Life is very, very hard, and what can possibly make it harder is pursuing a music career. Whether it be the constant rejections, the hedonistic lifestyle, or just the feeling of not being seen, it is not a lifestyle suitable for the weak. Hence, so many people quit before they succeed… or quit once they have. In short, it’s just hard. And some of the most famous music legends have realized that as they nearly walked away from their dream once upon a time.
Videos by American Songwriter
There have been hundreds upon hundreds of success stories in the music business. However, there have also been millions upon millions of failure tales; it’s just the way the game works. And some of your favorite musicians nearly ended up in that millions category. However, their perseverance was persistent, and they became some of the most successful musicians of all time.
The Beatles
Who would have ever thought The Beatles experienced failure after their one-of-a-kind career? Well, like all musicians, they did experience failure, and it was at the hands of Decca Records. When the label first heard The Beatles, they stated that “guitar groups are on their way out” and “The Beatles have no future in show business,” per A Cellarful Of Noise. Given the harsh comments, The Beatles nearly packed it all up and called off their music dreams.
However, when the “fifth Beatle” heard the group for the first time, everything changed for the four-headed monster. After George Martin signed The Beatles to their first record deal with Parlophone, and, well, you know how the rest of the story goes.
Johnny Cash
By the 60s, Johnny Cash had already had a very illustrious career. However, all that success led to a severe drug addiction, a divorce, and several arrests. Consequently, Cash thought about leaving the music industry to focus on his well-being. However, that seemingly all changed when he got sober and married his second wife, June Carter.
After Cash got married and clean, he went on to record his infamous album At Folsom Prison, which peaked at no. 1 on the Billboard Country Charts and at no. 13 on the Billboard 200. Furthermore, Cash and June Carter’s 1967 single “Jackson” also scored The Man in Black a Grammy.
Simon & Garfunkel
Fans of these folk music legends are likely well aware of the time they almost walked away for good. When Simon & Garfunkel released Wednesday Morning 3 AM, their career started and also stopped. The album featured the classic tune “Sound Of Silence”, but it was still an enormous flop. Given the lack of success the album achieved, the band was going to call it quits. Art Garfunkel was even contemplating going back to school to pursue a career in architecture.
However, a year after the original release, a new version of “The Sound Of Silence” was released and peaked at no. 1 on the US Billboard singles chart. Subsequently, Simon & Garfunkel went on to become the biggest folk group of the 60s.
Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.