…Or it is nothing.”
So wrote Helen Keller.
I sense that Paul Potts is living his.
Just look at what’s happened to him this past year (search YouTube for “Paul Potts”).
He’s been catapulted from being a nice guy selling mobile phones to a potential international singing star - I see he’s coming to Tokyo end of April, after concerts in Australia and New Zealand.
What brought this on was his dream of “singing opera”… and the courage to take a chance in front of a live audience and millions of TV viewers.
Truly, a big step for an amateur singer who admits his self esteem is not where it should be. Yet prepared to run the risk of receiving ridicule and scorn from expert musicians and armchair critics (see the comments in YouTube and on the amazon.co.uk site where his CD “One Choice Chance” is listed. There is some adult language - so be warned.)
To be honest, I have no issue with music critics and their professional reviews. They see and hear much that the layperson misses. Given without pretension, such opinions are of value and often informative and entertaining for the reader.
And perhaps Paul’s talent is indeed less than stellar (I think he freely admits his limitations on some of the interviews I’ve come across) and his voice may never technically match a trained professional.
In 12 months (an eternity in Internet time) the music company promotional hoopla may have died down and we hear little more of Paul and his opera singing dream. Critics are overjoyed and “I told you so” becomes their caustic chorus.
Who cares what they think!
While many of these naysayers have some valid observations on Paul’s technique and abilities, they are missing the point completely. (By the way - I draw the line at personal attacks. People doing that have issues and should seek professional help…)
I believe that Paul’s managed with both his voice and humility to remind people of their dreams - those “frozen fantasies” I skated over when writing about Al Secunda’s book, The 15 Second Principle.
Paul’s ‘just’ another ordinary joe (paul?!) taking a shot at really living his dream - and it’s that emotion, passion and humility which many people are connecting with, big time.
It certainly looks like he’s not going to die “with his music still in him.”
And you?
- Mark McClure
7 Comments
McClure, I think you’re a nice dude (so far, lol) , but I have to tell you…you give with one hand and then take away with the other.
Oh, we hear what the critics are saying, and yes, we don’t care — we know better!!! None-the-less that does not take away from Paul’s POWERHOUSE voice. The “hoopla” has not died down–in fact–you have seven more bang-out months of it to come – and you can make book on it.
And, yes, the critics don’t get it, McClure; but then again, neither do you Mr. Nice Man (Complement, believe me! LOL). Hence, whatever the –I-told-you-so’s– you think the critics are singing, they’re singing upon deaf ears! So get a ticket to one of Paul’s concerts and come on down and see just what all the HOOPLA is all about! I DARE YA!
You’re gonna be awed and floored. And I betcha you’ll love it! Paul’s gonna knock your socks off!
[Hello again Pat,
You can call me Mark and yes, we coaches are not always 'nice'
My observations on 'hoopla' are aimed at how the music industry industry runs its business... though with gazillions of You Tube views and word-of-mouth marketing via the Internet, the days of the big labels owning the star completely may be over.
Mark]
I do not like you comments, Paul Potts is up there with the greats. Pauls tenor range is outstanding,his voice connects up with the masses, as naby top classical singers do not. Critics give theeir own predjustied view and somehow think they are right, you say I do not believe in personal attacks, but you have just done that, in future, keep your opinion to yourself.
[Hello Laura,
Thanks for stopping by and expressing your opinion on my blog.
I think you may have completely misunderstood the point of my article - please read the title of the post again.
There are no personal attacks, quite the opposite.
BTW - This is my blog and I will continue to express my opinions on it.
Mark]
I admit, it’s Paul’s story, that grabbed you at first.But if that’s all there was to it, he would be forgotten by now. His album One CHANCE, sold over 2 million copies. he has devoted fans clamoring for his next CD. His concerts are all but sold out,and People from all over the world, are begging for concerts in their areas.
Re:- opera critics, they have a point he is not singing in an opera at present, but singing a few arias mixed with some pop tunes, but I Do have a issue about critics who don’t actually see his show and comment on it. (see PPMSF)
[Jackie,
Thanks for stopping by. I hope Paul goes as far as his dream and talents can take him.
Mark]
I enjoyed your article, but one comment:
The CD is titled “One Chance”, not One Choice.
Andrew
[Andrew, Thank you for spotting my mistake. I have corrected it.
Mark]
Those of us included in the two million who purchased his CD “One Chance” hopefully will remain loyal, attend his concerts if in our area, and buy his next CD, keeping up our support until his career is well established. His story and talent both attracted me. I want him to have a long career from this.
J’Nell
You sat on the fence with a big smile on your face and a knife behind your back. I did not like the remark Paul is not technically up there with the greats, after seeing in concert, he is second to none, his Mario Lanza songs are so like the great Mario Lanza, but Pauls demeanour makes him unique, so humble, unassuming. It was you who printed those comments not Paul Potts, when anyone attacks Paul Potts you stir a giant, that is how many fans Paul has worldwide, his two minutes on the show shook the world, he could not have known what he was going to do. The media portrays plastic, untalented, drug taking, drunks, those who hit others type of celebrities, just go out and buy six magazines now and you know what I am saying. Come on the young ones, Paul Potts is the best role model society badly needs.
[Note to All Readers,
I welcome comments and debate from readers of this blog but, in future, posts containing 'ad hominem' attacks and other such insults will automatically be deleted. The first sentence of the above post ("You sat on the fence with a big smile on your face and a knife behind your back.") is unacceptable to me and I will leave it published as an example.
Laura,
The theme of this blog is all about successful career change and Paul Potts is an incredible example of someone who has done just that. The post was originally going to be about Helen Keller's life but when I came across Paul's You Tube videos, I was also moved by his singing and his story. The post is actually a celebration of what he has achieved.
Mark]
Them pen is mightier than the sword, when the media say comments that can harm another persons career in anyway, they have to be responsible.