“Disclaimer: This blog post has been written for entry into the MusiCares® Music Blogger contest.”
The magic of music is universal. No matter the language, the basic core of any song is the melody the words are set to.
Instrumental songs paint pictures with sound. Music filled with loud, booming crescendos, may stir images of large waves hitting rocks in the ocean; or perhaps thunder rumbling through the sky. Cymbals clashed together may be interpreted as the flash of a lightning bolt.
The quiet, staccato sound of an instrument may sound like the pitter pat of rain, either just before, or after a storm.
While music does an excellent job spurring one’s imagination, lyrics enhance the experience even more. Adding words to a melody make the picture being painted more complete. Each line contributes to the story the words and melody are telling. Whether the tale is sad, happy, indifferent, or something completely unique, songwriters have the magic to condense entire stories into, on average, a 3 to 4 minute amount of time, accompanied by music.
Music also has magical healing qualities. Not just soft, soothing music, any music, in any genre can help a person when they need it most. What may be jarring and unnerving to one person, may be just what another is seeking for solace. As different as each person in this world is, there’s always some type of music for everyone.
For one person I know, Reba McEntire is his comfort in time of need, and his energy when times are good. Over the past 30 years, no matter the situation, it seems Reba has a song that has helped him in whatever way was needed. He credits Reba for him being alive today, as there have been times he’s thought of ending it all; then would hear a song by Reba, and know he couldn’t do it.
Others have told me the magic of music probably doesn’t apply to the deaf; not true. My brother was born deaf, though it never stopped him from enjoying music. True, he doesn’t hear lyrics, however, he can feel the rhythm of the music being played. I remember him liking Tom Jones as a child, because he liked the rhythm Jones’ songs had.
My parents took us to see Glen Campbell once, and my brother enjoyed it as much as the rest of us. He could feel the music and energy vibrating through the floor of the venue.
In college music helped my brother study. He would put on headphones, and blast Pat Benatar while doing homework. One of his classmates asked why he used headphones, since he’s deaf. My brother’s response was others around him weren’t; he was being polite by using headphones.
Music has always been a part of my life. Growing up, I heard country music by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Marty Robbins, and a host of others, via the radio and records.
As I got older, my tastes changed and expanded to encompass almost all genres of music. Rock, pop, big band, rockabilly, country, you name it I probably have at least one song in my collection that fits the bill. From those songs, I have my own favorites for when I’m happy, or needing comfort. I’m very thankful for that.
For those in the music industry however, it isn't all magic. For everything these people give the rest of the world with music, they still have reality to deal with on a daily basis. Unlike others, most people in the music business don't have medical or dental insurance. If they, or someone in their family becomes ill, or has a toothache, it can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical and dental fees.
This is where MusiCares® steps in to help. Since 1989 MusiCares® has been available to those in the music industry who need help with health expenses. MusiCares® can't do it alone however, they need donations to do the work they do.
If every music lover in this world donated even $1, it would help MusiCares® keep doing the wonderful job they do helping those in need in the music business.
I can’t imagine life without music. There’s nothing else like it that allows anyone, anywhere in the world to express feelings in so many ways. It truly is magical. Let's hope MusiCares® is always around to help keep the magic alive.
“MusiCares® helps and supports the people who dedicate their lives to making the music I blog about. Please join the Be A Part of the Heart MusiCares® mosaic at https://beapartoftheheart.com/ and be entered for a chance to win a trip the 2012 GRAMMYS®!”
As a little girl, the music I remember hearing the most at my house was country; Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, Marty Robbins, and many others. My parents did listen to other types as well however.
The first music I remember asking to have was Paul Revere & the Raiders. It was the summer of 1968, and a friend and I happened to see this show on TV one afternoon called “It’s Happening”. The Raiders were the stars of the show and had different guests daily. I loved the show, loved the music, and was instantly hooked, and have been ever since.
I never saw the Raiders when Mark Lindsay was the lead singer, though I’ve seen both Mark and the Raiders separately, several times.
It was Raider member, Freddy Weller, who kept my interest in country music, as he had a solo career in country, aside from being with the band.
When my friend and fellow Raider fan, Denise, her sister, Shauri, and I heard the Raiders were playing at Seven Feathers Casino in Canyonville, Oregon we HAD to go; especially since the band had recently gotten a new lead singer.
The 3+ hour trip was well worth it. Not only did the Raiders do their hits, they did cover songs of other artists as well. Of course, the show was filled with Paul’s comedy also, which is always fun. You’d never know he turned 73 years old this past January.
Bass player, Ron Foos, guitar player, Doug Heath, and keyboardist, Danny Krause have all been a part of the Raiders for 30+ years. All three are as great now, as they were all those years ago.
Drummer, Tommy Scheckel was with the Buckinghams for 27 years before joining the Raiders. To say the guy can play drums is an understatement; Tommy really gets into what he’s doing onstage.
Then there’s the newest member of the current Raiders, lead singer, Darren Dowler. Darren is an entertainment renaissance man for sure. He’s sung with the Lettermen, the Righteous Brothers, and the Fifth Dimension, to name a few acts. He was also the original guitar player for the Backstreet Boys. Musically, Darren also does impressions of other artists, like Sammy Davis Jr.
Besides his extensive musical background, Darren has appeared on Broadway, in television and movies, and has written two novels.
Though the Raiders have had several good lead singers since Mark Lindsay’s departure in 1975, I have to say, Darren is definitely one of the best from the last 36 years.
Even with the 40 to 50+ changes in band members over the years, (Paul is the only original member of the band left), the sold out concert in Canyonville is proof Paul Revere & the Raiders are still definitely a fun band to see and hear.
The Doobie Brothers are one of the latest acts to jump into the country music pool. From some of the reactions I've heard, you'd think it was the end of the world. Really though, what's the big deal?
It's not like the Doobie Brothers are the first crossover from another genre into country music. Off the top of my head, I can think of several bands/artists who've come over to country, either permanently, or for a brief stay. Conway Twitty; Marty Robbins; Kenny Rogers; Vince Gill, (with Pure Prairie League); Jimmy Buffett; Van Zant; Olivia Newton-John; John Denver; Charlie Daniels, (his first commercial hit was "Uneasy Rider" in the late 70's); the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band; and probably the band closest to being like the Doobie Brothers, the Eagles; to name a few.
In 2011 alone we've seen Darius Rucker; Uncle Kracker; Kid Rock; Sheryl Crow; and Aaron Lewis make strides up the country music charts. With the exception of Lewis, all these artists made the country charts before this year as well.
The pendulum can swing both ways. Carrie Underwood; Faith Hill; LeAnn Rimes; Taylor Swift; Shania Twain; and others who started their careers in country have, on occasion, made the climb up the adult contemporary, or other music charts.
On a slightly different track, I can think of at least two tribute CD's featuring country artists; "Come Together...America Salutes the Beatles", and "Common Thread: Songs of the Eagles". Neither the Beatles, or the Eagles are considered "country"; though the Eagles come close, I think.
Back to Shania...I know I'll tick a lot of people off with my opinion, though I'll state it here anyway. To me, Shania Twain is "created" country. What I mean by this is, before her success, Shania was married to Robert "Mutt" Lange, a huge name in the pop and rock worlds. A large part of Mutt Lange's success was getting artists noticed. For example, Adam Ant and Huey Lewis & the News both interacted with Lange early in their careers.
While there's no denying Shania has talent, I think Mutt knew she'd be just another voice up against Celine Dion and Barbara Streisand. Instead, he reinvented Shania, branding her as "new country", pushed her through the "back door" so to speak, and promoted the heck out of her. And it worked; who doesn't know the name Shania Twain? I honestly don't feel Shania would have been a superstar, had she not been promoted the way she was. A star, yes. A superstar, no.
Then there's Garth Brooks. While Garth is definitely more country than Shania, he did try his hand in the pop world as well; under his alter ego, "Chris Gaines". Garth also has never denied his admiration for the band Kiss. Why should he? Why should anyone have to pretend not to like something if it doesn't fit their image?
If you really think about it, it seems as though it's the media and fans who "pigeonhole" artists into certain categories. One example is a person I know who is a major Bon Jovi fan. Loves everything Jon does, except anything that even hints of country. I don't understand why this person, or anyone, feels that way.
Musicians are artists, they're creative by nature. Look at the influences of almost any musical artist in any genre; what you'll find is, most of them have a wide array of musical input they draw from. Just because an artist or band plays a certain type of music doesn't mean that's all there is to them. Everyone has different facets to them; nobody is one dimensional.
Not totally convinced? Consider this: Let's say no musician, (it could be anyone, musicians are the example I'm using), ever decided to look, or reach beyond what they'd learned naturally. All of them stayed content just playing the music they were raised on. Where would the world be musically in the 21st century? A good guess is we'd still be beating rocks with sticks, or whatever. There wouldn't be classical music, opera, jazz, big band, soul, r&b, country, rock, pop, techno, rap, hip hop, or any other genre of music; all because someone didn't branch out.
That's not to say that everyone has to like every genre of music; that's not possible. In fact, it's a pretty good bet that's why there *are* so many types of music; because someone wanted to play and/or sing something new and different. Or they didn't like what they heard and wanted something better. There are any number of theories I could list here; the point is, somewhere way back in history, someone *did* try to be different. Music has steadily evolved over the centuries from that point.
Another facet of all this is the Grand Ole Opry. It's no secret that in the past the opry has had some very ridged rules performers had to follow, or they wouldn't be allowed onto the opry stage. One rule was there were to be no drums or horn instruments allowed during the performances. Yet, artists such as Pee Wee King, and Bill Monroe bucked the system and did it anyway. Slowly, over time, the opry has made changes in it's rules, while still maintaining it's dignity and reverence.
As I stated earlier, this doesn't mean everything runs smoothly all the time; it doesn't. Again, not everyone will be happy about all situations every time. I think what people running the Grand Ole Opry have learned is, keep up with the changing times, without compromising themselves, or the opry's heritage.
There are so many facets and levels of this subject that can and should be explored. My thoughts, ideas and opinions have barely scratched the surface of this topic. With this blog getting on the long side though, let's get back to the subject of the Doobie Brothers going country.
I still don't understand what the big deal is about the Doobie Brothers doing a country song. In my opinion, any of their early hits could easily be considered a form of country music; just like the Eagles early songs.
To be honest, I really liked the raw, gritty sound the Doobies had before they were "Michael McDonaldized". Not that Michael McDonald isn't a good artist; he is. He's also done his fair share in the country music realm. I just think he took a really cool band with an edgy sound, and polished them way too much. I liked the Doobie Brothers much more when they weren't so polished.
It's that raw, gritty sound the Doobie Brothers have come back to with their latest single, "World Gone Crazy". The first time I heard the song, I knew immediately it was the Doobie Brothers. It was like that sound had never left; just took a break, and now it's back and ready to do business. If people would just give them a chance, I think they'd do country music proud. They already have a leg up on a lot of the newer country artists emerging lately.
Over all, in the long run, I think what's important, is that the history of country music, (or any genre for that matter), never be forgotten, or pushed aside; yet still be allowed to flourish and grow in different directions, rather than sit and stagnate.
