Kevin White Mayor of Boston 1968-1984. From turbulent times to boom times.

Let's face it, Boston is what it is today because of what happened on his watch, and he navigated the city through what could have been a catastrophe.

Growing up as a kid he was the mayor of the big city.

Love him or hate him, he had the balls to show leadership in racial issues when all other polititians (typical Mass. hacks) took a walk.

Just my opinion, he saved Boston from becoming yet another American rust-belt burg, and turned it into a pretty dynamic city - it wasn't always a smooth ride. OK it as the 80's, people got rich, cities everyhere got all shiney again - but leave it to some Mass. hack to blow it - it happens. But not this time.

A power broker par excellence, described as the country's first 'modern mayor' - whatever that means, but certainly the last of a breed. Insanely smart, he could go belly to belly with anyone - no better friend, no worse enemy kinda guy. A complex dude.

Plus - Kevin White got the Rolling Stones sprung from jail

In 1972, White made news when the Rhode Island State Police had arrested members of The Rolling Stones immediately prior to a Boston concert appearance. White persuaded the Rhode Island State Police to release the Stones into his personal custody.

This needs to be repeated:

White persuaded the Rhode Island State Police to release the Stones into his personal custody,

So that the band could make their scheduled concert appearance in Boston. White appeared on stage before the waiting fans at Boston Garden to keep the peace.