A few days ago I lost a friend.
He was a musician and singer who had a profound influence on my musicianship and my outlook on life. He truly possessed that creative talent and on stage he was a true entertainer.
I last saw him a few months ago. He called me out of the blue and said, "Billy I need you to play sax on this track." I answered, " You know I kinda quit, right? I can't play like I used to." He said, "No. No. I need you to do it! You're the only one with that sound and this here's my wife's favorite song. I need to get it recorded." So I went along with it, dusted off my saxophone, practiced with his track and then went over his house to record.
I recorded the tracks for him the way he wanted. But, then..... here's the real point of the story...... he started pulling up his other creations. His health was failing badly, his medical conditions were compounding day by day but when he sang he was as alive as ever. He was so alive. He loads up the song, pulls up the lyrics on his phone and sings right there to me. Then that reminds him of another one so he loads it up, grabs his lyrics and sings right to me......I mean with him singing it is like being up close to Luther Vandross or Ray Charles..... really he sings so good. This goes on for hours: one song after another, these marvelous creations and this unbelievably powerful voice delivering the message right to me in my own private concert!
Then it hits me. "Brother you never recorded the lead vocals to any of your songs?!?" , I ask as my heart sinks. No he explains that he's waiting for the right time to do it, that's the last step that he hasn't gotten to, or he wants to sell the songs to someone else, or maybe he might find the next Justin Bieber who he can then help produce, manage and get his songs out to the world......
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Share your music with the world.
As imperfect as it may be: share your music with the world.
By all means go through the steps to copyright your music according to the laws in your country. But, I meet so many people who are worried about their songs getting stolen that they hide them away. I have one friend who is in late 60's or early 70's but still says he has his fortune on his ADAT machine. Someday when the right time comes he'll make big money with all his songs. I really want him to. I do. Sadly, I believe the truth is (even with copyright protection) if Lady Gaga steals your song in the end she and her lawyers will break you.
Even if you never sell a single download put your music out there.
If only my friend had recorded his songs and put them out on iTunes, Reverbnation, YouTube, SoundCloud or something I could hear his voice once again.
RIP J.J. I'll miss you.

- Bill