Timeless Music...Is Anyone Making It Anymore?
With the loss of such an immense talent in the death of Michael Jackson (and it was immense), I briefly lost sight of great musicians of today. Listening to Michael's music and really thinking about lyrics to songs he wrote had me shaking my head in dismay thinking who else is that creative, that talented vocally, has the genius that Michael had musically, who else will be a pioneer? A mark of a genius is originality and Michael was original while simultaneously making universal music. My earliest memory of music is Billie Jean when I was about 4 or 5 years old. While I always enjoyed his music, he was always a constant. When discussing my favorite songs throughout my childhood I rarely named Michael Jackson. In my mind it was a given, went without saying. Since his passing I've been able to appreciate...really appreciate "his genius.' It's as if the moment he left this world he went from pop icon to music legend. Now that his story has ended, maybe he can be viewed in totality and his music appreciated and shared with a whole new generation. I have been sharing his music with my 6 year old daughter. Over the past two months we have spanned his career from Jackson 5 to his last release Invincible. She loves it! She has proclaimed PYT and Got To Be There as her favorites. I explained to her that one indicator of a great song/artist is if it stands the test of time. It is virtually the only music we both can listen to and enjoy together. It's funny because sometimes she tries to resist dancing, but usually ends up giving in to the rhythm!
Today I was having a conversation with my cousin and we were talking about kids, men and life in general. We discussed balancing life and all that comes with that when relating to others and this song by Jill Scott came to mind, The Fact Is (I Need You). The recording is good, but the live performance is so rich. The song is not new, in fact, it is not even on her latest release, but it is timeless with a ring of truth. Jill Scott is an artist who regularly releases great music and her live performances are so entertaining. Even her appearances on Russell Simmons' Def Poetry invoke emotions with her audience, causing them to yell out in agreement. She may not ever gain the notoriety that Michael Jackson did, but then again who will? The music industry has changed so much that you can't judge an artist based solely on record sales, because so much crappy music catches on and goes viral via the internet.
Voice your opinion/react:
I know Jill Scott is not the only artist who is gifted and will stand the test of time, so in the comment section of this blog tell me some of today's artists you feel are timeless. Let's see if we agree. You may inform me about someone I may have not heard about...yet!
If you agree or disagree with me about Jill Scott please vote using the poll that is below this post. Thank you!
**Precaution: I am naturally passionate in my opinions so don't trip out if I disagree with you and I respond back!
Today I was having a conversation with my cousin and we were talking about kids, men and life in general. We discussed balancing life and all that comes with that when relating to others and this song by Jill Scott came to mind, The Fact Is (I Need You). The recording is good, but the live performance is so rich. The song is not new, in fact, it is not even on her latest release, but it is timeless with a ring of truth. Jill Scott is an artist who regularly releases great music and her live performances are so entertaining. Even her appearances on Russell Simmons' Def Poetry invoke emotions with her audience, causing them to yell out in agreement. She may not ever gain the notoriety that Michael Jackson did, but then again who will? The music industry has changed so much that you can't judge an artist based solely on record sales, because so much crappy music catches on and goes viral via the internet.
Voice your opinion/react:
I know Jill Scott is not the only artist who is gifted and will stand the test of time, so in the comment section of this blog tell me some of today's artists you feel are timeless. Let's see if we agree. You may inform me about someone I may have not heard about...yet!
If you agree or disagree with me about Jill Scott please vote using the poll that is below this post. Thank you!
**Precaution: I am naturally passionate in my opinions so don't trip out if I disagree with you and I respond back!
Currently listening to:
American Boy (featuring Kanye West) by Estelle
Epiphany by Chrissette Michele
The Fact Is ( I Need You) by Jill Scott
Lady In My Life by Michael Jackson
Great article and so true! Give my little cuz a kiss for me! Maxwell's first album is timeless in my opinion.
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I will be sure to do that for ya! Oh, and I do agree with you about Maxwell. Thanks for reminding me!
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Hey that is a good one - but let's not forget The Beatles, Elvis, & Willie Nelson - they definitely have made an impact on the music scene and have crossed boundaries that I don't think Jill Scott will ever be able to do. That is one of the things I believe made Michael Jackson so extraordinary - he crossed boundaries of race, culture, and genre. He was special.
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You may be correct in your assessment of her world wide popularity, but Jill Scott has a "richness" and speaks to the people. I can't wait to see her live! When I hear her I think of Billie Holiday minus the substance abuse. Michael was a pioneer and there can only be so many of those, that's why they are special.
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i was scared when you said you made a comment about Jill Scott, only because i know your critical. You made a good judgment on this one.I have always felt she was underrated. I love her music she is so articulate. Hopefully you have, but if you haven't, listen to her latest album volume 3. This album is only for the mature.
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You are too funny! I do have her latest album. My favorites are Insomnia, Whenever You're Around & Bonus Track The Way (Live). If you enjoy Jill Scott, check out Rahsaan Patterson his latest is Wines & Spirits.
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I've always loved Jill Scott, you feel her words. She is timeless, so are Mary J and Alicia Keye all these sisters are articulate as expressed in their music.
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Yep, good choices, in my opinion, Mary J Blige best overall album was My Life. As for Alicia Keys, her album Diary of Alicia Keys is my favorite.
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Hey you left your website on the computer in class
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Well, what happened was....I was showing the class an example of how to write a review.
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I agree with you Valerie. I listened to a singer named Ke$ha the other day. I figured since she is in the top ten on everything, maybe she was good. I was so sad. I called my sister and told her that if that is where music is headed, I will forbid my unborn children from listening to that.
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