Re: [Harp-L] musical choices vs life expectancy vis a vis The Polka

[Mike Wilbur <mike@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I could believe that " Polka Players " would leave the stage early ....a result  of severe Lead Poisoning and rapid blood loss. 

Mike Wilbur 

> On Mar 29, 2015, at 5:25 AM, Vern <jevern@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
>> On Mar 28, 2015, at 4:18 PM, JON KIP <jon@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>> 
>> Do a google search on the phrase:
>> 
>> The Mysterious Connection Between Genre And A Musician's Life Expectancy
>> 
>> Lots of information, a tiny sample is here:
>> 
>> "....... the research revealed that country blues and gospel singers can expect to enjoy pretty much the same life expectancy as the general U.S. population. On the other hand, R&B, pop, folk, and âworldâ music (such as polka) singers had lower life spans than the rest of the U.S. population.â
> 
> The statistical results depend on the selection of the sample.  I suspect that they included mostly famous and successful rock singers in theirs. 
> 
> At age 87, I have probably already beaten the odds. Because I earned my living as an engineer and played guitar and harmonica for amusement, I doubt that I am a part of the statistical sample that includes âmusicians."  No sudden wealth, smoking, drugs, excessive alcohol, touring, or staying up late on a regular basis.  My mundane lifestyle has focussed on 9-to-5 desk jockeying, Little League, and crabgrass.
>> 
>> And the "this article probably doesn't apply to me and I'm going to sing more Polkas" escape clauseâ..
> 
> Be careful!  Too many âyippy-yippy-yaysâ and âyodel-adee-hoosâ would certainly shorten your years. 
> 
> It is hard to imagine that accordion, clarinet, or tuba playing would much affect longevity. 
> I posit that dancing the polka would contribute to longevity because it is aerobic exercise.
>> 
>> "While the percentage of musicians who die young may be larger than the general population, this does not necessarily mean that music is the cause for this.â
> 
> Have they taken starvation into account?
> 
> Vern