On this day in 1952, Dee Dee Ramone, co-founder of his eponymous band and prolific lyricist and composer, was born Douglas Glenn Colvin. He reportedly advocated naming the band The Ramones after reading that Paul McCartney would sign hotel registers “Paul Ramon” to thwart fans during the Beatles’ halcyon touring days. As we finally say goodbye to summer, it’s worth reprinting some of Ramone’s lyrics for “Rockaway Beach,” a paean to the southern shore of Queens. “It’s not hard, not far to reach / We can hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach / Up on the roof, out on the street / Down in the playground, the hot concrete.”
NCPA
