In Akron, Ohio, Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Smith, two
recovering alcoholics, founded Alcoholics Anonymous,
also known as "A.A.," a 12-step rehabilitation program
that eventually helped countless people cope with
alcoholism.

Based on psychological techniques that have long been
used in suppressing certain personality traits, members
of the strictly anonymous organization control their
disease through guided group discussion and
confession.

As of 2021, AA estimated it is active in 180 countries with
an estimated membership of nearly two million—73% in
the United States and Canada.

Other addiction support groups patterned on A.A. include
Narcotics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous.

Sly and the Family Stone

Sly Stone (Sylvester Stewart) (March 15, 1943 – June 9, 2025)

Stone, was a musician, songwriter, and record producer who 
was most famous for his role as frontman for Sly and the 
Family Stone.

      
TIM MAGUIRE

Les Paul records with wife Mary Ford in his home studio
in the 1950s.

Les Paul  (June 9, 1915 – August 12, 2009)

Les Paul, was a jazz, country, and blues guitarist, songwriter,
and inventor. He was one of the pioneers of the solid-body
electric guitar, and his prototype, called the Log, served as
inspiration for the Gibson Les Paul.

Paul is credited with many recording innovations. His early
experiments with overdubbing (also known as sound on
sound), delay effects such as tape delay, phasing, and
multitrack recording.

George Orwell’s novel of a dystopian future, 1984, was
published on June 8, 1949. The novel’s all-seeing leader,
known as “Big Brother,” becomes a universal symbol
for intrusive government and oppressive bureaucracy.

Eric Arthur Blair (25 June 1903 – 21 January 1950)