Ensconced knee deep in paparazzi, stalkers, and nay-sayers. Where's the oasis?

February 11, 2008

When did the Grammys and Oscars become awards doled out for upstanding behavior and political correctness? Egads! Isn’t the entertainment industry supposed to do just that — Entertain!?

I’m going on record to commend an artist whose take on music is both refreshing and unique, especially in the staleness that is the canned and overprocessed music offered up by the industry moguls. Amy Winehouse is that artist. She blends R&B, old soul, and a retro groove into her music that is totally unique. Probably why her music has been embraced to the extent that it has. I expect to see an increase in the number of copycat me-too’s popping up on the charts - trying to capture what Amy’s been able to do.

I don’t think her behavior is what’s attracting the praises and accolades. It’s her music. Granted, Amy’s personal life pits her as England’s answer to BritBrit. And you know what, I don’t give a rat’s ass what she does in her private life. I’m not idolizing her. I’m enjoying her music. Her unique voice and style are what drew me in and hold me there.

There are dozens upon dozens of unmentionable “stars” so f*cked up in their private lives, yet who have successfully hidden their ’secrets’ from the public behind the mask of normalcy. Are celebrities to be held to the level of high regard as the Queen Mother (whose family is just as screwed up)? Puleeeeze! They’re no different than anyone else, and are fallible.

Stroll back in time for a moment. Janice Joplin. Jimi Hendrix. Billie Holiday. Jim Morrison. Elvis Presley. Hank Williams. What do they all have in common? Each of them carved out a niche sound/style and place in the annals of music history. And each of them had their well-publicized addictions to drugs and/or alcohol. Granted, each of them died as a direct or indirect result of their chosen lifestyles, but the point here is that they made their mark in the world of music despite those addictions. (Follow this link for a list of other musicians/actors’ untimely departures.) And despite the critics. While not all of them received the recognition and awards due during their lives, they sure have since their passings.

Then stroll back to the present. Look at those who suffered/suffer through addictions and are still out there making music; who have also had a major impact on music: Elton, Aretha, Tina, Eric, The Rolling Stones (all of them). The list goes on and on. Trust me, there are dozens and dozens of others not mentioned whose addictions are just as bad but not heavily publicized like they are these days. How the hell can a celebrity maintain a sense of privacy when ensconced knee deep in paparazzi, stalkers, and other freaks and nay-sayers?

And then there are the industry’s peers who say the stupidest things. Do they think about what they’re gonna say before they actually open their mouth and insert their foot? When I read the following ‘running faucet’ spewed by Natalie Cole, my kneejerk response was that she was jealous of Amy’s 1) talent, 2) recognition, and 3) acceptance by the industry and fans despite the issues ongoing in her private life.

“I think she has a great talent, but I don’t agree with the Grammys giving her those nods. I think it sends the wrong message, that even in the midst of her stupor of drugs she can get nominated for all these awards.

“It’s a slap in the face to musicians and artists who work very hard that they turn around and give it to someone who really obviously doesn’t have a grasp of what she has. I’ve been in this business over 25 years and I sacrificed five years of my own life on drugs and almost lost my life because of it.

“I don’t think she should have won. I think it sends a bad message to our young people who are trying to get into this business, the ones who are trying to do it right and really trying to keep themselves together. We have to stop rewarding bad behavior.”

“I mean, she could die. This isn’t something that’s cute and fun just to throw around in the press. The girl really has a problem, and I think for those of us who have been in the business long enough, we know the sacrifice it takes. This is about discipline and hard work, and you don’t get to just do your drugs and go onstage and get rewarded.”

“So I take great offense to almost see someone getting glory out of being in the position that they’re in — she needs to get her life together and embrace her craft, she will lose it if she doesn’t get it together.”

As for whom Cole, whose new jazz CD will be out in August, would have lavished with Grammy gold, the singer replied, “Rihanna, even Beyoncé. “I just feel like they’re ready to go the long haul. You can tell how hard they work, they’re great people, their heart is in the right place. These are the people we should be praising, these are the people we should be encouraging.”

She added, “And the others, we need to help them.”

- Natalie Cole (sources: US Magazine, People)

amy winehouse Um, Natalie - does Amy not deserve our help, too? Go suck down a dose of humility, honey. Apparently you believe your relatively unsuccessful 35 years in the industry makes you an authority on what you clearly do not have - the ability to see behind the mask (that is addiction) and embrace both the performer and the music. Put your money where your mouth is - since you are a recovering addict yourself (once an addict, always a recovering addict, right?), provide some encouragement, not discouragement. Tsk! Tsk! Build the ego - don’t tear it down.

And Amy — Congratulations on the 5 Grammys - well-deserved awards! Rock on girl! We love you.

[update] Oh snap! I just re-watched the video from last night’s Grammys. Natalie was the presenter when Amy won the Record of the Year award. Wow! (giggle, giggle, giggle)

~dKaye

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