I have been a singer since as far back as I can remember. As a kid there was always Woody Guthrie (who I saw a couple of times at his Concerts for Children), Paul Robeson, Burl Ives, Gene Autry (who I also saw a couple of times). I sang for school events in the Bronx, my first recollection is of me gussied up in a cowboy outfit singing "Home on the Range" little knowing I would be spending my later years in Kansas. Later on there were the Weavers, Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Dave van Ronk, Ian and Sylvia, and others I would see in the Village and other NYC haunts. Bought my first and for most of my life only guitar in 1960. Once I got into grad school and then into the work world I slowly played and sang less and less until it came down to once or twice a year, mostly at my kids urging. In retirement I slowly reconnected thanks to my family's prodding, particularly my daughter's and YouTube. I sing and play primarily because it pleases and comforts me, don't know why, not given to a great deal of introspection, just that it does.
"Why do so many great musicians toil in relative obscurity?"
For the life of me I don't know, although I am sure a lot has to do with marketing ability, or having a excellent agent/manager. Its not only hard work and touring because many of the more obscure greats tour just as much. When I was unemployed for several periods the thing drummed into me at employment workshops aimed at technical personnel was that you are a salesman selling your most important product, yourself. As a scientist this was a difficult concept to assimilate, aren't my wonderful skills, publications etc. good enough. In a word NO. The same I am sure applies to the arts. It really helps to have friends in high places although that is not normally enough either.
Among the greatest influences on my recent musical resurrection are three female singers with three levels of success. In order of success:
Emmylou Harris - By any measure a "non-obscure" musician to put it mildly. She came to prominence with a unique blend of folk/country/ rock and has continued to expand her horizons. Not sure if her recent albums would have had the same influence if she had released them back in the 70s, what she did in the 70s was what people responded to.
Nanci Griffith - Certainly not obscure, but definitely not as well known as Emmylou. She has also changed her style in a similar, but not exactly parallel manner.
Traci Grammer - Who? A wonderful singer in the same Americana style, in fact she does a wonderful cover of Red Dirt Girl. With her partner Dave Carter was one of the real up and coming acts in singer/songwriter world at the turn of the century. Unfortunately Dave died in 2002, but Traci continues to put forth recordings of them covering his material and doing her own songwriting and covers. Sort of a parallel Emmylou and Gram Parsons story.
For me all three are equal talents, all tour extensively (or did), all make a living from music, but the levels of fame are completely different.
Harmony H-173 bought in 1960 (retired)
Alvarez AC60S 2008
Eastman AC320ce 2008 BOOKMATCHING BOOKMATCHING WE DON'T NEED NO STINKING BOOKMATCHING!
http://www.massstreetmusic.com/store/sh ... id-Cutaway
GAD-JF30E(blonde) 2008
JF55 1997
D25M 1974
To participiate in it by playing and singing is icing on the cake. Its my personal therapy, it heals me, and it connects me spiritually. To share it with others takes it to yet another realm that is very fulfilling, makes me think maybe music is what I'm here for. Currently chasing that dream.
