July 14, 2015
James Taylor is making headlines. The voice behind iconic songs like “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” and “You’ve Got A Friend” released a new album, “Before This World,” earning his first No. 1 hit on the record charts. But, that’s not what the buzz is about.
Taylor is trending because he accomplished this at 67 years old after a five-decade career in the music industry. Words like “remarkable” and “finally” are associated with his No. 1 spot as if this has been the brass ring Taylor has wanted all his life.
What I find more impressive is the fact he’s been making really good music for over 47 years.
That’s remarkable.
We get hung up on getting to that top spot whether it’s on a Billboard chart, in an executive corner office or a graduation rank. Human nature drives competition — often fiercely — hitting the gas pedal to the floorboard toward some group’s definition of success.
I partially blame social media that feeds ego like fuel on fire to get the most Likes on Facebook or hits on YouTube. Perhaps I’m just insecure. I still don’t know how to do Instagram correctly.
I’m guilty, too. I like to see who has shared and commented on my Facebook dribble. Artists like Taylor are especially expected to perform well on many levels. Musicians and writers are scrutinized by the business side of their profession with high demand multi-leveled marketing campaigns.
I thought content was king. Twitter has become its heir.
Sure, it’s great to strive for excellence. I admit I found it gratifying that Taylor bumped the other Taylor — as in 25-year-old Taylor Swift, for readers above age 20 — from her No. 1 song slot she has held since she was born playing her guitar in the delivery room. It seems that our definition of excellence has been narrowed to unrealistic expectations, rock star or not.
Our community got into the public discourse fray over a local high school’s 27 valedictorians. I know many of them. They’re brilliant, talented and giving. I thought the conversation was somewhat misdirected. Rather than focus on the merit of how many is too many who hold the top rank, why not also recognize other students for their unique achievements?
I think of some of my former college students who went to school full time while working and raising a family. And one who earned his two-year degree to work in the medical field in spite of severe test anxiety. They would tell you their satisfaction came from making their lives better for themselves and those whom they love.
Wouldn’t that inspire others like them if they got a shout-out, too?
The senior-aged Taylor dismissed his chart-topping feat in a recent radio interview. He responded to the question of what the No. 1 hit meant to him. He said he just liked making music and felt he still had something to offer.
Yes.
Being No. 1 one as a sole motivator limits life’s learning process. In my half century on this planet, I’ve realized how success can be subjective. I strive to do what I define as my best and it’s not all bad when it clicks. It’s OK when it doesn’t, too. Life is more than a one-time win. There’s also something to be said for living in the now as much yearning for the next rung on the ladder.
Taylor sings as much in his new album’s title song:
Thin thin the moment is thin
Ever so narrow the now
And ever so lovely that Taylor has enriched our lives with song for most of his.
How sweet is that?
