Just for the sake of argument.

On another thread about an artist's live performance, many of us were debating the merits of that artist, and many pointed to his lack of stage charisma and how that arguably separated him from other legendary performers.

And blackguitaristz' post on that thread mentioned Bill Withers. The man was an unparalleled songwriter and nice performer. But he didn't have a magnetic personality on stage, as I understand it. Musically, his work stacks up favorably to ANYBODY of his era, but he is not as widely revered as other artists of his day are.

So how much is charisma figured into how we judge our musical artists? Remember, I'm not talking about whether they can play on stage, but whether they have personal magnetism of some sort that makes them legendary. I think Prince's stage presence was one of the reasons I was drawn to his music as a kid.

But arguably -- arguably -- performers like Beck, Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Van Hunt, and others, who don't "show out" the way a Prince or a Sly does on stage.
How much will that figure into how they will be viewed down the line as artists? A little? A lot?

Your thoughts?

i think some artists thrive in the studio, some thrive on stage, and a select few can excel in both environments. i think the ones who can command the studio and the stage are the most amazing, but i don't think it's necessary to be the best of both worlds to be considered a "legend" in music.

That ALL depends on what the "Artist" is Selling.
if it's "Supa-Mufucka" then they gon have to bring THAT !

EVERY FUCKIN TIME they hit the stage.

Remember Jimi's delima ?
He got caught up in the same shit with being THAT guitar-burning
Monster-GOD etc. etc. But, Jimi only did that when HE felt like it.

but, that's all people wanted to see after that.

He DID have "IT" on & "off" stage.
but, some nights he just didn't feel like being all of that.
If you're selling "Sexy" & walk out there in hair curlers & Mud mask ?
Look for da Backlash.

Anx said:

I Agree 1000% !!

Sometimes, the stage charisma is nearly all a performer has. Shakira, Madonna, Britney - I mean, Madonna (in my opinion) is a pretty decent songwriter, and I like her voice, but it isn't a "great voice" by any means. What makes Mariah "Mariah"? It's her voice. She can't dance, has a dull/annoying persona, and she's almost become a caricature of herself. Now - what makes Madonna "Madonna"? It's her videos, her personality, her humor, etc. I think charisma, particularly in today's market, can make or break a performer. It's almost all about looks. How else are you going to explain Usher's or The Black Eyed Peas' popularity??

And I agree with Anxy; it's a true feat to excel as a studio and stage performer, but you don't necessarily need both to cement your place in history. Look at The Beatles - they quit touring fairly early in their career - but they are about as legendary as you can get. Wilco, for instance, is a wonderful studio act and they are great performers - but the majority of my friends have never even heard of them.

imo,there aren't too many "new" artists that have alot of stage charisma.

DavidEye said:

because they're groomed to sell sex instead of spectacle.

Anx said:

good point

DavidEye said:

cyndi lauper, boy george, even old skool madonna wouldn't be taken seriously today...they're too weird. they don't look enough like underwear models.

janis joplin would be some obscure indie-folk singer who maybe would get a review in pitchfork now and then, but she'd be way too unattractive to make a dent in today's pop music scene, no matter how mesmerizing she was on stage.

prince? if he came on the scene now, do you think he'd have a chance?

great post...

I don't know. If the music is really good, I don't know if charisma matters that much. I've seen Stevie Wonder live and it was just o.k. Stevie is still considered one of the all time best.

some folks who i believe REALLY had IT !!!

Marc Bolan (Trex)



JIMI HENDRIX


BRUCE LEE

BOWIE 70's

MICHAEL JACKSON 80's


PRINCE

Graycap23 said:

I absolutely agree. It's always fun to see a performer who's full of charisma, but when I go to a concert, I'm there for the love of the artist and their music. I don't care to see antics or theatrical type of stuff. It's ok, but it's not what I'm there for. An artist could sit on a stool all night and if I'm digging the music then it's all good for me. I guess this is partly why I have no desire to see someone like Madonna or Janet. Too much stuff going on for my liking and not enough real music.

kisscamille said:

100% agree.

The thing about charisma is that it's a cruel bitch, much like life. Either you have it or you don't have it. It's not a thing you can learn like chords or holding notes. If you don't have it and try to "put it on" most of the audience is gonna see right through it and you won't connect. It has to be geniune. The music needs to really affect you in that way on stage, or it's gonna reek of phoniness. It's not fair but again neither is life lol.

kdj997 said:

Hahaha !
That was a great analogy.

prettymansson said:

Great list!

I have to add these guys... (it just wouldn't be me if I didn't)









Woo-hoo!

minneapolisgenius said:

I agree...but i was just thinking of individual artist..