I believe that the modern day minstrels of the world have the power to bring great light and consolation to their audience. Over the past few weeks, the music world has lost many artists that have given people great joy. The loss of these artists made me sad before I realized the joy to be had.
Burke Shelley, Ronnie Spector, and a man they called Meat Loaf were all lost in January.
Burke Shelley was the singer and bassist for Welsh band Budgie. In 2020, when refusing surgery that could’ve caused spinal damage he said, “I’ve got faith in God and have no worries about where I’m going. So I’ll just go when He decides to take me and, in the meantime, I’ll carry on doing what I want to do. Simple as that.” Those words made me think about what “life” really is.
Ronnie Spector represents royalty and class for me. She was the queen of teen pop in the 60’s with her Ronettes, and I am so thankful that I had a chance to witness her in the live setting. Her voice and her charisma were stunning.
And even though I didn’t get the chance to witness the great Meat Loaf in concert, I was immediately drawn to what he created with his brand of overindulgent theater rock that had sweat and passion oozing from every note.
News of their passing felt like candles being snuffed out, but in reality, their flames are eternal.
I stated earlier that these artists “have given” people great joy. The fact is, what they created will forever give people great joy, and that’s a good reason to smile.
