[jttpwalsh]

how many teenage Beatles fans knew about music from 1915

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When I was a hotshot know-it-all, in the early ‘80s, a salesman cold called me, on the phone. I was busy, but he sold a competing product, to one that we bought.

I told him to give me his name and number. I said, “What’s that, Pete Atkinson?” “No, Atchison, like ‘Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe’”, he replied. My response was along the lines of “Huh?”. The guy let out a sad sigh, and spelled A-T-C-H-I-S-O-N.

After we hung up, I came to realize he was referencing a song from yesteryear, that my Dad would sometimes sing. I felt bad, knowing that as a salesman, he had probably used that catchy line, to great affect, for many years, but was coming to the realization that sunset was soon approaching, on his career.

Now that I’m closing in on age 60, I can really empathize with Pete.

[GeronL]

“Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe”

Is it on Youtube? :p

[__rvx86]

I always thought they were a rail carrier now rolled up into Burlington Northern.

(Though I do know something about the song—there’s a radio station in Dallas that plays classic rock)

[Dr. Sivana]

After we hung up, I came to realize he was referencing a song from yesteryear, that my Dad would sometimes sing.

The funny thing is, my 13 year old daughter would know that (they love "The Harvey Girls"), but would have no idea who Paul McCartney is. My wife didn't know who George Harrison was (she did know of the Beatles and Paul McCartney). In the end, it really isn't that important.

[To Hell With Poverty]

Hey I’m “only” 42 and I would have got it. But then again my dad was born in ‘36 and I had a big collection of records spanning the 30’s-50’s inherited from my grandparents, so I listened to a whole lot of oldies along with my ABBA and Prince. ;) Plus I have a vague recollection of it being part of a Looney Tunes episode. Those old cartoons were great at referencing even older cultural stuff.