At this time looks like a turning level for America and the world. The protests because the killing of George Floyd have galvanized an enormous a part of our nation to hunt change. It’s additionally brought on us all to look within the mirror. I hate to think about myself as a privileged white individual however that’s the reflection I see at the moment. And it hurts. Hurts to know that individuals I do know are hurting and may be residing in concern each time they depart the home.
I’ve all the time considered music, and in flip, myself as a songwriter and musician, as coloration blind. In reality, I most likely have taken it as a right to the purpose of pondering “that’s not me” when occasions like this occur. I can’t try this anymore.
I’ve a lifetime debt of gratitude to black musicians, songwriters and artists who created a lot of the music that knowledgeable my songwriting. Artists like Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Chaka Khan and lots of extra have recorded my songs. Alongside the best way I’ve been blessed to work with a few of my favourite black songwriters and cast lasting friendships with all of them. In my coronary heart I don’t really feel I ever considered them as black. Simply fellow songwriters. In that sense I hope I’ve been really coloration blind.
However at the moment that doesn’t really feel like sufficient. I concern I wasn’t seeing them or listening to them as black folks. Simply inventive equals. I can’t try this anymore.
What I can do is hear throughout this time. Take heed to the voices of the oppressed and take heed to the wealthy soundtrack of music created by black songwriters and musicians and say thanks. Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Billie Vacation, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf. An limitless checklist and unattainable to think about a world with out the contributions of black songwriters and musicians.
To cite a songwriter who’s introduced extra pleasure into this world than I can fathom “Love’s in want of affection at the moment”. Stevie Surprise is a black man, and really coloration blind in relation to the message he’s given the world. God blessed him with a present and in flip, gifted us all.
I don’t know what else to do at the moment however look at my coronary heart and pray for change. I can do higher. That’s one thing I CAN do.
Black lives matter to all of us.
Mark Cawley
Nashville, Tennessee
Picture : Shutterstock
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Take a look at this interview in M Music and Musicians Journal for tales behind just a few of my songs!
SONG JOURNEY BY MARK CAWLEY