One of the most popular singers is Kenny Rodgers and when your popularity lasts decades there will be a book. The book about Kenny Rodgers is called Luck or Something Like It by Kenny Rodgers published by HarperCollins, NY, 2012. Once is a while it is good to read autobiography’s because they tell you about the character of the person. Even if all you know is the person’s talent, in this case Kenny Rodgers loves singing and prefers songs with stories. The most famous song we associate with him is the Gambler, but in his collection are many top selling songs. Although Kenny loves singing and is good at it, that is not enough, he has needed people who believe in him through managers, producers, and other musicians. He was fortunate to have many relationships last in the years. It is also about attitude:

His advice to anyone considering music as a career – do not do it for the money. Most people who set out just to make money do not last long enough to see the money. They get discouraged and quit. Longevity is based on your ability to accept rejection and keep trying. Most people can not do that. Those who do survive do so because they feel music is their calling. These people are hard to discourage.

In terms of audiences for comedy, as a musician much of your career is travelling or doing shows in another city in another evening. For a concert, there is often warm up acts before the main act starts. In terms of comedy, people will clap to be nice but they will not laugh to be nice. Trying and failing at comedy is a process worse than death.

For a fan, Kenny’s books about how the system works in terms of which songs does he sing and how did they come to his attention. For a successful singer, many songs come but few are chosen so they have to mean something and come at the right time. The songs that come are “shopped around” to various artists who may like them. When they are used and song they feel natural and sincere.

Linking to dividend paying stocks, when you are investing in these types of companies, these are the ones that have already made it and can count on tours every year, depending on how well the singer is will depend on the size of the location. There are many variables which will influence the company, but you want to know whatever products they have will continue to have a ready market and the company can sell it good margins for itself and you. You are not looking for the rising star, but the star which has staying power.

There are more questions than answers, till the next time – to raising questions.