I recently watch one of the many so-called music award shows on one of the networks. As I watch the several lip-synching performances, I came the realization that in today’s music world it takes less talent to succeed and gain fame, then it did in the days of Janis Joplin and the early days of groups such as the Rolling Stones and the Eagles. The instant fame gained by participates of such shows as American Idol and the Next Great American Band, thrust mediocre and average musicians, singers and would be rock stars into the limelight and the tone-deaf youth of today fall for it, hook line in sinker.
Names such as Jessica and Ashley Simpson and Sanjaya from American Idol come to mind as a few of the personalities that fit this mold. Then you have individuals like Britney Spears, Sean Combs (Puff Daddy, P Diddy or whatever he calls himself today) and Beyonce, who have some talent, which is enhanced in the studio and painted over by elaborate stage shows and over the top productions.
Just recently the Eagles, one of my all time favorite bands, recorded and released their first full album of new songs in over 28 years. The Eagles embody what true talent is and can accomplish. The Eagles released their first album in 1972, entitled simply “The Eagles”, now 35 years later, this phenomenal band, can still sell out concerts and their new album is easily becoming a mega hit. It is estimated this band has churned out close to half a billion dollars in record, ticket and merchandising sales. Now lets see any of these cookie cutter boy bands try and do that.
The top selling albums and artist are, 1. The Eagles: Greatest Hits, 2.Michael Jackson: Thriller, 3. Pink Floyd: The Wall, 4. Led Zeppelin: Untitled (IV), 5. AC/DC: Back In Black, 6. Billy Joel: Greatest Hits 7. Shania Twain: Come on Over, 8. Fleetwood Mac: Rumors, 9. The Beatles: The White Album, 10. Whitney Houston & Various Artists: The Bodyguard movie album (Go figure).
Now looking at the current groups and individuals who are at the top of the current music industry, other than the country music genre, I really do not see, any one, who can stand the test of time. Honestly, can you see Britney Spears, coming back after a 28-year layover and putting out a multi platinum-selling album and a sellout concert tour?
So if in the next couple of days, you are in your local music store and you come across the newest sensation’s CD, perhaps you should, go past it and look up The Eagles’ and have a listen to real music and real talent.
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Comments: 20
To this day I can't listen to that song without thinking of her and that moment.
The last groups I have like more then one song are Green Day, The red Hot Chili Peppers, and I can't even think of a third. But while growing up I love many songs from the Cars, Meatloaf, Supertramp, The Eagles, etc.
Just strum on some open chords and power chords and you're on you way to fame these days.
Juan...great article!
Now I consider she has talent and was a very good performer. She however fell from grace fans placed her on and is basicly a shame on the industry and society.
She was no Paul, Billy, Elton, Diana, but she was far more then a one hit wonder. Jessica Simpson and some of the others also have had to break into stardome over increased odds because yes it might appear to be easier to make it big just ask the many unemployed actors and music performers who have yet to make the big time and have plenty of talent.
Juan-Timberlake might not appeal to you but he does appeal to many. Not my style of music but he has proven to endure and the ability to keep going.
Chick-Maybe you are outdated and not the music. Honestly I love Meatloaf, Queen, and the numerous other groups but I also think that all music should be admired and boys and girls bands of late are nothing but teh next generation of garage head banging bands of the past.
Juan- I understand your point but I also think its bias to generation. When I was young it was cool to dress like Michael Jackson and now dressing like Michael Jackson will get you labeled as a child molestor.
Juan-If you check, the list of one hit wonders-Top 40 just once----Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, Phish, Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead However-they had and still have huge followings....
Music is art and with that being said each have their own time and fame. I like my South American Inca music and Alabama...LOL
Interesting...since the phrase ' One Hit Wonder ' usually applies to artists who make it big on one hit song only to be never heard of again.
As far as being outdated is concern. "Good Music", truly "Good Music" can never be outdated. I listen to many of the current music, Alicia Keys, Simple Plan,matchbox twenty's new stuff, lets not forget the old standards, Kid Rock, Van Halen and Nickelback. Then there is the Spanish Rock of Mana and Oso Matley. Good and real music appeals to everyone regardless of age.
When a Grammy is given to someone who goes out on tour and for the most part lip-synchs to a play back, then the legitimacy and prestige of the award and those akin to it, goes the way of Ashlee Simpson and Britney Spears.
"Good and real music appeals to everyone regardless of age." Digagree- Because I know Armstrong is classic but I rather listen to cats fight then his music. Hendrix to me is nothing but noise although he has a huge following still even after his death.