Blind Lemon Jefferson, Stevie Wonder, Andrea Bocelli and George Shearing meet up in Heaven. They soon get into an argument over which musical genre offers the truest expression of the Human Condition.
B.L.J. claims that only through the Blues, can one express the inner torment which all must endure to realize true enlightenment.
While Stevie maintains that the joy of Man’s experience can only be fully explored though Soul.
And Andrea declares that only the power and drama of Opera can truly expose Man’s struggle.
Then George suggests that while these three forms might touch on Man’s essence, total freedom of expression can only be achieved by sloughing off the restrictions imposed by convention, which only the improvisational nature of Jazz permits.
Sitting nearby, Ray Charles has heard all their arguments and walks over to his colleagues. “Gentlemen, there are none so blind as those who will not see. I have heard your views and they are all specious. I spent over half a century singing and playing Blues, Soul, Jazz – heck, I even dabbled with Country and M.O.R. – and the public dug WHATEVER music I chose to perform. The simple truth is that there are only two kinds of music – good and bad. And provided you stay true to what you’re trying to relate, it matters not WHAT genre it is.”
The four musicians hear his words and know they are wise – and agree never to argue again.
And the moral of this story? Ray Charles was a genius who enriched your life - provided you did not let him park your car.
Brilliant! But I still know what I like! And I dislike Punk, Rap and Hip-Hop, however clever. (But then, Ray Charles was addressing performers, not a talent-free punter like me!)
For what it’s worth (which isn’t much – like the man said: opinions are like arseholes – everybody’s got one) I ALSO hate Punk, Rap and Hippedy-Hop – and COUNTRY (I can hear rednecks cocking their shotguns as I type).