It's certainly been a somber time for the music world. First saying goodbye to Michael Jackson, and now Les Paul. It seems when a pop culture figure passes away, we all have our personal connections and reflections. There's graffiti on the walls of buildings, people blasting their music from the cars, writing about their lives in newspapers, endless news coverage..so I know I'm not the first to share one, but since this is my lil space to share some words, I thought I might.
Michael Jackson, to me is a someone who was forever a child, always creating, playing and not afraid to take risks. I wouldn't dare call myself an expert or know what actually happened behind the allegations...and have no intention to get controversial - but I often wonder, what if he actually just enjoyed being around kids, because he was one? and a sleepover was a sleepover, just like we all had when we were kids?
Despite his difficult childhood, allegations and health issues, Michael Jackson continued to write amazing songs and perform like none other. But I'm not referring to just his kick ass beats and his incredible dance moves...have you ever taken the time to listen to his words? Michael Jackson was a brilliant songwriter and his words have a great deal of depth.
I have two favorites I'd like to share -
The last time I heard "Earth Song", I was in Morocco and had just witnessed a child crying in the streets of Marakesh, alone - sitting on a cardboard box. It was heart wrenching and to hear this song immediately after, was one of those moments similar to when you have your headphones on and suddenly your walk down the street becomes your own personal music video. Only, this time...it just came on the radio overhead.
The other musical legend we've said goodbye to, was Les Paul. Many of you may not know him, but certainly are familiar with his contributions to society. He was the creator of not only the electric guitar, but also multitrack recording. Right now I have Les Paul to thank for allowing me to go through all my vocal takes for my new record and pick the best parts.
As a young man, Les Paul was told that his guitar playing needed to be louder, so that people could hear him busking in the streets. There's a quote by Scrooge McDuck that I very much value and try to live by, "Work smarter, not harder" and Les Paul did just that - he went to work, and out came the electric guitar!
When Les Paul was injured in a near-fatal automobile accident,
which shattered his right arm and elbow, Doctors told him hat there
was no way for them to rebuild his elbow in a way that would let him
regain movement, and that his arm would remain permanently in whatever
position they placed it in. This kind of news to most guitarists would be utterly devastating. Instead, Les Paul instructed the surgeons to set
his arm at an angle that would allow him to cradle and pick the guitar.
His right elbow being set at
a permanent 90 degree angle is the reason for the small size and
unusual shape of the original "Les Paul" guitar body.
Les Paul is a man who not only was a fantastic musician, but he had a way of turning problems into innovation! I find this to be an incredible character trait and can only hope to learn from his life to do the same.
Here's a video of a favorite Les Paul song of mine, sung by his then wife, Mary Ford singing, "Waiting for the sunrise"
I feel inspired and motivated by the both of these legends and am hoping that in sharing their stories, it may offer a source of inspiration to you.