Artists Who Should Stop Making Records

Sean Nelson on assignment to MSN Music recently nailed "10 Artists Who Should Stop Making Records." Nelson's hit list includes Madonna, The Black Crowes, The Who, Ray Davies, Joni Mitchell, Bryan Adams, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Carly Simon, and Def Leppard. To check out Nelson's reasons and to record your opinion, you may visit the article complete with artist photos at music.msn.com/music/photos/enough-already/?GT1=28102.

I was honestly surprised to see some of the names on the list. But I could identify with the sentiment. Growing up with rock 'n roll was a blast but I don't live there anymore. I have satellite music when I get homesick. I have moved on.

Today I appreciate the work of musicians and actors that have learned to age gracefully. Success has afforded just a few to "do da thang" after the 5-0 and 6-0 life marks.

Love her or hate her, the first person that comes to my mind is Barbra Streisand. With so many awards since her first pair of Grammies in 1963 for the "The Barbra Streisand" album, Ms. Streisand's accomplishments reflect many "firsts" in the record books. Whether speaking about her Emmy winning concerts or her work in Hollywood as a film actor, director and producer, Streisand has been tenacious about her work. From a distance, she has always understood her skill and the value of her brand. Far from being silent, visit Ms. Streisand's web site at www.barbarastreisand.com for recent statements and articles of concern.

Reading the name, Carly Simon on Sean Nelson's hit list, I thought of her old ex, James Taylor. You can find him on the web at www.jamestaylor.com.

I find Taylor's sound and work to be legendary. I am not alone. According to Rolling Stone Magazine's list of "The Immortals: 100 Greatest Artists of All Time," James Taylor was listed as number eighty-four. I can't recall when his music first captured my attention; somewhere between "Fire and Rain" or the remake of Carole King's "You've Got a Friend" in '71. Regardless, I have been a fan ever since.

I am reminded of Taylor's song, "Secret of Life." It says "The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time." Good times or bad, singer/song writer James Taylor got the message and successfully incorporated it within his music.

So if the secret to life is enjoying the passage of time then perhaps it is time for some to "Try not to try too hard...," sit back to enjoy the ride. Now if Mariah can get that message maybe Sean Nelson will exclude her name on his next list of "Enough Already!" Ahhh snap!

Sources:

Nelson, Sean. "Enough Already! 10 Artists Who Should Stop Making Records." Viewable at music.msn.com/music/photos/enough-already/?GT1=28102.

Garfunkel, Art. "The Immortals - The Greatest Artists of All Time: 84) James Taylor." Rolling Stone. Produced on-line 4/22/05. Viewable at
www.rollingstone.com/news/story/7249930/the_immortals__the_greatest_artists_of_all_time_84_james_taylor

All records retrieved on 8/3/2008 for use in this document.