An issue I want to address is when working with professional musicians; artists need to remember we have a multitude of experiences under our belt. The head of the vocal department reminded me: a little power goes a long way. That was in reference to a situation between myself and a student who was preparing for a senior recital. Because of the privilege of directing a play, this student felt she had the right to dictate to her instructor and myself how the music was going to be performed. What she failed to realize, I have the ability to either make her look really polished or very inept and her skills/musicianship left a lot to be desired.
A little perceived power corrupts and can destroy your career quickly. The smart singer/songwriter usually realizes early on who ultimately keeps them on the charts. A couple of country artists that come to mind are: Willie Nelson and Hank Williams, Jr. Both of these artists have seen the ups and downs of a career over many years and are considered part of the outlaw country movement that had it’s roots in the mid-70’s.
Nelson and Williams have always been outspoken. Just like the Dixie Chicks in their debacle over the comment about President Bush which ultimately led in ruining their career, these guys have also felt the sting of paying the price from untimely comments; Nelson through his support of legalized marijuana and Williams’ recent fiasco with ESPN last fall.
In looking back at these prominent and still performing artists, I realized that we all could learn valuable lessons on how to make it in any genre of the performing arts industry! Most important is keeping your integrity and your passion for what you do best. But, most of all…keep it real….and filter your comments!
References:
CMT.com : Dixie Chicks : Biography. (2009, October 18). Country Music Television - News, Videos, Artists : Online Radio, Song Lyrics, TV Shows and More. Retrieved March 4, 2012, from http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/dixie_chicks/bio.jhtml
CMT.com : Willie Nelson : Biography. (2009, October 18). Country Music Television - News, Videos, Artists : Online Radio, Song Lyrics, TV Shows and More. Retrieved March 4, 2012, from http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/nelson_willie/bio.jhtml
Corporation. (n.d.). Explore: Outlaw Country | AllMusic. AllMusic. Retrieved April 1, 2012, from http://www.allmusic.com/explore/style/outlaw-country-d2685
Hiestand, M. (2011, October 4). ESPN drops Hank Williams Jr. from 'Monday Night Football'. News, Travel, Weather, Entertainment, Sports, Technology, U.S. & World - USATODAY.com. Retrieved March 4, 2012, from http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/10/ready-for-some-controversy-hank-williams-compares-golf-with-obama-to-hitler/1#.T1QWdcyfA2Y
Reuters. (2003, March 14). CNN.com - Dixie Chicks pulled from air after bashing Bush - Mar. 14, 2003. CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News. Retrieved April 1, 2012, from http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/14/dixie.chicks.reut/
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