Know Your Worth

I watched a documentary last night about background singers. These singers sang behind The Rolling Stones, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Sting, David Bowie, Michael Jackson.. They did background work for some of our favorite Christmas songs, Disney movie themes, and even other Blockbusters. And even though most were black and started out by singing in church, each of them had a different story... 

Some of the background singers tried their hardest to become the lead singer or the front runner. Only a few successfully did so, and it was not easy. Others enjoyed singing background so much that they could never see themselves singing the lead. It was so interesting to see the different perspectives. But one thing was for sure, they could SANG (in most cases BETTER than the lead singer). 

One thing that was said towards the end is "Know your worth." This stuck with me because so many artists are willing to do anything to get some sort of fame. They end up losing themselves and becoming someone who they aren't. Some of the background singers were stuck singing background due to a person who didn't have their best interest at heart. Others felt like they had to dress or act a certain way to succeed. But, if you know your worth there are certain things that you won't agree with. You will be able to say no and walk away and never look back. You will have the strength to fight to reach your goal and to make your dream a reality. No one should be able to demean you and make you feel like you do not matter. Know your worth.

If your passion is to do something onstage, strive to be onstage. If your passion is to work the sound, work the sound. If you love blending and singing in groups, do that. If you want to be a singer/songwriter, do that. Know your worth.