The African-American Artists - Essay Example

The African-American ArtistsWere the African-American artists who had their music re-recorded by white singers exploited? Would their music have found equal success without this practice? Upon initial reflection, observers could hastily conclude that African-American artists who had their music re-recorded by white singers could be considered exploited if those who observe would indicate that the apparent reason for re-recording the musical composition was to improve on the initial rendition.

However, one’s personal belief is that re-recording music originally sung by African-American artists does not necessary indicate forms of exploitation. It could actually be that the recording was such a popular success that other musical artists, including white singers, would have wanted to be likewise identified with the music through their personal interpretation of the song. I firmly believe that the success of a song or musical composition does not entirely depend on the ethnic, racial or cultural background and orientation of the artist.

Other factors contribute to the success of a musical composition, including the integrated components of musical elements such as the harmony, pitch, lyrics, melody, and rhythm, among others. Music, interpreted by a particular artist, regardless of race or other personal differences in gender or age, would have found equal success with the right timing, right musical score, choice of instruments, vocals and the expressive interpretation of the artist that elicited the appropriate appeal of the target audience.

There are different instances when songs have been initially recorded by one artist and have been interpreted by another. For instance, the song of Josh Groban entitled “You Raise Me Up” was popularly known to have been recorded by various artists even before it rose to fame when Josh Groban recorded and sang it. The reasons why there are versions that generated significant popularity and success more than others who previously recorded them could range from the timing of these songs being recorded which perfectly match the sentiments and appeals of the audience; the personality of the singer or artist who sang and interpreted the song (where it could be observed that there is a particular appeal and charisma that was exemplified – more than what the other artists who previously recorded them delivered); the strategies used for promoting the songs; and there could be some changes in some musical elements, like the tempo, rhythm and musical instruments or accompanying background that made a particular musical interpretation more successful than others.