There has never been a better time for Boomer up and coming artists to make an impact and a statement to the listening  (and buying) public than right now. I think the marketing world is ready for it. I bought a copy of Chaka Khan's new CD "Funk This" and let out a big "Woo-Hoo!" as I looked at the artwork and the way she is presented on this CD! Kudos! Kudos! Kudos! Chaka represents every idea I am trying to express with the way we should be portrayed. What she is doing is perfect! It's so right on the money! She backs up this up with fantastic music and vocals! I couldn't stop listening to the CD!

 

I use Chaka as an example because she epitomizes the way a Boomer artist should be portrayed in the media. The point I am trying to continually make is the importance of public "perception". We are not over the hill. We do not need to be put out to pasture. We're just getting started, We are vital, alive and very musical. Chaka decided that she still had a lot to offer and made it so with this latest CD (which I also HIGHLY recommend).

 

There are so many talented Boomer artists who have either been told it's too late, or believe that time has passed them by. If I am talking to you, then please know that neither of these statements are true. You were given a gift that time cannot take away. I know that some would challenge that but I stand by it. There are ways to keep the voice alive and vibrant. It is not a matter of age. It'a a matter of practice. Playing that instrument and perfecting oneself on it keeps that talent fresh and new and those fingers nimble. Yes, I take pills now that I didn't have to twenty years ago...but so what? Is that supposed to be a matter of age? There are people much younger, who through unfortunate circumstances, have to do the same thing. So the idea that once you reach a certain age you are no longer viable or valuable is, pardon me, a bunch of hooey. Life is what you make it and Chaka Khan (along with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis) have chosen to make it work for them. They are bending it to their will, not the other way around. They are making the world take notice and I love it.

 

So while this is happening, now is the time for up and coming Boomer artists to kick that door down as well. You can do it. We all come from the same timeline and are cut from similar musical molds. We have what it takes...if we choose to believe it. I hope you believe it.