Preparing for the Music Industry

I was shocked to learn that music legend Donna Summer died of cancer days ago. I grew up listening to her music coming from my older brother’s room. I was too young to really understand the lyrics or the meaning of the songs, but I recall doing well-known dances from the 80’s with my sisters to songs like Bad Girls, Hot Stuff, On The Radio and Last Dance. I miss those days.

I must admit, I did wonder why she wasn’t inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Apparently I was not the only one who thought about that. After I searched the records to confirm that Donna Summer was indeed not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I found this article. My fellow blogger Steven Hyden talked about this and led me to a sense of relief by linking me to personal expressions of regret from the Chairman of the Rock & Roll’s nominating committee, Jon Landau.

"Regrettably, despite being nominated on a number of occasions, our voting group has failed to recognize her -- an error I can only hope is finally and permanently rectified next year."

I realize the longevity of an artist’s career is not based on doing it for the rewards or accolades, but having a pure motive of doing it for the music.  Donna Summer co-wrote her songs such as “She Works Hard for The Money”, which became an anthem for women across multiple generations. She was a storyteller and graciously shared her personal story during interviews. I am inspired by her grace and I am even more prepared to persevere through the success I will have that might not get recognized.

With the balance of pure motives, good music and good business management, we can achieve longevity in this business even without all of the industry accolades. Hopefully the next time I click here next year, I will see Donna Summer listed as an inductee.

We Have Something In Common

As I continue to learn about the songwriters and music legends before me, I am pleasantly surprised to experience a deeper connection with some of them. This weekend I watched the 2012 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on HBO. It was very encouraging to learn that one of the inductees, Laura Nyro, also graduated from my famed High School of Music and Art, in Manhattan. I never heard of her before the Hall of Fame ceremony. Laura’s music became hits before my time, so I do not recognize most of them. Sarah Bareillis performed the song Stoney End at the ceremony, which was made famous by Barbara Streisand. 

Laura Nyro’s music influences are from artists that I am familiar with, such as John Coltrane and Bob Dylan. One of her hits that I do recognize is called It’s Gonna Take a Miracle, made known to me by singer Deniece Williams.

Although we chose different paths of lifestyle, Laura Nyro is someone I can look up to for making hit songs that marked her legacy. I find it very interesting that Laura chose to decline several offers in the music business that could have amplified her fame. She was about the music. I love learning how hit songwriters maintain their privacy and still get the industry recognition they deserve.

I am grateful for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame because it provides exposure to music legends I would not have known about without their acknowledgement. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has a treasure of industry experiences for all musicians to learn about. Like Laura Nyro, I look forward to my music becoming well known with the help of other singers making them hits. Music that lasts forever will go down in history as timeless and continue to move souls.