Retired Air Force- Sad Story

[Spellsing]

I know a songwriter who spent his entire life serving his country in the United States Air Force. Most who have heard his songs over the years have URGED him to go to Nashville and pursue a career in music. He chose to stay and serve his Country.

Now, he's retired. He decided to try his hand for a few months but all he got was snickers, not so nice comments, and doors slammed because of his age, before they ever gave him a chance to show them his songs.

"Too old..."

"46, that's ridiculous..."

Sad isn't it?

What's sad most of all is he doesn't really look a day over 36.

[Joey b]

Hey man - sorry to hear this sad story! Tell him to keep his chin up afterall, he served in the military - he can do anything!

[methreemuse]

Was he trying to pitch to publishers on Music Row?

I say the true end result is the people...an audience who will be listening to you. I'd advise to go the indie grassroots route, play gigs and let everyday people decide how good the songs are by buying a CD if he has one available at gigs.

We all need to continue to rise up against age discrimination.

[jholthouse]

I know a songwriter who spent his entire life serving his country in the United States Air Force. Most who have heard his songs over the years have URGED him to go to Nashville and pursue a career in music. He chose to stay and serve his Country.

Now, he's retired. He decided to try his hand for a few months but all he got was snickers, not so nice comments, and doors slammed because of his age, before they ever gave him a chance to show them his songs.

"Too old..."

"46, that's ridiculous..."

Sad isn't it?

What's sad most of all is he doesn't really look a day over 36.

There's plenty of songwiters over 50 in this town that do great. (Aaron Barker, Ron Harbin etc.) So tell him to keep writing. NOBODY is going to turn down a great song because the guy/girl who wrote it is too old.
It's all about developing relationships and getting connections in the industry.
I just got my first decent cut last year after being in Nashville for 6 years and ironically it's about the military (They Also Serve, John Conlee). So tell him to keep it up and thank him, from me and my family for serving our country.
Jerry (about to turn 45)