Peter Gabriel, Van Morrison And Don Henley Essay Example

activists worldwide with handheld video cameras and other communication tools. They have distributed hundreds of cameras to over fifty nations and have created a biweekly Witness web broadcast through Macintosh's Quicktime Channel.

In addition, Peter traveled to the USSR in 1992 to support Greenpeace's launch and contributed to the collaborative album "One World, One Voice," featuring artists from around the globe. Furthermore, he composed the soundtrack for Martin Scorcese's film "The Last Temptation of Christ" in 1989 which served as inspiration for his experimental album "Passion." This album showcased an impressive range of musicians and vocalists while incorporating various musical genres.

The impactful concept behind "Passion" inspired BBC's radio show 'Mixing It.' Moreover, Peter opened Real World studio to international artists and producers in 1991 for a unique recording project done in partnership with WOMAD (World of Music Arts and Dance) and Real World Records.The project called "Recording Week" aimed to utilize the studio's facilities for creative purposes. The collaboration of musicians from diverse cultures led to groundbreaking and exciting work. In 1992, Peter released his tenth solo album, "Us," and enlisted 11 visual artists to interpret each song. These artistic creations were displayed at the British Contemporary Art Exhibition in 1993 and a special exhibition in Japan.

"Us" received four Grammy nominations, two MTV awards in the USA, and recognition from BRIT and Q in the UK. The album's fourth single, "Kiss That Frog," inspired the creation of "The Mindblender," which became the world's first music and motion ride. This innovative attraction was developed in partnership with Mega in the USA and combined ride-motion, film, and music to captivate audiences.

In April 1993, Peter Gabriel began his "Secret

World Tour" in collaboration with visionary Canadian director/designer Robert Lepage. This tour seamlessly blended Lepage's unique theatrical style with Peter's heartfelt songs about relationships. Filmed by Francois Girard in Modena, Italy in November 1993, the Secret World Live tour lasted for 18 months and reached over a million fans across five continents.

The filmed performance resulted in the release of a double live album and video titled "Secret World Live" by Peter Gabriel in August 1994.During that year, Peter Gabriel established Real World Multimedia and formed a team of experts to develop groundbreaking CD-ROMs. This endeavor proved to be highly successful, as their multimedia titles received numerous accolades worldwide. These prestigious awards include the Milia d'Or, two BAFTAs, the 1994 BIMA Award, the Sparky from the Interactive Media Festival, and four honors at the Digital Media Awards. Notable titles from this series included "Ceremony of Innocence," as well as Peter's own CD-ROMs "XPLORA 1" and "EVE." In 1996, expansion occurred when Radio Real World became the official website for Real World, WOMAD, and Peter Gabriel himself. Towards the end of 1997, Mark Fisher extended an invitation for Gabriel to collaborate on a show for the central space of London Millennium Dome. The process involved brainstorming throughout 1998 to develop the show's narrative and visual concept while Gabriel composed its music in 1999. Finally opening on January 1st, 2000.The music created for this show is featured on an album called OVO which will be released on June 12th through Real World/Virgin Records.

Shifting our focus now to Van Morrison who has consistently distanced himself from mainstream rock and hasn't achieved a Top-40 hit in over twenty-five years. Despite

this fact, his influence and impact on pop music history remain significant. He is an Irish mystic with a passion for jazz and R&B who possesses a soulful voice reminiscent of Dylan Thomas and Billie Holiday.Many artists, including Springsteen, Costello, Bono, and Adam Duritz from Counting Crows, have some resemblance to Morrison. He was born in Belfast in 1945 and his earliest musical memory is of a spiritual experience at the age of three while listening to Mahalia Jackson on his family gramophone. Music helped him overcome shyness during his youth as he listened to Leadbelly and Hank Williams records from his father's collection and taught himself guitar. This led him to form his first band, the Sputniks when he was a teenager. Morrison's dedication to music became evident when he taught himself saxophone after being initially rejected from a band for having too many guitarists. After returning with this new skill three weeks later, he was accepted into the band. Eventually, Morrison joined Them - an R&B group that gained local fame for their intense sound. They released successful singles in the mid-sixties including covers of Joe Williams' "Baby Please Don't Go" and Morrison's own "Here Comes the Night," both reaching the British Top 10 charts. The band also had a moderately successful U.S. tour where Morrison's powerful rendition of "Gloria" influenced American garage bands. However, after only two albums, Morrison became disillusioned with the music industry and disbanded Them before returning to BelfastBert Berns, a record producer who had previously collaborated with Morrison, sent him a plane ticket and encouraged him to create solo singles. Morrison accepted the offer and produced his first

successful single called "Brown-Eyed Girl." However, there was a falling-out between Morrison and Berns soon after. To capitalize on the success of "Brown-Eyed Girl," Berns released an album titled "Blowin' Your Mind" which included recordings from Morrison's sessions. Unfortunately, Morrison felt that the songs were incomplete and he disliked the psychedelic cover art that associated him with the free love and drugs movement. In an effort to address Morrison's concerns, Berns suggested releasing a proper album called "The Best of Van Morrison," but Morrison saw it as a collection of his worst works. The complete sessions are now available in the compilation called "Bang Masters" for fans to form their own opinion about his music.

Unhappy with working with Berns, Morrison ended his contract and signed with Warner Brothers instead. In 1968, accompanied by experienced jazz musicians, he recorded Astral Weeks within days in a surrealistic and jazzy atmosphere that established him as one of the most innovative artists of his era. Astral Weeks is often featured in critics' all-time top-ten rankings.

Despite denying ever using LSD, the album "Astral Weeks" was highly acclaimed by acid-heads. Morrison believed that drugs would hinder genuine experiences and considered alcohol to create a false sense of ecstasyThis album marked the beginning of Morrison's brilliance and versatility as an artist. "Moondance" and "His Band and Street Choir" showcased his blue-eyed soul talent with the inclusion of R horns and female background vocalists. "Tupelo Honey" and "St.Dominic's Preview" incorporated elements of Irish, folk, and country music. On a personal level, Morrison found stability in his marriage to Janet Planet, a hippie he met in San Francisco. They settled in Woodstock, New York,

and Marin County, California. While Morrison saw Planet as a spiritual redeemer who brought him joy in their rural domestic life, she desired more social interaction which clashed with his preference for rustic solitude. Ultimately, this led to the end of their five-year marriage. Their daughter Shana followed her father's footsteps by joining his band while also recording duets with him on recent albums. After divorcing Planet, Morrison embarked on a spiritual and philosophical journey that had an impact on his artistry. His album "Hard Nose the Highway" (1973) faced criticism both critically and commercially compared to his previous exceptional works. The following year, "Veedon Fleece" had moments of poignancy but did not garner strong audience response. These setbacks resulted in a three-year hiatus for Morrison until he made a comeback in 1977 with the tentative album "A Period of Transition," reflecting his state of confusion.
He began to experience success again with the release of "Wavelength" (1978) and achieved a complete comeback with "Into the Music" (1979), which was deeply rooted in spirituality and soulfulness, advocating forgiveness compared to Bob Dylan's more judgmental work on "Slow Train Coming." Throughout the 80s and 90s, Morrison's music continued to be influenced by spiritual themes. In his album "Inarticulate Speech of the Heart" (1983), he explored Scientology while fully embracing his identity as a "Christian mystic" in "Avalon Sunset" (1989). The fusion of ethereal and earthly elements was prominently showcased in albums like "No Guru, No Method, No Teacher" (1986) and "Enlightenment" (1990). He received induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and celebrated his fiftieth birthday in 1995.

Despite not having released any new

music for the past decade, Don Henley has remained active throughout his career. In March 1997, he released a new album titled "The Healing Game," which many consider to be his best work since "Enlightenment." Similarly, in 1989, Henley found success with an album called "The End Of The Innocence," marking his debut on Warner Bros. Records. Following that, he released another album titled "Inside Job," featuring 13 brand new songs co-written and produced by Henley himself alongside Stan Lynch from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.One notable song from this album is "Taking You Home." According to Henley, this collection of songs serves as a personal diary documenting the past eleven years of his life. During this time, despite feeling tired of being constantly in the public eye, Henley ventured into various projects. He experienced what he refers to as "Death By Show Business," where enthusiasm and creativity diminish. Seeking change and wanting to focus on proactive actions beyond himself, Henley incorporated philanthropy into his life. In 1990, while actively touring for "The End of the Innocence" album, he established "The Walden Woods Project." This occurred during what he fondly calls the chaotic decade of the 1990s or rather, "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride." This endeavor has been highly successful in preserving and educating about America's history. Additionally, later on, Henley added the renowned Thoreau Institute to the Walden Woods Project. This addition gained worldwide recognition for its combination of historical significance and cutting-edge cyber-learning techniques. In the following year, Henley not only organized benefit concerts but also collaborated with writer Dave Marsh to compile and co-edit a book of environmental essays.The proceeds from this project

were used to support the fledgling Walden Woods Project.In 1992,Henley embarked on a promotional tour for the book and participated in additional benefit concertsIn 1993, Don Henley skillfully combined his musical talents and environmental concerns by leading the country music tribute "Common Thread: The Songs of The Eagles." This tribute raised an astounding $3 million for the Walden Woods Project and was honored as Album of the Year by the Country Music Association in 1994. However, tragedy struck when Henley's meticulously designed Los Angeles home was destroyed by the infamous Northridge earthquake in January of that same year. About a month later, Henley attended a summit meeting in Aspen, Colorado with Eagles partners Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, and manager Irving Azoff where they made the decision to reunite for an album and tour. Preparations for The Eagles' tour began in March and their MTV concert was filmed at the end of April. Due to not having a place to live in California after his home was destroyed, Don Henley stayed at a Los Angeles hotel while making arrangements to store or ship his surviving belongings back to Texas. Eventually, he decided to move back to his hometown in late spring. During a tour in San Francisco in June 1994, Henley got engaged to his longtime girlfriend Sharon Summerall from Dallas. They got married in May 1995 after the tour ended. After settling in Dallas, they had a daughter and then a son two years later. Construction on Samain Sound, which is Henley's personal recording facility began in February 1997 and took two years to finish.
Despite the chaos surrounding him, Henley managed to create the album

"Inside Job." The pre-production for the album began in 1997 with collaborations from Stan Lynch, Rob Jacobs, Stuart Brawley, and special guests like Stevie Wonder, Randy Newman, Glenn Frey, Jai Winding, Benmont Tench, Mike Campbell, Jimmie Vaughn Dean Parks Frank Simes and others. Henley aimed to achieve a balance of tempos,textures subject matter,and emotions by allowing the material to naturally evolve. His hope was that this album would showcase more focus and maturity compared to his previous work. Despite an era dominated by bubble gum pop and incomprehensible rants,Henley believed his music still had its place.For his album "Inside Job," he recorded at various studios in Los Angeles and Dallas while pushing himself to experiment with different styles. He focused on lyrics,melodies,and achieving a specific sound for the album.Henley aimed to embrace technological advancements while preserving the organic sound of instruments and vocals.In his studio, he possesses a mix of modern and vintage equipment like microphones, limiters,and an old API model 515 console obtained from the Record Plant in Sausalito twenty years ago.After undergoing reconstruction,this console has become a stunning piece of equipment that Henley wishes could speak.He enjoyed blending new and old technology to create an intriguing sonic experience.The recording process involved using both analog and digital formats based on the desired texture and specific recording needs. "Inside Job" continues Henley's previous works while also representing a significant personal and professional turning point for the artist. Upon his return to Texas, he made an incredible discovery about his hometown and its surroundings: historical records revealed that legendary blues guitarist T-Bone Walker and renowned ragtime composer Scott Joplin were born on the outskirts of Linden,

Texas - coincidentally where Henley grew up. Until recently, the residents of this quiet town seemed unaware of this fact as they believed nothing noteworthy ever happened there. However, one forgotten aspect in the town's history is the invention of the windsock by a local resident. I am excited to further research both Walker and Joplin given the opportunity. Little did Henley know that even more extraordinary events would unfold in his hometown. This specific area in East Texas witnessed various genres of music due to its geographical and cultural position. The Louisiana Hayride, an iconic radio program during the 1950s, showcased live musical performances from KWKH, a powerful station located in Shreveport, Louisiana. This show rivaled Nashville's Grand Ole Opry and reached audiences across 28 states. It was on this show in 1954 that a young Elvis Presley made his first radio appearanceHenley's father faithfully tuned in to artists like Red Foley, Kitty Wells, Jim Reeves, Hank Williams, Slim Whitman, Faron Young,and Patsy Cline. During their summer vacations in the Ozarks region,Dan was introduced to bluegrass music while groups like Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys brought Western Swing music drifting eastward from Dallas and Fort Worth. The East Texas community thrived with diverse blues and gospel music originating from both black and white communities due to its fertile soil for such rich musical heritage.As a young boy,Henley often observed African-American baptisms near his home in the woods. Hidden in the weeds by a pond, he watched as they entered the muddy water with their arms raised to the sky.The women,dressed in white,made a lasting impression on him.The singing during the baptisms left a

lasting impression on him, despite his initial fear.As time went on, he became more fascinated by it.The enthusiasm of the baptisms showcased an authentic sincerity and openness that he had never seen before, expressing faith and longing in a unique way.This experience stayed with him not because of its religious significance but because of the humanity it displayed.During his teenage years,Henley would stay up late into the night listening to WNOE,a powerful radio station from New Orleans.It broadcasted distinctive sounds from the city all the way to his quiet Texan countryside.One notable figure on this station was "John R" (John Richborg), a white deejay whose deep resonant voice sounded black. Another influential radio show came from WLAC in Nashville, which reached across America's heartland as a 50,000 watt clear channel station during the 1950s and 1960s. Other stations like KOMA in Oklahoma City were also within range, along with Wolfman Jack's howls traveling all the way from Texas-Mexico border through 600 miles on Henley's small transistor radio. He would hide under covers with the phone against his ear to listen.In one memorable event, Elvis led a parade of musicians including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Bobby Freeman, Chuck Willis and Bobby Blue Bland.The arrival of The Beatles in the early 60s had a profound impact on Henley's life that would last forever.During his time in high school, he formed The Four Speeds with Richard Bowden and Jerry Surratt.This band later became known as Shiloh when Jim Ed Norman joined them after meeting Henley at the University of North Texas.They relocated to Los Angeles in 1970 and recorded an album for Amos

Records, which also had Glenn Frey signed as an artist.While touring with Linda Ronstadt,Henley and Frey developed a friendship and began their creative partnership.In 1971, they founded The Eagles - a band that combined country,folk,R&B rock,and pop genres to create a distinct American musical style.Throughout their career, The Eagles achieved tremendous success by selling over 100 million albums worldwide and winning four Grammy awards. They topped the charts five times and became one of the most popular concert acts during that era. To this day, no other band has surpassed domestic sales of over 10 million copies with two separate albums: "Hotel California" (with 15 million copies sold) and "Eagles - Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975" (which has sold 26 million copies surpassing Michael Jackson's "Thriller," making it the best-selling album in U.S history).

Don Henley's solo career also boasts impressive accomplishments. In 1982, he released his highly anticipated debut album "I Can't Stand Still," featuring the successful single "Dirty Laundry." The album showcased his talent for crafting melodic songs with lyrics that expressed passionate conviction and socio-political observation.

In 1984, two years after his previous album, Henley released "Building The Perfect Beast," which produced four hit singles: "The Boys Of Summer," "All She Wants To Do Is Dance," "Sunset Grill," and "Not Enough Love In The World." He also received Grammy nominations for Record, Song, and Producer of the Year that same year. Henley won Best Rock Vocal (Male) with his song "The Boys Of Summer."

In 1989, he achieved further success with his album titled "The End Of The Innocence," which spawned three more popular hits: "The Heart Of The Matter," “The Last Worthless Evening,” and the

titular trackHenley's career as a musician and activist was solidified with his Best Rock Vocal Grammy award. His album, which sold over six million copies in the U.S., contributed to this success. Henley's involvement in projects like The Walden Woods Project has raised over $22 million for acquiring environmentally sensitive land in the Walden Pond area. These efforts have also expanded educational programs through the Thoreau Institute.

In November 1999, W.W Norton & Company published Wild Fruits by Don Henley, thanks to Bradley Dean, Ph.D., a prominent Thoreau scholar and Media Center Director at the Thoreau Institute. Dean successfully transcribed Thoreau's nearly illegible handwriting from his final manuscripts after four-and-a-half years of effort. This publication brought Thoreau's voice back to life almost 150 years after his death, and Henley is credited with enabling this accomplishment.

Henley has been actively involved in various causes such as advocating for clean water legislation in California and preserving wildlife habitat in the Santa Monica Mountains. He established a wetland science research institute and supported environmental education programs in East Texas. Moreover, Henley has participated in fundraising efforts like Farm Aid and The Rainforest Foundation.

"Inside Job," influenced by Henley's marriage and the birth of his children, reflects his perspective on the world at that time.Life's positivity persists despite dishonesty and selfishness, thanks to the exceptional judgment of children who inspire hope and gratitude. This remarkable fact is reflected in a word count of 4,252 spread across 24 pages.