If one considers art for art’s sake to be a concept worthy of merit, then money and art are often viewed as arch enemies, as if one corrupts the other. It has been long considered that if you’re a “real” artist, then you probably won’t make any money from your efforts. Conversely, if you make [...]
It’s ironic how the wave of popular opinion changes perhaps more swiftly than ever for or against an artist in today’s culture. Just days ago, many crucified Beyoncé for lip-synching the National Anthem at President Obama’s inauguration on January 21, 2013. In a smart PR move, Beyoncé decided to silence her critics by singing the [...]
This question has been asked many times by politicians, religious leaders, and others: Does an artist bear any responsibility to the world for their art, how they affect children and the impact they have on society at large? My answer is, why yes; of course they do – absolutely! Here are my top 10 reasons [...]
As a voice teacher and singer, I was curious to check out Beyoncé singing the National Anthem for President Obama’s inauguration on January 21, 2013. The National Anthem is a hard piece to sing because it covers a wide range of an octave and a perfect fifth, which is greater than most songs.
As I listened [...]
Driving in the car today, I heard “Diamonds,” the recent #1 pop hit by Rihanna on the radio. One of the things that struck me about the song is that the lyric has been said a million times before, which of course, is why it connects with so many people. Often, those overused and [...]
The reason to write a song is simple: It’s because it has to be written.
Once commercial concerns enter in, what the audience thinks, the question of if it’s good enough, comparing it to others’ songs, or worrying if it will be critically approved of, the song really suffers, especially in terms of its fluid emotional [...]
What do these three great rock bands: The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, and The Ramones, all have in common? After all, they are considered to be coming from very different styles, and in certain instances, fans of one group might hate one of the other bands.
The one essential element that ties them all together is that [...]
Donna Summer, who had been battling cancer, transitioned into spirit today at the age of 63.
Being referred to as “the Queen of Disco,” can have a semi-derogatory tone. That’s because in the musical world, the word “disco” is the equivalent of your kindergarten classmates chanting on the playground that you’ve got the cooties.
However, if we [...]
In the 1980’s, the Ray Parker Jr. song “Ghostbusters” became a smash hit, fueled by the hit movie. I heard from a friend who was a radio DJ that Huey Lewis was told that Parker’s song was a direct rip off of his track, “I Want A New Drug.” I immediately responded by saying [...]
Since Sid Vicious’ last public event occurred at my concert in New York at Hurrah’s in December, 1978, the story has never — not even one time — been reported accurately by anyone in the media. And not one person from the media has ever made any legitimate attempt to interview me about what happened [...]