Is Your Favorite Musician Actually Talented? The Hidden Practice of Songwriting

The last time I posted about my musician friend, people got into a tizzy.

Because I told the tale of a one-hit wonder who threw their career away, and then blamed everyone but the person in the mirror…

…but I refused to name the artist, in order to protect my friend.

Well, guess what?

Here we are again; another tale, another celebrity, but no name given.

That said, I did leave a hint at the end this time.

Several, in fact.

This one is probably less able to damage my friend, because the practice is so widespread.

And, I’m pretty sure the singer in question has torn through numerous musicians over the years using the same tactics.

Anyway, Bill Flanagan wrote about the practice in his book, A&R. 

Unfortunately, it was a work of fiction, which means he didn’t name names, either.

So, it’s been known for years that those at the top take from those at the bottom.

As sang Metallica, sad, but true.

I think Kelly Clarkson once said, “I don’t care where the song comes from. If it’s good, I’ll sing it.”

She was open, honest, and up front about using songwriters.

She had the voice and the fame, and just needed the hits.

If more people were like Kelly, that would be a good thing.