Singing Praises of the (Mostly) Unsung Singers

Here’s to the singers – and to all the musicians – whose Grammy wins on Sunday were barely mentioned and hardly noticed . . . and to the Grammy nominees whose also-ran status received even less attention.

(I know you are there because the Crossing, a choir dedicated to “new” music, and of which our daughter is a member, won the Grammy for Best Choral Performance. Most folks no doubt missed the announcement. And I do not begrudge any singer or group their Grammy (way to go, Bruno!). I am used to loving genres of music that receive relatively little public attention. I’ve been this way since I can remember. If it’s a problem, I own it.)

Anyway, here’s to all the Grammy-nominated and Grammy-receiving musicians who work hard at their craft, even if they receive little media attention and small financial rewards. They do it because they love what they do, and wouldn’t and couldn’t think of doing anything else.

Here’s to the musicians who have invested tens of thousands of dollars and untold years in learning and honing their gifts and skills, have become marvelously proficient at what they do, and are lucky to get a line or two of free publicity.

Here’s to the singers and instrumentalists who put together and promote their own acts and groups without the help of staff or agents in order to be heard by small but appreciative audiences.

Here’s to the many musicians whose lives are often every bit as interesting and even quirky as those pictured on the cover of Rolling Stone, and who are quite happy never to be there.

Here’s to the artists who patiently teach students their craft and their love of that craft, passing on the secrets of bringing complex and challenging scores to life.

Here’s to the generous donors and faithful audiences who keep groups like the Crossing afloat because they love their music and believe it must be heard.

Here’s to all musicians whose art speaks to contemporary social and political issues, forcing us look at realities around us we may not choose to see. (Pop stars are not the only musicians who do that.)

Here’s to every musician who puts his or her financial life together one song at a time, one gig at a time, one check and one bill at a time. May those who really have something to offer be able to make a living at it. May their artistic dreams be encouraged by fair tax laws and the availability of affordable health care.

Here’s to every hard-working and dedicated music creator, professional and amateur, who will never come close to a Grammy, but who keeps on doing what they do for the shear joy of it.

Here’s to the (largely) unsung singers and instrumentalists who are numbered among the 2018 Grammy nominees and winners, but about whom the general public heard not a pianissimo. Your contributions to music, to art, and to our cultural health and happiness are far beyond the recognition you usually receive.

Here’s to all of you. Thank you.