Winsome Wisdom * Spamming at the Grammys by Steve Chappell
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There was a time when I was a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), now known simply as the Recording Academy. I suspect they shortened the name to accommodate the apparent reduction in intellectual capacity of the newer members as evidenced by the Grammy Awards aired on Sunday the 12th.
I have to admit I did not watch the Grammys this year, or the year before, or the year before, etc. To be honest, I like very little of what the marketplace considers "Top 40 Hits" these days, or any other days since the 1980’s. With one exception, the night's big winner. Adele is a modern day British invader with an amazing voice and songs to match. My favorite: When We Were Young.
Despite the Recording Academy's one display of reason, however, the post- Grammy news coverage of this year’s spectacle exposed an all-time low note of behavior alongside its abysmal ratings. I wonder if the stream of political innuendo coupled with blatant in-your-face diatribe might have had something to do with the disappointing result? Hmmm... I can remember when the Grammys were all about the music. What has happened since those magic days of Smokey Robinson, Huey Lewis, and Johnny Cash?
I could enumerate a list of perceived grievances and sources of discontent among those who create and perform that which passes for music nowadays. But I won’t waste your time: you know the answers as well as I.
On a high note with ironic overtones, pop artist Joy Villa's music sales skyrocketed after the singer wore a gown of red, white and blue that urged "Make America Great Again." Villa’s EP "I Make the Static" jumped to the top of Amazon digital paid albums and reached number seven on the iTunes top album chart following her red carpet appearance.
Lesson learned? Probably not! So as a musician, writer, and producer of music, I will offer this three-step winsome wisdom to today’s members of the Recording Academy as they pursue their dreams and careers:
• Sing with all of your heart
• Play and write with every ounce of energy and creativity you possess
• Keep your mouth shut... unless you’re singing!
Anyone remember the Dixie Chicks?
I have to admit I did not watch the Grammys this year, or the year before, or the year before, etc. To be honest, I like very little of what the marketplace considers "Top 40 Hits" these days, or any other days since the 1980’s. With one exception, the night's big winner. Adele is a modern day British invader with an amazing voice and songs to match. My favorite: When We Were Young.
Despite the Recording Academy's one display of reason, however, the post- Grammy news coverage of this year’s spectacle exposed an all-time low note of behavior alongside its abysmal ratings. I wonder if the stream of political innuendo coupled with blatant in-your-face diatribe might have had something to do with the disappointing result? Hmmm... I can remember when the Grammys were all about the music. What has happened since those magic days of Smokey Robinson, Huey Lewis, and Johnny Cash?
I could enumerate a list of perceived grievances and sources of discontent among those who create and perform that which passes for music nowadays. But I won’t waste your time: you know the answers as well as I.
On a high note with ironic overtones, pop artist Joy Villa's music sales skyrocketed after the singer wore a gown of red, white and blue that urged "Make America Great Again." Villa’s EP "I Make the Static" jumped to the top of Amazon digital paid albums and reached number seven on the iTunes top album chart following her red carpet appearance.
Lesson learned? Probably not! So as a musician, writer, and producer of music, I will offer this three-step winsome wisdom to today’s members of the Recording Academy as they pursue their dreams and careers:
• Sing with all of your heart
• Play and write with every ounce of energy and creativity you possess
• Keep your mouth shut... unless you’re singing!
Anyone remember the Dixie Chicks?
