You Light Up My Life

[guitarhacker]

This was a big hit back in the day, for those who were old enough to remember this song... it was played to death back then. It also became the song that Debbie Boone is most often remembered for singing.

The writer, Joseph Brooks has died as a result of a suicide. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110524/ap_ ... riter_dead


We all know how huge a hit that song was "back in the day" .... what many people do not know is how difficult it was for that song to get recorded in the first place.

We all hear the stories of people stealing songs and everybody is afraid to send out songs that are not copyrighted.... don't be afraid. This song illustrates how hard it is to get something recorded. As good as that song is from a songwriting perspective (regardless of whether you personally like the song or not) ... the song is well written. And it had a very hard time getting through the process.

That song, after it was demoed, was sent to 21 big publishers and they all listened, declared it to be a "non-starter" and passed on it. The 22nd one decided it might have potential and sent it to their staff who got it to Debbie Boone, who recorded it. It became the defining song in her career and went on to win awards.

The lessons we can take from this are as follows:

1. The music business people do not necessarily know a hit when it's in their hands.
2. Never give up, keep coming back. You never know who will hear the potential in your music.

[orest]

It's heartbreaking to read about people like this. Seems to have been a lot of domestic violence going on.
But, still there's something special about music, something that runs really deep within you.

It is true, never give up! But along the way, be true to your friends. Try to live a happy life and in the moment!

[jeremywray]

The lessons we can take from this are as follows:

1. The music business people do not necessarily know a hit when it's in their hands.
2. Never give up, keep coming back. You never know who will hear the potential in your music.

Cheers guitarhacker, good postage - thanks! Another lesson I might add (which is possibly a bit depressing for most of us hopefuls):

3. Having a hit song doesn't necessarily make you happy.

[orest]

3. Having a hit song doesn't necessarily make you happy.

Agreed.

[j03]

3. Having a hit song doesn't necessarily make you happy.

Agreed.

But but... the money!?!? Can that make you happy? lol

[ottlukk]

"Having a hit song doesn't necessarily make you happy"?
Maybe not, but I'll bet the majority of people here would enjoy the initial rush.
Ott