There’s a saying that it’s better to burn out than fade away. I wonder about that from time to time. How true is that? Seriously. Let’s say that I’m planning on living to 150 years of age. How much burning out can you really do? How do you plan for sustained burn? I suppose that’s a bit of the sentiment that goes behind the idea of the Fallen Friday. Remember it’s about artists that have had a moment of spotlight and somehow left it in some way shape or form.
I’m friends with several artists that have been around for a while. Some have been around the block several times. The thing I see most often is one of two things. They often still have passion for music, but their style didn’t roll with the times in a way that kept them in the ear of the public. Or they became a tad embittered by machine and decided to switch gears and go elsewhere. I have no idea as to why some choose one attitude over another. I’ve never asked.
What’s amazing to me is how some people, dare I say former celebrities, lash out to retain the media headlines. If there is one ‘musician’ that could have a year to themselves as a media entity it would be Britney Spears. I’d say 2007 pretty much belonged to her in terms of headlines and attention. Well, that is until a few weeks ago when her sister announced a teenage pregnancy. If we were hoping for a Britney free year in 2008, it hasn’t happened. As of this morning there’s already a headline for Britney Spears going to the hospital over a custody dispute. Mind you, I’ve only seen the headlines. I don’t take the time to read stories about her or her sister. Why?
Additionally does anyone really remember an Amy Fisher? Does anyone care she’s now the subject of a sex tape? Bad idea: sex + video = instant fame. In turn it leads to crash and burn. Very few come out unscathed from such an exploit. So why do it? Leave it to the pros in porn.
I came across Lonnie recently, as I often do with lots of artists, by cruising CD Baby. And since I was getting a bit of a retro vibe yesterday, I thought I’d follow it up with a true artist from the era. Lonnie Gordon had some hits in the past in the 80’s. That’s what I’m gathering from the write up on CD Baby. What’s impressive is that she’s taken the reigns of career in her own hands. Got her music up on a site where she can control her destiny and is actually alive and well working. Still working in music as well. In fact she’s been the lead vocalist and narrator for “Zumanity” another side of Cirque du Soleil, in Las Vegas.
I’m sure you’ve heard of Cirque Du Soleil. I know I have. It’s one of those must see type of things in Las Vegas. Ranks up there with Blue Man Group or Siegfried and Roy. There are some shows that are Las Vegas and even if what happens in Vegas is supposed to stay in Vegas, these are things you are meant to do. Chances are if you’ve seen Zumanity in past few years, you’ve heard Lonnie and didn’t even know it. So there.
We’re expect massive rain today in Los Angeles. I’m betting some stuff will get washed away, but overall, we’ll all still be here. And here’s the anthem for that. Now go get your groove on. Pick it up legally and enjoy for long haul.