Question of the Day - May 9, 2009

TheHolodigm.com

G. Masciel asks:

CAN ATHLETES CONVERT TO MUSIC?

There are so many professional athletes who have made efforts to transition into the music industry such as Bernie Williams, Oscar de la Hoya, Barry Zito, Jack McDowell and even Shaq. What do you think about these efforts? Assuming some of them have true talent and embrace the 3 M's in their music, what kind of strategy and implementation would you go with to leak them into the music industry?

Hartmann responds:

It is extremely rare for anyone to "leak" into the music business no matter how bursting at the seams your other career may be. Music is the most competitive environment on the planet and I never met a singer who didn't think he was going all the way. Athletes shining down at the karaoke bar may suffer delusions of grandeur in this direction. This is not a new phenomenon. Stars from one entertainment medium are always trying to cross over to more lucrative and popular activities. Especially athletes who may have short term success in their sporting careers. Many top movie stars would trade in their fame as actors for the credibility and financial rewards afforded to music stars. Many athletes have made the transition into acting. The great Babe Ruth played himself in a biographical movie about his life. Johnny Weissmiller an Olympic gold medalist in swimming played Tarzan in a hugely successful string of movies in the fifties. Many have failed in the attempt. Mark Spitz got a shot at acting after winning seven gold medals in the Olympics but couldn't make the grade. Duane Johnson is a huge success in movies. That said the transition to music is much tougher, the standards are high for gaining credibility and few athletes have even made the attempt. None has reached The Big Top to the degree that their music career eclipsed their original stardom. However, in long term careers talent is the primary factor, so given a charismatic athlete with a good voice and performing skills it is totally possible. It would definitely require the kind of discipline it takes to be an excellent athlete and a lot more. Devotion to the 3 Ms (melody, meter & message) and quality songs well produced would be essential. I wouldn't bet my career on it, because believe it or not, the celebrity of sports probably would make public acceptance more difficult in the long run. There are exceptions to every rule, of course. If one attempts to go down this road it would require mastery of the two primary activities of recording and performing. The aspirant would need to get a manager and an agent and jump in with the rest of the contenders. Fame from athletics will open some doors and close others. It is a double edged sword. Passion and commitment can overcome all obstacles in the elevator to The Big Top. ACTION is the operative word.