It became a US federal holiday in 1894 – though 30 states
already officially celebrated Labor Day. In Canada, Labour Day (also celebrated on the
first Monday of September) has been a holiday since the 1880s.
While we celebrate in song many occupations, radio jobs tend to be maligned - especially by those who apply
rather limited evaluative criteria (read about that here).
But even for those of us who still find this the most
exciting and rewarding career we could imagine - and are still amazed that we get
to do this every day - the grind the industry extracts on us can take its toll.
Fortunately singers and song writers have left us
inspiration to encourage us when the going gets challenging.
You no doubt have songs that personally inspire you; feel
free to add them to this list by commenting.
Here are a few from the country format that remind us of why we continue to do what we do.
Your Impact on Others:
“What a difference you’ve
made in my life. What a difference you’ve made in my life. You’re my sunshine
day and night. Oh what a difference you’ve made in my life.”
"What A Difference You've Made In My Life"
Written by Archie Paul Jordan, ©
Universal Music Publishing Group.
In the hundreds of focus groups I’ve done through the years,
talent is the subject that listeners most want to talk about.
I’ve seen listeners express real appreciation for
talent who remembered their names or the names of their children.
I’ve seen them
recall the impact of meeting a talent in person – perhaps years ago though they share in detail this cherished memory as if it happened last month.
And I’ve
seen listeners tear up while recalling something a talent has said that touched
them personally.
As talent we have opportunities to ‘make a difference’ with
every mic break. Don’t waste a single
one.
Your Work Ethic Matters
“Hey, I’m not bragging
or complainin’, I’m just talking to myself man-to-man, this mental fat I’m
chewin’ didn’t take a lotta doing’, But I take a lot of pride in what I am.”
I Take A Lot of Pride in What I Am
Written
by Merle Haggard; © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
It’s easy to blow off a break or two (or not put your heart
into a piece of copy you have to write, or to fall back on something safe rather
than suggest something out of the box to a client, or to not want to do an air check session with your talent).
And sometimes it takes a conversation with yourself to bring about what you know needs to happen. Perhaps it's a personal pep talk or maybe reminding yourself that you have knowledge/ideas/creativity/talent that's worth sharing.
Of course going ‘half in’ doesn't cut it.
Full throttle, wide open
You get tired, you don’t show it,
Dig a little deeper when you think you can’t dig no more
That’s the only way I know
"The Only Way I Know"
Written
by Ben Hayslip, David Lee Murphy • Copyright © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc
Lots of people around you will quit at "good enough." But not you; you know the benefits of digging deep.
The bottom line is that pride in your work is what will separate you from the rest of the pack.
“I Feel Like I Know Him/Her”
If you want to know the real me, just turn the page in my dirt road diary.
It’s right there for you to see, every kiss, every beer, every cotton field memory.
"Dirt Road Diary"
Written
by Luke Bryan, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip • Copyright © Sony/ATV
Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Ask listeners about talent they most connect with and you’ll usually hear something about being real, being an open book, etc.
But
what they’re really saying is that the relationship they have with you the talent is the same type of relationship
they have with their best friends.
That’s powerful.
Follow Your Dreams
And when you get
the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you
dance....
Tell me who wants
to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone
"I Hope You Dance"
Written by Tia Sillers, Mark Sanders • © Sony/ATV Music
Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
One of the greatest gifts you can give someone you care
about is encouragement and support as they follow their dreams.
Just like you
did.
Take a Risk
I could have missed
the pain
But I’d have had to
miss the dance
"The Dance"
Written by Tony Arata; Copyright © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc
The performing arts are a risky business to begin with and today’s environment has only amplified that risk.
Still, the risk-reward is
something performers willingly sign up for knowing that there's a cost to bringing happiness/insight/entertainment with the world.
Don't Forget to Enjoy the Ride
If you're coming with me you need nerves of steel
'Cause I take corners on two wheels
It's a never-ending circus ride
The faint of heart need not apply
'Cause I take corners on two wheels
It's a never-ending circus ride
The faint of heart need not apply
"Mi Vida Loca"
Written by
Jess Leary, Pam Tillis • Copyright © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Sure, other careers may pay more handsomely, have more
security, etc., etc. But probably none
of your non-industry friends have met Garth, been on Luke Bryan’s bus, or had a
drink with Blake Shelton.
Unless they were your guest.
Why It’s All Worth It
The
wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Compared to the man with a satisfied mind."Satisfied Mind"
Written by Jack Rhodes, Red Hays; Copyright (c) BMG Rights Management US, LLC, Carlin America Inc.
If it was about the money, we’d have done something else.
But performers play by a different set of rules. Sure, it’s about the applause, but it’s more
about knowing that YOU made people feel something.
Parting Thoughts
I laid in bed that
night and thought about the day
And how my life is
like a roller coaster ride
The ups and downs
and crazy turns along the way
It’ll throw you off
if you don’t hold on tight…
I love this crazy,
tragic,
Sometimes almost
magic,
Awful beautiful
life.
"Awful Beautiful Life"
Written by Darrly Worley, Harley Allen; Copyright (c) Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Ten Ten Music Group Inc.
Happy Labor/Labour Day!
2 comments:
Awesome post, Mom, as I work at NBC on this Labor Day morning at TODAY..steps from where you first mentored me in the medium at the age of 22. Happy Labor Day!
Thanks for the read, Jessica. You're having an awesome career on multiple platforms and you're proof every day of the rewards from hard work + talent!
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