Sunday, January 10, 2010

Pursuing Life's Goal



It is very true that it is never too late to pursue ones' goals and ambitions. Sometimes situations and misfortunes can lead us to unveil a hidden talent. Another thing that kept me thinking is the fact that most of these artists' standard of living were very bad. Most if not all had health issues as well but a few things were certain. These artists were very passionate and content with their work as countryside musicians.

Prior to the exposure offered by Matthew Johnson, BL Burnside, T-Model Ford, and Junior Kimbrough were only passionate about their Blues and in entertaining their neighborhood. Keeping their popularity in their hometowns and the attention they received from the local folks were more than enough for them. On the other hand, the consumers could relate to their music in all aspect of their lives because there was not much of a difference between them. Most of these musicians never gave in to the idea of taking their music to a higher level before they passed away but the few that did like BL Burnside gave not only his town but did collaborative work a youth band. Sharing his talent and music to the rest of the world. He pursued life and made difference to Blues.

3 comments:

Z said...

It is really interesting that you write about the bluesmen being content playing only for their friends and neighbors (prior to the Johnson intervention).
The difference between the crowd at a Mississippi juke joint and a somewhat stiff audience at a blues festival is fascinating. The documentary does a great job showing this difference and it certainly is an important element of the musicians’ lives.

Shimon and Lindemann said...

This makes us think the stiff audience need the musicians more than the musicians need the stiff audience.

Anonymous said...

I agress with Ford's view point of striving for goals no matter the age. I think a lot of people in the world, and furthermore those with dreams of taking on those music dreams that they have always wanted, get shunned and discouraged when affected with other layering issues in life. These men and their stories represent the power and improtance of perserverance through anything when you are set on fulfilling a life passion or interest.