Tallan Latz the New in the Age of Blues

If you have a child that loves to play music and he's good at it, should you deter him from playing professionally? The state of Wisconsin is doing just that. If you have child stars under fourteen or fifteen do they fall under the child labor laws? If you say yes let me remind you there never would have been a Mary Kate and Ashley boom before they were teenagers. Bill Cosby's show would have never been the hit it was. Today, there wouldn't be a Disney empire built by child actors and of course Noggin would have to fire some of their stars as well. So should these stars be band from performing? According to 8-year-old guitar wiz has reason to play the blues by Carrie Antlfinger, someone sent an anonymous letter to the state of Wisconsin concerning Tallan Latz playing the blues.

Tallan Latz is an 8 year old boy who can pack the house. He is said to be an old man trapped in a little boy's body because no one that young can possibly have so much sadness (blues, soul) in them. Tallan Latz plays festivals and clubs. He drags his father to where he wants to go. Any child that can be that focused needs an outlet. Tallan Latz outlet is playing the blues for people. He has played in the infamous Chicago's House of Blues and has played with Les Paul and Jackson Browne.

The anonymous e-mail that was sent to state officials stated Tallan was too young to perform in bars and nightclubs because of his age and state child labor laws. Tallan Latz's booking agent received a threatening letter. She feels the same person wrote both and it was probably someone who is jealous of the little boy's talent. Although Tallan Latz is only eight he can outperform adults and as adults' egos go the adults are trying to eliminate the competition.

What would an eight year old boy say about not being able to play in clubs anymore? According to 8-year-old guitar wiz has reason to play the blues by Carrie Antlfinger Tallan's father reports he took it like a person beyond their years. He told his dad it's not how many times you get knocked down but how many times you get back up and go forward. Tallan Latz's father, Carl told Tallan that's what this is about and if nothing else the letter has taught you a life lesson. The punishment for continuing to play could be a $25 to $1000 fine for the employer and a fine for the parent from $10 up to $250.

The state's Equal Rights Division says they have a responsibility to enforce any laws once the agency becomes aware of a violation. The legislature has made the laws to protect the health, safety and welfare of all children.

The question is, is a talented child in more danger, and isn't it unhealthier for a talented child to not be allowed this outlet and chance to learn from others, what will that child do? Will that child turn to illegal avenues to express themselves?

Tallan Latz's heroes are Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He is the proud owner of 13 guitars and has endorsements from companies to use their equipment. Tallan Latz can read sheet music but he mostly plays from memory. How many eight year olds even know who Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan are?

Tallan Latz knows thirty to forty songs and wants to write his own songs someday. His idea was to start playing in public and put smiles on people's faces. He also sings, plays drums, the harmonica, and plays the piano. With all this talent in one little boy he should be pushed a little to achieve his greatness not hindered because he is young.

Tallan's dad says Tallan drags him around he doesn't drag Tallan. Tallan says the problems he faces aren't going to sway his ambition to be a blues rock star when he grows up. He said the problems have done the opposite. Now he has more inspiration and sadness in him so he's "just feelin' it".