I thoroughly enjoyed going to Cleveland to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last week. But I’ve always been a museum buff. It’s interesting to see what’s come before and see it happen again and again. You just have to be cognizant of the patterns that emerge as time goes by.

Music is no different. As a New Orleans R&B listener, I love seeing the form re-emerging in younger performers and audiences who appreciate them. Of course, it’s not the same as it was, but then, nothing is. Change is constant, and I’m content with that.

The “Rock Hall” was fascinating because it was the story of my generation and subsequent generations’ lives. This museum showed the rhythm of my life because it honored the music and musicians that made me who I am today, and there’s nothing wrong with looking at the past—as long as you don’t live in it!

One of the things I think about as I get older is what will become of our music, as the generations age, tastes change, and musical choices become so accessible and vast. When I was growing up, classic New Orleans R&B is what I listened to, and it had a major influence on what I listen to and appreciate musically. Needless to say (but I will anyway), I hold New Orleans musicians of that era close to my heart because they made the music that influenced the way I relate to all music. I never get tired of listening to it. I suppose this is the main reason I do what I do today.

When you’re younger, you always feel as though everything your life and everything you love and enjoy, like music—will never end. But the people who make it do end. They get old, and they pass away, leaving us with an aural legacy. So many great musicians have passed on; as I write this, I just heard that “Gentleman” June Gardner died, one of New Orleans’ most revered bandleaders (more about June and his musical legacy next month). They’re leaving us, slowly, steadily.

So all you guys who hit the Maple Leaf to go see Rebirth Brass Band, understand that one day the guys in Rebirth won’t be with us anymore. Ditto Kermit Ruffins, Stanton Moore, Lil Wayne, Nathan and the Zydeco Chas Chas, Galactic, ad infinitum. Ray Bong at some time in the future will no longer be able to revel in debauchery or give his Voodoo Fest picks. Bands break up, bands move on. Characters fade away. Times marches on.

The point is that the moments you live, the music you hear, your family and the people and friends you acquire are precious. Cherish the moment. Do what you can for people who mean a lot to you. That’s my wish for you this holiday season.