We watched a Netflix documentary of Joe Cocker last night who passed away Dec. 22, 2014, age 70, after a musical career lasting more than 50 years. He bounced between the euphoria of chart-topping success and the misery of drug and alcohol abuse. In the latter part of his life, the singer had re-established himself …
When considering how much divine destiny plays in producing an artist, no argument is complete without starting with the two great composers of all time: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, born 1756 in Salzburg; and Ludwig Van Beethoven, born 1770 in Bonn. Although their collaboration and respect they had for each other’s talent was never a question, …
Fear of failure can kill your creativity. Slowly, surely, and silently. During my lifetime, I’ve come to understand that the single greatest barrier to outputting creative work is the fear of failure. It’s a constant battle for us. Why even start a project if it’s just going to fall short of our expectations? Why create something that …
Chuck Berry, who with his indelible guitar licks, brash self-confidence and memorable songs about cars, girls and wild dance parties did as much as anyone to define rock ’n’ roll’s potential and attitude in its early years, died on Saturday. He was 90. Mr. Berry died at his home near Wentzville, Mo., about 45 miles …
At the beginning of the 1960s, many Americans believed they were standing at the dawn of a golden age. On January 20, 1961, the charismatic John F. Kennedy became president of the United States. He and his brother Bobby took on the new world with confidence and great aspirations. However, that golden age never materialized. …