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Apr. 22, 2005 In an industry where one should be judged based on talent alone, new standards and expectations have surfaced in music. Television shows such as “American Idol”, has revealed some of these once camouflaged ideas of great performers to the listening public. Although viewed to many as unfair, it has become accepted that ones sexuality or weight should be an asset along with their vocal talents. During the casting of each season, the three popular judges, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson have all made references to a contestant’s staying power due to their appearance. Despite imperfections, some of the contestants who were allowed to Hollywood were all warned that it would be an obstacle to win the contest because their look did not fit the “idol” status. The Doo-Wop era introduced such groups as The Isley Brothers and Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers. Aspiring artist of that time were known to stand underneath corner street lights displaying their talent as well as singing outside of studios in hopes that their voices would be heard. The melodies that escaped from their mouths compelled the public to listen. There were no guidelines of what made a performer great other than the notes that were sung. In today’s industry, performers seemingly create images to help market themselves to the public. Artist are willing to present a personality and an alluring sexual status opposite of who they were before their names were printed on the covers of CD’s or magazines. Much of the hard work is becoming accepted by the public. Once true only in the Hip Hop and Rap categories, R&B singers have now adapted the same attitude of what comes along with talent. Female singers dress in outfits that will make them idolized by both, men who are intrigued by their beauty and young women who hope to be as attractive. On the opposite, male artist work just as hard in gyms to gain the kind of body that will lead to screaming female fans, and young men attempting to win over local women with the smooth lines and hard bodies. Also, the messages sung by this artist are now geared to the younger listeners who often live in urban communities as a way to make their fans feel as if they are still connected. It is sad to say that most of the artist that are on the Billboard charts today will be vaguely remembered twenty years from now. When relying on physical perfection and an accepted personality to sell records, popularity is numbered as one artist comes after the next; one sexier than the other, and one more hard core than the other. Groups such as The Temptations who have just celebrated their forty-forth year in music are rare. The original members, Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendrick’s, Paul Williams, and David Ruffin are still recognized for their well coordinated dancing and remarkable five part harmony. Being signed to Motown Records was no easy task. The group, who at that time included the first terminated member, Elbridge Bryant, was expected to sing in front of the company’s founder, Berry Gordy with only harmony as their instruments. After being signed and recording a few singles, they were forced to work harder as they were not able to record a hit initially. Once Bryant was replaced with David Ruffin in 1964, the group’s hard work was paid off as they began to release one hit after the next. Today, the members of the group has changed, but the dedication and talent remains as crisp as it was in the 1960’s. The group now consists of members Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Joe Herndon, G.C. Cameron, best known for the 1975 popular song, “Its So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday”, and the only living original member, Otis Williams. Recently they performed at The Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey for three nights. In their forty-forth year, they performed as if they were still teenagers. All of the members of the audience enjoyed watching and listening as the men sung classics such as “My Girl”, “Just My Imagination”, and “The Way You Do the Things You Do.” Unlike the music of today, the messages in the songs they sung were of a pure nature, and literally spoke to your heart. Their harmony made the hairs in the back your neck stand straight up, and they were dressed as the class acts they are. Women still screamed and bombarded their way to the stage to get a quick touch of their hands, and the men used the words of their songs to recapture the hearts of the women that were seated next to them. A revelation reached without inappropriate language, thug mentality, or oiled abs shown off on stage. True talent is the sole reason “The Temptations” is still recognized by even young music listeners. Although the industry has changed since they first entered into the business, it is their dedication, and dare I say, work ethic that has carried them straight into the millennium. It is imperative that new and aspiring vocalist carry the same torch that has shined an eternal light over the careers of each member of “The Temptations” in order to carry their careers further than their perfect appearances could last. ------------ About the author: Denise W. Young is a freelance writer residing in Baltimore, Maryland. For over fourteen years, she has enjoyed writing short stories, and poetry. She is now reaching the completion of her first novel, and will begin her second in the coming weeks. Email: dooleywbm@yahoo.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com. Please link to this article rather than copying and pasting it onto your site (which would be unauthorized and illegal). |
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