Motivation to become a (folk) singer

Subject: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Leadbelly
Date: 10 Nov 07 - 02:31 PM

I ask myself which motives are predominant to learn and play an instrument and to present these abilities including own singing to the public.
Which are the true reasons behind this? Lots of explanations are possible, I do believe. Fame, money, girls (boys, no other job visible...?

If a thread like this was done in the past, please tell me.

Manfred ; really interested.

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Peace
Date: 10 Nov 07 - 02:44 PM

God Bless The Boys That Make The Noise On 16th Avenue
Lacy J. Dalton

         G                               D             G
From the corners of the country from the cities and the farms
    Em                C               G                  D
With years and years of living tucked up underneath their arms
Em             C                      G            C
Walk away from everything just to see a dream come true
    G       G(F#)    Em                C    D   G
God bless the boys who make the noise on 16th Avenue


With a million dollar spirit and an old flat top guitar

They drive to town with all they own in a hundred dollar car

Those the ones that someone told 'em 'bout a friend of a friend they knew

Who owns you know a studio on 16th Avenue.


Now some were born to money and never had to say survive

And others swing a 9 pound hammer just to stay alive

There's cowboys, drunks, and christians, mostly white, black, and blue

They've all dialed the phone collect to home from 16th Avenue.


Ah but then one night in some empty room where no curtains ever hung

Like a miracle some golden words rolled off of someones tongue

After years of being nothing they're all looking right at you

And then for a while they'll go in style on 16th Avenue.


They look so uneventful, so quiet and discreet

But a lot of lives were changed out on that little one-way street

Oh they walk away from everything just to see a dream come true

So God bless the boys who make the noise on 16th Avenue.

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Banjiman
Date: 10 Nov 07 - 02:45 PM

I got sick of sitting there like a lemon while Mrs Banjiman wowed people with her singing....I couldn't compete vocally or with her guitar playing.....so I took up the banjo!

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 10 Nov 07 - 03:29 PM

I so wanted to be Howlin Wolf or Leadbelly when I was at school - the curious combination of rebellion hopelessness and pride - but then I heard Buddy Guy - and I had to play electric blues. By the time I got to university after a couple of years, I still couldn't do it and I began to ask the question "Can Blue Men sing the Whites?" I realised it was something I could never be. I flirted with John Mayall, and with the white pop bands, and then steadily heavier rock (never getting any better).

Bumped into folk at Chester College of Law. Underwhelmed.

Then job, money, time, etc. The Futurama propped up the bedside table. Went to the occasional folk club - and Cambridge Folk Fest where I met a woman.

Then settling down with a woman. Her acoustic guitar looked nice so was allowed in the house. My Futurama and the old Linear 50 did not, so were banished to the garage and we never got to play.

About 5 years later she said "I'm bored sitting here watching the television in the evening. I'm buying you a proper guitar for your birthday and you will learn to play it".

Well, for nearly 20 years we argued about how to play it right, and then she died.

Does that answer the question?

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 10 Nov 07 - 03:47 PM

I hd a Futurama II and a Linear Amp - the guitar was awful!

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 10 Nov 07 - 04:29 PM

well in your case leadbelly , it was to get out of jail. surely you remember.........

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Leadfingers
Date: 10 Nov 07 - 05:01 PM

I just seemed to drift into playing !! Volounteer bandsman in the RAF Apprentice school , got turned on to jazz and played assorted reeds till I discovered Folk ! Started doing floor Spots to get in free at my local club , and got into Guitars as comedy songs dont work that well unaccompanied ! The rest is History !

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 10 Nov 07 - 05:12 PM

The Hagstrom built Futuramas were quite good, IMHO. I greatly preferred mine to my friends' Burns and Watkins.

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Peace
Date: 10 Nov 07 - 05:55 PM

I was never a folk singer, but my motivation to become a songwriter was prompted by being 16 in NYC with no place to live. I had my guitar, so basket houses seemed like a way to make ends meet. I took songs and learned to do them to the satisfaction of audiences who paid mostly according to how entertained they were.

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: sharyn
Date: 10 Nov 07 - 11:30 PM

The oldest motivation there is -- love of thw songs.

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Irene M
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 09:20 AM

There is (in my opinion, for what it is worth) no better "high" than that one that you get singing, and knowing that you are doing it well.
I only paid attention at primary school when singing was involved, so I was switched off the whole week with the exception of "Singing Together" and Friday afternoon hymn practice.
When I was 12, I discovered Jim Lloyd's "Folk on Sunday" on BBC Radio 2 and discovered that what I enjoyed most had a name, "Folk". It was like coming home.
I was never much of a guitarist (but learning the guitar got me out of PE at school, so was more than worth it!)but still love to sing.
In 1981, I did Argyll Folk Festival as an unpaid, but billed guest, and in 1982 I did Wath and Glasgow festivals. It was Glasgow that brought home to me, just how much time one would spend in strange places, with nothing to do, if one pursued performing as an occupation.
After that, I more or less left it to those with more get up and go than me.

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 12:54 PM

At the time, it beat working.

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: DebC
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 01:08 PM

I certainly tried to do something else, but found that when I wasn't singing and performing, I got very very grumpy.

Sometimes, this "music thing" calls you and in my case, to ignore that call made me a very unhappy person.

I am also very lucky to be able to do what I do and I have the most supportive husband in the entire world. He is not a musician, but he understands that I have to "heed the call".

And yes, I have experienced all the negative things that were expressed in the other thread, but one night like last night in Lodi, CA are far worth all the hassles we as traveling musicians go through.

Deb Cowan
www.DebraCowan.com

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Little Hawk
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 01:36 PM

Always a timely subject. ;-)

I wanted to become a folksinger, because folksingers and singer-songwriters were the people I most admired and wanted to be like when I was a young person growing up.

I admired them more than athletes, war heroes, politicians, scientists, religious leaders, gurus, lawyers, businessman, actors, writers, or anyone else, period. I thought they had something real and important to say, and I liked the way they said it.

"Fame?" Well, doesn't every young person think for awhile that they'd like to be famous? ;-) Most of us get over that at a certain point. Some never do.

"Money?" Ha! No, it never occurred to me that being a folksinger would result in making a lot of money...that wasn't my concern.

"Girls?" No, not particularly. I dearly desired to do well with girls, of course, but that's not why I was interested in playing folk music...though when doing so I always hoped that it might help a bit, I suppose. ;-)

"No other job visible...?" LOL!!! YOU MUST BE JOKING!!! There were a million other jobs visible and available, most of which paid way better and were far more reliable...and I didn't want ANY of them. I wanted to be a folksinger. There was nothing else I wanted to do.

Why? Because being a folksinger was "special" as far as I was concerned.

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 01:58 PM

I see. Special needs....

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: The Sandman
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 02:05 PM

Well,it seemed and still seems, like one of the worthwhile things to do:better than being a politician anyway.Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: GUEST,sparticus
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 02:36 PM

It's a blessing and a curse!

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: breezy
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 04:34 PM

a challenge

an outlet for anything you care to name

and in later years, to hear my older kids say after being subjected to a full gig ,

'Dad, how do you do all that? '

and

'Can I have one - or all- of your CDs'


[make up your own punchlines as I go on oh ye of little faith]


and also to annoy my younger brood


Didnt like the piano, but always wanted a guitar,

or 10

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Beer
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 08:39 PM

Damn, I just hit the wrong button and lost everything I had to say.
Well lets see if my short term memory is any good.


Excellent thread Leadbelly and I'm sure you are correct in saying that there are many reasons for becoming (and if you don't mind I will leave out "Folk") a singer.

Mum, Dad and my 11 brother and sisters all sang and played instruments(and all still do except Mum, Dad and one brother.)
The word Motivation never entered in any of us. We were all given a gift from the gods(God).

In my case I listened to Mum and Dad sing songs of the thirties and forties and as well folklore songs of tragedy from the Maritime (Canada). The fifties brought
us Elvis, Buddy Holly, Johnny Horton, Jim Reeves, Hank Williams and so on. I learned all these from my transistor radio nd wind up record player plus listening to my brother and sisters singing and playing.

In the sixties I got my first Catalog guitar and took of in doing all those great songs that were embedded in my mind. But the sixties also brought in a whole new dimension to folk songs so I started to go in that direction as well as Celtic. Today I do less and less country and more and more folk songs that have something to say and there is still a strong love for Celtic.

The more I think about it, the more I would have to say it is something inside that makes me pick up the guitar. And then there is something else that happens in that I want to share these feelings to someone out there. If I can bring a tear to someone's eye or have someone say to me that that was a beautiful song than I feel I have accomplished what I set out to do.

To me Kris Kristofferson sums up what I feel in one of his songs which the title escapes me at the moment.

I was born a lonely singer and I'm bound to die the same,
BUT I GOT TO FEED THIS HUNGER IN MY SOUL.

Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 11:54 AM

I heard music that I liked.
It looked and sounded like something I could do.
I wanted to do it.
I bought a ...................... banjo.

The rest is history.

Russ (Permanent GUEST)

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: melodeonboy
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 01:17 PM

A couple of years or so ago, before I returned to Blighty, I played with a Canadian singer/guitarist who used to turn up whenever anything musical was going on. She once said to me, "I need to sing, to hear other people sing and to have other people hear me sing". I suppose I'm not a million miles away from that. Or as John Lee Hooker said about the blues: "If it's in you, it's gotta come out".

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Leadbelly
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 01:18 PM

Father played the bandoneon, mother did some singing in choirs, great sister worked on her little recorder (flute) and moreover, there was an old piano standing in one room which nobody was able to play intelligently.
So, this surrounding wasn't bad at all in the beginning.

But all really started when I was listening to the music of Lonnie Donegan. Bought me a sheap guitar and worked on it like crazy to do Cumberland Gap (the version of the Vipers; because this one was much more easier to copy), Rock Island Line and a lot of Lonnie's follow-ups.
His skiffle-music created interest in "real" blues (and jazz) and it's artists like Leadbelly (aha!), Brownee McGhee (my first long-player), Lightnin' Hopkins, Lonnie Johnson,Bessie Smith and many others.

Later on, while studying I played in a couple of clubs in Hamburg like Onkel Pö, Danny's Pan (ever heard?), Blockhütte aso.. Was a great time inclusive pretty girls,lots of beer and little money.

Did this until 1972 when I left Hamburg. Afterwards own hand-made music became an occasional occupation. But from time to time when my wife isn't present and some cats are around (animals!) I take my 12 string from the wall and aks her to do it again. And-oops- normally with much joy she agrees to...

Manfred

It's great reading all of your contributions! Thanks!

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: GUEST,Wayne
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 01:27 PM

My local wanted to start a music night to boost a quiet night and for the first few weeks only three of us turned up so I was forced into having a go. I still don't really enjoy it (either the singing or learning the bloody words) and I use any excuse not to but the sense of community engendered by the evening makes it worth it.

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: GUEST,Wayne
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 02:42 PM

Just a small clarification: I really enjoy the singers' nights, but not having to perform at them!

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 02:47 PM

Passion for a song. Passion so strong you HAVE to pass that song on to others. Passion so strong that if the only way you can pass it on is sing it-- no matter how intimidating that seems, or how wrong that song may be for your voice-- you sing it.

Also see past threads, "Why We Sing."

~Susan

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 04:11 PM

Sometimes, good things come in "through the back door," so to speak.
Like kids who start out in sports as much to get attention as for the competition and end up loving it, I was a lonely farm boy; a very shy and introverted lad who wanted to be a part of something. The guitar was strictly something I played for my own enjoyment - and mostly alone, until I was a junior in high school. I didn't even know I could sing. I was never in choir, etc. I was talked into playing backup for a couple of fellows who wanted to sing folk songs, but could not play instruments, believe it or not. I found acceptance and new friends, girls, and a social life via the local coffee house. I came to love folk music almost in spite of myself, you could say. I also like classical music,jazz, blues, show tunes, ballads and sundry other forms, but always seem to come back to folk.

To come from that reclusive and shy beginning to being comfortable speaking and performing in front of others is the greatest gift, apart from the music itself. It made possible a life I might otherwise never have enjoyed.

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Forsh
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 07:47 PM

Ispiration: Bromyard 1974, My Dad (Alan Forshaw), Hamish Imlach,
But Why? : To make people laugh/cry/stop hitting me
Personally: It is a therapy!

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: SouthernCelt
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 08:07 PM

To keep alive the songs, and therefore the memories, of historical events, to give life to the songs based on muse and whimsy, to (occasionally) make a point in a memorable fashion and to have a good time.

SouthernCelt

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Gurney
Date: 13 Nov 07 - 02:19 AM

To become an habitue: The power of certain songs, including the fact that they weren't ALL about love, and the civility of other patrons.

To become a singer? Cyril Tawney told me I was doing a spot next week. A supportive man, as were most other performers.

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 13 Nov 07 - 03:46 PM

I grew up singing. My family sang in the car wherever we went. We would sing together while working at chores around the house. My mother was a vocal teacher and my brother and sister and I listened to an enormous number of lessons from a wide variety of talented and less talented singers. I learned to play guitar from books and played around campfires and in living rooms because guitar sounded so pleasant. I performed in coffee shops and small venues while going to college and even tried my hand at writing songs, though without much success.

After I got married, I put the guitar away for over 15 years, occasionally bringing it out to sing Christmas songs or Happy Birthday. I hardly ever sang songs except to myself. Then, in the early 1990's, I pulled it out from under the bed and began playing once more. I started off in coffee houses and open mics but soon was being hired to play better venues. Now I've got 4 CDs out, my original songs have been recorded by other artists and are being sung on three continents. I routinely perform at festivals and shows around Alaska and have to turn down more gigs than I accept. I can't imagine why I ever stopped performing and I know I will continue to sing for others as long as I can draw a breath.

My motivation is not money, although I have been fortunate enough to sell enough CDs that they pay for themselves. I simply love to sing. I enjoy the chuckles and guffaws of a large audience as they listen to one of my humorous songs. I get a kick out of the silence following a particularly sad song. And I will never get tired of talking to audience members and signing CDs when my show is finished. Singing folk songs helps to make my life happy and content.

best wishes,
Mike

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: greg stephens
Date: 13 Nov 07 - 04:08 PM

Usual reasons: heard Lonnie Donegan at the age of 11(me, not him). Struck by instant overwhelming love for folk songs, which just grew and grew into total obsession. Whwen I got to an age where a choice of career was necessary: obviously, music. Anyhing else required getting up before lunch.

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Gulliver
Date: 13 Nov 07 - 08:04 PM

I was a student in Germany and aside from teaching English a few hours a week in Berlitz I had no income and times were hard. I noticed that Irish music was popular and at the time there was no Irish group in the city I was studying in so I formed a group with some Germans and with the 200 Marks we got each month from performing in pubs, festivals or whatever I was able to pay my rent. Drink, drugs and women were an unplanned bonus.

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Brendy
Date: 13 Nov 07 - 08:22 PM

I don't remember a time before I played music.

Trying to make a living out of it; I think by the time I was 14, I knew that that World would be the only one I would feel comfortable with.

I did the University 'thing', but took that very large step into the unknown in the early '80's.
The contacts I made during my teens, helped me, no end, when I set conformity free, and thank the Heavens I have never starved since.

B.

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Jim Krause
Date: 14 Nov 07 - 12:04 AM

...which motives are predominant to learn and play an instrument and to present these abilities including own singing to the public. Which are the true reasons behind this?

The answer seems to change with every decade. When I was 16 it was because I wanted to play guitar, and be popular generally. When I was in my 20s it was to meet girls. Later, in my 30s it was because my straight job was boring me silly. In my 40s I realized I didn't know how to do anything else. I am now in my 50s, and I am avowedly interested in corrupting the youth of America by teaching any and all those interested to play the 5 string banjo. What my 60s will bring Heaven only knows!

Jim K

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Hamish
Date: 14 Nov 07 - 06:15 AM

Compulsion. I've always sung and have played various instruments for what seems like forever. Guitar since 16, other instruments before (and after) that.

Eventually got fed up with the second question which would be "and do you ever sing/play in public?"

I can go to an open mic or singaround, deliberately leaving my guitar behind and intending to not play. But when I get there, the compulsion usually gets the better of me.

But it's only fun when the magic connection thing happens...

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Mark Ross
Date: 14 Nov 07 - 01:28 PM

It beats working for a living!

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: Lowden Jameswright
Date: 14 Nov 07 - 01:43 PM

The simplest thing - an Em chord.

At school in 1963, listening to a friend playing and singing "St James Infirmary"; I was captivated. I asked him how he learned to play guitar, and he handed his guitar over and showed me how to strum an Em - will be forever in your debt Ron - RIP.

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: GUEST,puck
Date: 14 Nov 07 - 01:58 PM

I started singing folk songs because I like the sound of my own voice.....and I get the biggest buzz when a chorus song is joined in full harmony by all present and sung with gusto.

Pee

Subject: RE: Motivation to become a (folk) singer
From: GUEST,Andy
Date: 14 Nov 07 - 03:37 PM

At my induction to the local grammar school we were asked by the music teacher to span an octave,out of 20 only 3 or 4 could,not that we knew what it was! So the rest of us did science! In the late 80's I went to a folk club and was instantly captivated. People of all shapes and sizes playing all sorts of instruments and singing in harmony. Brill!! I just had to join in. Now at the ripe old age of 67 I have learnt to play and sing a bit, nothing fancy but when everyone joins in 'WOW'

Bob