| Musical artists and popular stars are two different breeds. Those who grab up a healthy dose of fame can be obsolete in a year. Those who make it to the history books last forever. Pop journalists can certainly help spring someone to fame, but it’s the historians who sift the greats from the flash in the pans. Leo Fender is not nearly as famous as his guitar, and the average music listener probably isn’t aware of who plays what when it comes to guitars, but history knows that Fender invented the electric guitar that transformed modern music.
When the fame machine kicks in, the average music lover will recognize a pop singer, but he won’t recognize the guitar player who gives the singer such a good sound. The singer might disappear, but the guitar player will live on in eternity as an artist of great renown. Think of folks like Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughn. They appreciated Leo Fender; even if some of their fans had no idea or concern for a good guitar. The thing that distinguishes history from fame is art. Good art lasts forever. Good art requires process and creativity from the performer. Many famous music stars are simply imitating what already exists. The creativity isn’t there. In a few years, they’ll be insignificant while the pioneer of the music that imitate becomes an historical music figure. It’s the creativity that launches an eternal notoriety. For instance, in the rap world, Eminem will be a historical figure while most of his contemporaries will enjoy short lived fame. Eminem is an ever evolving, collaborative, and highly creative rapper and artist. Music history will prove that to be true. Even if he dies tomorrow, his legacy is sealed. In other words, he’s transcended his own fame. |