It feels so good to enjoy artistic freedom; to be able to sing about poverty, politics, the environment, love, comedy, whatever. However, just because artistic freedom exists, does not mean artists are free from criticism. People criticize and even censor artists for not being “pure.” Some said Meghan Taylor should not have performed her smash hit “All about that bass” at the Country Music Awards because she is not “pure” country. Others critiqued Erykah Badu’s rendition of “Afro Blue,” composed by jazz giant Mongo Santamaria, as not straight ahead jazz. When Jimi Hendrix left The Isley Brothers to revolutionize rock music, haters bashed Hendrix for leaving soul aka urban (euphemisms for black) and playing white music. I reject critics’ attempt to crush innovation and creativity by pigeon holding music.
Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin sang the opera aria “Nessun Dorma” beautifully at the 1998 Grammy Awards, filling in for Luciano Pavarotti, who became ill and unable to perform. Marvin Gaye recorded Frank Sinatra style jazz when he first signed to Motown subsidiary Tamla Records. Do not waste time wondering if you should pursue your dreams. Before you know it, time’s up. You’re dead. While the blood is still flowing warmly in your veins, I encourage all artists to courageously and joyfully write, sing, play, draw, paint; DO what you have a passion for.
(“Aria Elan Blogs, Volume 1” copyright 2015)