I just saw this small documentary called 20 Feet From Stardom and was blown away. It’s about these women who were backup singers in the 1960s and went on to sing back up for Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Sting, Rod Stewart, Bette Midler and many others. The women on the screen were fantastic.
Their talent was beyond measure. They talked about the importance of knowing your value and what you bring to the table. They had attitude and KNEW that they were the best at what they did. The idea of being a backup singer as opposed to the star and being satisfied with that was incredible. It takes a certain kind of person to be able to blend with a small group of people to sound like one. One of the women said she was so glad not to be the star because she knows she would have overdosed along the way and wouldn’t want to have missed out on this incredible life. She has toured all over the world with some of the biggest stars in music.
One artist, Darlene Love, was so talented. She could have been a break out star and in fact tried to do solo albums (and was screwed over twice by record producer, Phil Spector). She still made a name for herself and while she didn’t become a big star, she handled the disappointment with grace and dignity. She didn’t hold a grudge against Mr. Spector, and she didn’t let it pull her down to a place where she just gave up.
It made me think about how I feel as a mom. I want to raise my girls to take risks and make mistakes and get up after they fall and try again. I want to teach them (and remind myself) to let stuff roll off your back. I loved my dad so much, but he used to carry around “a little jug of hate” for people who he fought with. Holding onto that kind of anger isn’t good for anybody! Life’s too short and your time is better spent on positivity. It’s never good to hold a grudge. It’s better to walk away then stay and be angry.
There was one former singer who did walk away and had regrets. She became a teacher and helped teach Spanish and English to adults. She liked what she was doing, and knew she was making a difference, but she missed the music.
Have you ever loved something or someone so much, but walked away? Did you have regrets? Tell me more in the comments below.
Sarah
Sarah is a native Los Angeleno with the heart of a Chicagoan. She loves A Cappella music, cooking, and swing dancing. When she’s not helping raise money for schools, sports teams and clubs, she is hanging out with and loving life with her husband and girls. For more information about what she does professionally, check out www.amomsguidetoschoolfundraising.com