#29 Making The Scene - The Beats - Dennis McNally

We are starting up another edition of Making The Scene. The focus this time is on the Beat Generation as we take a present day perspective on what the Beats did as well as the movements that followed in their wake.
The first of this recurring series will be with historian and writer Dennis McNally. Dennis is probably most well known for his work as the biographer and publicist for the Grateful Dead. You can see him prominently featured in the six part documentary series Long Strange Trip which is based on McNally’s book of the same name. Prior to his tenure working for The Dead, Dennis wrote one of the earliest biographies on Jack Kerouac and the Beat Generation titled Desolate Angel, which was influential in establishing his relationship with Jerry Garcia. His chronicling of both the Beats and Grateful Dead allows Dennis with the unique perspective to help us examine the cultural foundations to which these scenes could develop. Which is why he is our first guest to help us dive in to our exploration and celebration of the Beat Generation.
In this conversation, Stephen and Dennis discuss the conceptual foundations of both the Beats and countercultural movements at large, American definitions of freedom, Henry David Thoreau, and leadership qualities found in reluctant or egoless leaders. Much of this conversation covers material from his most recent publication, On Highway 61: Music, Race and the Evolution of Cultural Freedom.
To learn more about Dennis McNally visit www.dennismcnally.com
Buy Desolate Angel - www.kerouac.co...
Buy On Highway 61 - www.dennismcna...