an explosion of sad and complex emotions that turned tragedy into hope, healing, and eventual happiness. After that the 60’s and 70’s were an exploratory time in more ways than one, and an outburst of The Beatles followed by the next great legendary rock and roll band, Led Zeppelin, came into full blown fruition. This brings me into the present year 2024, where rock and roll is still very much alive even if in a more underground sort of way. In Nashville, Tennessee, appropriately dubbed “music city,” rock and roll, country, and all types of music are still thriving as they always have. A new fresh take on an older rock sound comes from Nashville’s own band The Garden Of Eden. Originating in 2021, these dudes have come a long way, in a few short years, and are set to make an enlightening appearance at the upcoming NAMM event in January 2025 in Southern California. NAMM in 2025 will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, from January 21 to 25, and as the entire music scene is well aware, it is an event that brings together all types of musicians for a great week/weekend of exhibits, education, and all around fun live musical performances. The Garden Of Eden band, led by Scotty Chapman will be at the event which will give them a fresh west coast exposure that should serve them well. Stay tuned for more details, and rumor of an upcoming world tour. The band focuses on all aspects of rock and roll including everything from blues, funk, psychedelic, to folk and indie. Influences range from Led Zeppelin, to The Eagles, to the god of rock and roll guitar stories himself, Jimi Hendrix.They really capture the essence of the old school blues rock melodic complexities that stray from the copycat boring side, and actually have a voice of their own. They bring the modern stylistic touch while staying true to the past decades influential styles. Be sure to dig into these dudes tunes from The Garden Of Eden, and remember that it’s easier than ever to go down a rabbit hole filled with colorful music of any genre of your choice. Seek out the change you wish to see in the world. Ideally that starts and ends with good ol’ rock n’ roll. So, the moral of this story is that if you’re one of those “I used to be in a rock band, but that scene died years ago” type of Neanderthal, then perhaps it’s time to realize that rock and roll wasn’t what died. What died was your soul and passion for the music you loved for so long, perhaps because some dude named Easy E was making a different kind of history at the venue next door to your last rock show. Embrace the music of wherever your soul takes you, but do not ever forget, abandon, or betray your musical roots. That’s your true self, and that’s what being a true Rockstar is really all about.