Re: Re: [Harp-L] fame

["Tim Moyer" <wmharps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob Laughlin wrote:
> Let's assume that the harmonica becomes an instrument of great 
> reknown, and awesome popularity.
> 
> What effect will that have on harmonica prices worldwide? I kind 
> of wish no one had invented the internal combustion engine. Gas 
> would still be cheap.

I'm sorry, but this doesn't make any sense.  If no one had invented 
the internal combustion engine, you'd be buying gasoline from guys 
with no day job, cranking it out in their garage or bathtub for 
$100/gallon.  It's only because of huge worldwide demand that we 
have an infrastructure that pumps oil out of the ground in one 
place, ships it half way around the world to a refinery to make it 
into gasoline that gets shipped to gas stations on every corner 
where you can buy it.  

How much more popular should the harmonica be?  It's already 
arguably the biggest selling instrument in the world.  Just because 
it's popular doesn't mean most people play it well.  Look at all the 
guitars sitting in closets around the world.  I have two guitars and 
I don't play worth a crap.  

I agree with GG that the harmonica has never had a breakthrough pop 
personality on the scale of a KennyG (love him or hate him, everyone 
knows his name).  I don't think there are many people who want to be 
that person.  You know, KennyG paid his dues too.  He played for 
years in Barry White's orchestra.  He didn't really become widely 
known until his third or fourth studio album.  And he didn't have to 
legitimize his instrument to the public.  

Trouble is, there's a huge community of "I didn't know you could do 
that with a harmonica" people out there.  I see them every time I 
play.  People who wander up and examine my kit to see what it is I'm 
playing, believing it is the microphone or something that's making 
the sound that's not quite like a trumpet or a saxophone or a 
clarinet.  

You also have to remember that fame isn't just about the music.  
Women (and probably some men ;-) swooned over KennyG's curly locks 
and romantic demeanor, just like they do with Chris Botti.  It's all 
about marketing.  Want to be famous?  Find a promoter who thinks 
there's something in it for them, and they'll take you for the 
ride.  First stop will be the salon for a makeover and the gym for a 
conditioning workout.  The music part's in the bag (except for some 
minor timing issues); work on the rest of the package.  

-tim