This is probably rubbish, but is it possible that whatever it was in the mind that leads someone to become regarded as a genius is also what drives them to become dependant on whatever substance is closest? I know this doesn't apply to everyone, but some people just can't cope with their own minds.

Laura,

You have made an interesting point. The fact that to be a great at anything normally requires you to be so driven that you could already have an almost obsessive compulsive disorder to begin with which makes it easier for that person to get addicted to drugs. I am sure their have been studies in the psychological sector trying to make a link with greatness and obsessiveness. There definitely is a pattern. Not to mention the fact that most genius' are misunderstood which leads them farther down that road as you mentioned.

Yeah, but again how do you fit people like Brownie, or Booker Little or Itzak Perlman or Pablo Casals or Koussevitsky or Pops or Scotty or any of hundreds (if not thousands) of players who are transforming their instrument or field of musical endeavor but who are not "tortured geniuses". There are any number of absolutley transcendant (classical) pianists who reject totally this idea of "neurotic affectation" that seems to surround many in their field.

Yes, drugs affect your psychological state, but so does what you had for breakfast. And to focus on this one small aspect of the lives of a minority of musicians (performing at this level) really misses the point. You put the time in, you get the results. And it doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, black or white, have one leg or three, or are a junkie or not.

Ed,

I didn't say all, I said some. Everyone is different Ed, and we are just making statements about a few, not trying to make a general statement that encompasses all musicians. We are discussing patterns. Some of the patterns we discuss do not have a strong correlation with each other, others do. We agree with you. You put in the effort, you get the results. That is not what we were talking about. We were discussing other character traits of the greats, not whether or not these people were great because of the character traits that we were discussing. So to answer your question of how (insert your list here)fit in to our discussion, they don't. We are talking about drugs. If those musicians didn't or don't do drugs then they are not part of our discussion about character traits of drugged out crack headed musicians. And if those musicians are completely normal, sane individuals then they are not part of the discussion about neurotic, obsessive-compulsive musicians.

Russ

And I had orange juice and a pot brownie for breakfast. :)

Oh, I didn't know we were gonna go off topic for awhile.

It just still seems odd to me to focus so much attention on this one activity when, as you say, ANY activity can affect your life, and therefore your music...

I had cold pizza and green tea. No brownies.

Yeah, that's why I said I know it doesn't apply to everyone.

Cool, just don't use words like "most" if you are talking about specific people, use their name(s).

Beethoven was an alcoholic...that supports your idea.

sometimes when you have too many ideas at
one time you get sensory overload and in
order to slow things down a little and sift out
the bad and focus on the good they needed
some sort of outlet. abuse is the real factor
that led to the demise of these shooting stars.
Maybe thats why they are veiwed as going full
throtle in life, they could'nt control their over
creative minds or their attempt to harness it
ethier.

I believe that there is a very thin line between drug abuse and drug use. For some people that line is not there at all.

As for creativity and drugs I don't think there is any question that, hyped up or mellowed out, you are still just bringing out the different faces of "your" music. Drugs don't feel the groove or write great songs.

So, my opinon, is that some people really need the reason (drugs) to let go and others can conjure up an image - then play it.

AND, MR. KELLER IS %100 on the nose with the Lennon/Yoko anti-drug campaign....

Great discussion,

Jeff

Please take this only in fun.

Yeah, truth be told, I was joking about the Lennon/Yoko comment; to each his own.
Though I still crack up whenever I see a certain bumpersticker around town-
"Still P---ed At Yoko".

...too, I heard on the radio this a.m that Chapman's parole was again shot down(no pun intended, either).
Was there anybody alive that fateful night that was NOT watching Monday Night Football w/ Howard Cossell?

I was actually giging that night. Didn't hear about it till the next morning.

Don't see nothing!