Bobert, it's not the performers I'm talking about. You'll find black performers doing everything from blues to opera. It's the general population. I was in my 20s when I first heard rap. I hated it then, I hate it now. But that's not going to stop the general trend. It's been around way too long now and it is part of their lives, their upbringing. It's here to stay.

I think we have to accept that blues has lost relevance in the lives of the general black population and that whites are more likely to listen to and perform it these days.

Some black kids might find it again as they grow older but most won't. That's how it is.

It's equally true that rock music is disappearing--of course rock and blues are closely related. The combining of blues with other forms does not appeal to me but it's likely the only way it will survive in the public mind, the only way it will have a niche.

We seem to be drifting towards mediocrity--where taking the time to play an instrument seems too much to ask. Rap is instant gratification. We seem not to have patience anymore--we went it right now and it better be right now. RIGHT NOW!!!! And as technology keeps speeding the world up that's not going to change. Soon right now won't be fast enough for them.

I think Guitar-Hero is the stupidest thing ever. Why not buy a frigging guitar and learn to play it?? Be a real guitar hero. But look at its popularity. It's taken the place of air guitar. It's fast, it's fun, and buying and learning to play a real guitar is not. It's really sad.