Bill is a native New Yorker, born and bred in Manhattan, where he still lives. The most memorable moments in his early education were the books he wasn't supposed to be reading and the music he wasn't supposed to be listening to. Through this illicit education, the value of freedom and democracy became a guiding theme in his life and work. Democracy gleaned from books may be one thing, but democracy in music? We're not talking about "The Star Spangled Banner" here- a song with more fire power in it than idea power. Rather, the music of Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly and Pete Seeger, for example, or the Chicago blues, rock 'n roll, and, of course, Bob Dylan are all infused with the ideas of democracy from which life-lessons can be learned. "The Basement Tapes," that literally subterranean aggregation of Americana and freedom (itself originally pirated), has been gaining momentum for thirty years as a testament to the kind of creative democracy in which Bill believes so fervently. Take a listen, then take a look at some of Bill's thoughts on the matter .
