papadoc
6th June 2003, 17:44
Reading this article in Rolling Stone:
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/newsarticle.asp?nid=18168
I starting thinking about the whole American Idol thing.
Last year we choose Kelly Clarkson as the winner.
Yes she's good looking, and yes she can sing, no doubt about it.
But, at least for now, she's a pop star.
That's the way they've packaged and presented her.
What else could they do with her?
But why, do you ask?
Because that's where they can make
the most money off of her, the fastest.
(Typical of today's music industry I think)
And the movie that Kelly and Justin are releasing,
reminds me of "Beach Blanket Bingo" (http://www.briansdriveintheater.com/bbb.html) released in 1965.
(If that isn't pop, I don't know what is)
Anyway, I guess if it worked in 1965 it should work in 2003, right?
Which leads me to Ruben Studdard.
Hey! Ruben Studdard is not a pop star! Period!
Now...having said that, let me say why.
Ruben Studdard could become a great R&B artist.
He has the voice, he has the look, (yes you heard me right)
and he has the personality.
In my opinion he has that unique gift that only a few have.
I said "could" become a great R&B artist,
because if he's taken in the direction of Kelly Clarkson,
he'll be taken in the wrong direction, and that will hurt him,
and spoil a great chance to give a fresh new voice
to the R&B community.
In Ruben, you have the opportunity, because of his stature
as The American Idol, to open the doors of R&B to the younger crowd.
Ruben will attract young people to that wonderful world,
instead of the mixed up world of rap,
or the plastic made up world of pop.
Ruben has a following right now that is enormous.
Whereever Rubin goes, so will his fans.
If he's taken down that "pop" road, for the quick money and fame,
he won't last, nor will his fans.
The R&B community have an exceptional and extraordinary
opportunity right now.
One that hasn't come along for some time.
Just think of the doors Ruben can open for young people.
Young people who think because of the way they look,
they'll never make it in today's music business.
Young people who secretly listen to their parents records
by Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, The Four Tops, and The Temptations,
and deep in their hearts, know it's good music, and always will be.
Young people who are just sick and tired of rap and pop,
and know there's got to be something more.
If Ruben is helped along correctly, in and by the R&B community,
he'll open those doors, and let young people see,
there is an alternative at a time when one is desperately needed.
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/newsarticle.asp?nid=18168
I starting thinking about the whole American Idol thing.
Last year we choose Kelly Clarkson as the winner.
Yes she's good looking, and yes she can sing, no doubt about it.
But, at least for now, she's a pop star.
That's the way they've packaged and presented her.
What else could they do with her?
But why, do you ask?
Because that's where they can make
the most money off of her, the fastest.
(Typical of today's music industry I think)
And the movie that Kelly and Justin are releasing,
reminds me of "Beach Blanket Bingo" (http://www.briansdriveintheater.com/bbb.html) released in 1965.
(If that isn't pop, I don't know what is)
Anyway, I guess if it worked in 1965 it should work in 2003, right?
Which leads me to Ruben Studdard.
Hey! Ruben Studdard is not a pop star! Period!
Now...having said that, let me say why.
Ruben Studdard could become a great R&B artist.
He has the voice, he has the look, (yes you heard me right)
and he has the personality.
In my opinion he has that unique gift that only a few have.
I said "could" become a great R&B artist,
because if he's taken in the direction of Kelly Clarkson,
he'll be taken in the wrong direction, and that will hurt him,
and spoil a great chance to give a fresh new voice
to the R&B community.
In Ruben, you have the opportunity, because of his stature
as The American Idol, to open the doors of R&B to the younger crowd.
Ruben will attract young people to that wonderful world,
instead of the mixed up world of rap,
or the plastic made up world of pop.
Ruben has a following right now that is enormous.
Whereever Rubin goes, so will his fans.
If he's taken down that "pop" road, for the quick money and fame,
he won't last, nor will his fans.
The R&B community have an exceptional and extraordinary
opportunity right now.
One that hasn't come along for some time.
Just think of the doors Ruben can open for young people.
Young people who think because of the way they look,
they'll never make it in today's music business.
Young people who secretly listen to their parents records
by Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, The Four Tops, and The Temptations,
and deep in their hearts, know it's good music, and always will be.
Young people who are just sick and tired of rap and pop,
and know there's got to be something more.
If Ruben is helped along correctly, in and by the R&B community,
he'll open those doors, and let young people see,
there is an alternative at a time when one is desperately needed.