The Republicans see politics as a cult of personality, hence their devotion to Trump. So naturally they fear a bigger star that may have a much bigger impact. While I hope all of the voters will choose democracy over fascism, education over ignorance, humanity over cruelty, prosperity over grievances, but if they choose to follow a bigger star, and vote Democratic because of Taylor Swift, I’m down with that.
I think that djt started his cult via his 15-year fantasy act masquerading as a successful businessman and financial genius when the truth was he was a thoroughly dishonest con man. But 15 years is a long time, and I'm convinced that he deceived a huge number of people.
Every heart has a damaged done, something happened that tore off an innocent part. Only God can mend. The wound patches of choice we use, only further the damage, some end in early death. I encourage you to read The Preacher, King Solomon, The Wise man, King David's son, wrote it right. The entire duty of man, to love God, and to serve his purpose for their lives.
No need for claptrap, whatever that is. I guess I could look it up, but I figure it is a derogatory noun. God calls you fools, you who do not believe in him. Documented. Psalm 14:1. No argument with me. Believe as you please.
Oxford Languages defines claptrap: absurd or nonsensical talk or ideas.
"such sentiments are just pious claptrap". They stole the words right out of my mouth. They must not have used words like that in those stories from the Dark Ages.
God uses all mens hearts, as he chooses, those who know him not. Thank you Professor for the absurd idea of not having a love unconditional in my life.
Cult like loyalty to Hitler preaching hatred and fear Explain cult please Maybe the supporters are anti immigration, don't support freedom to express opposition views or opinions Maybe they support separating families Maybe they don't respect the police or laws/rules Maybe they believe someone must be a scapegoat so they can continue there agenda to tear down the fundamentals framework of democracy 🤔
I loved the article. My favorite part of the Grammys was Tracy Chapman and Luke Coombs singing “Fast Cars!” Joni Mitchell showed all of the musicians that resilience is a great life goal.
I believe Time’s Person of the Year will bring many voters to the Democratic ticket. Republicans are scared of her. She is strong and won’t be intimidated by their bullying and lies. Really enjoyed all the musical performances. Thank you for the pictures. I must say you look quite dapper. Enjoy your show.
Putting aside the time-worn debate regarding the talent vs. popularity of the bands/artists who reap Grammys and inductions into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, no one can deny Swifts success/fame. She sells massive amounts of music, generates a billion in ticket sales, disrupted the ticketing system due to unusually high demand, and, even, improves the economy - (temporarily) of the areas lucky enough to host her concerts. Person of the year? Why, because of the above? Pit Swift against the Beatles; her vocal prowess to Dusty Springfield, Aretha Franklin, Adele, Hannah Reid (London Grammar), Ronnie Spector, and scores of others. Swift was going to tour anyway, so the economic growth of those areas were a matter of logistics. How did she make the world a better place? Isn't that what the accolade should be addressing?
Of course, Swift is extremely talented, but the standards of fame do not depend on skill and the right mix of genes. So many ultra talented individuals/groups languished and disappeared while lesser beings blew right past 'em. Obviously, no Swifty am I, but a dozen or so songs of hers are bookmarked on my devices and play every single day.
I'm also mourning the recent news about the death of Melanie, a true talent of another era. She never made it into the R&R HoF, though certainly more qualified than Jay Z, Dolly Parton, and Bon Jovi. Are Jay Z. and Dolly P. uber-talents? Of course, but attached to different musical genres. Kate Bush, who influenced more than 50 of the 200+ artists/bands (male/female) I interviewed/covered between 1978 - 1988 cited her as an influence. Not so w/Bon J, for example.
Melanie was a time of my late girlhood into pre-teen hood. My friends & I knew the all the words to her songs and were realizing what possible love might be in our near future.
How much innocence from that time and how quickly and how soon pain a few of us would endure.
Unfortunately, The U.S. had a tonnage of bad acts before, during, and after this time, from blocking Jewish refugee fleeing the Nazi from coming into the country; government aiding the Contras, Kent State, napalm and its horrors in war, and so much more...Many people didn't know how much they didn't know. And, back then, media was objective and more truthful. Today, not much. Every report is an editorial. At any rate, I presume we all focus on the music of our own eras. My dear departed dad could not understand the Beatles popularity, but he turned me on to Mahalia Jackson, early Dolly Parton, classical music, and much more. I must've thanked him posthumously hundreds of times.
I had the opportunity to attend 2 concerts by Safka (Melanie's daughter's Jeordie and Leilah). I can't find anything on youtube, but Jeordie's music is there and it's awesome, Hope you get to enjoy it, too.
Thank you for this I will see what I can find. Lost my Dad at about that time - so young- I saw from my young life the assassinations of those three amazing men and knew by then where my side was.
“Pit Swift against the Beatles; her vocal prowess to Dusty Springfield, Aretha Franklin, Adele, Hannah Reid (London Grammar), Ronnie Spector…”
I-I-I don’t think so! I love her, she is quite talented, likable, and generous, but her vocals can’t touch Aretha, Adele, nor Ronnie. Just a different opinion.
Hi CG. Agree, an excellent songwriter, because she tells stories. Admire, and always rooted for her. I recall her earlier days when she and her mom were on Oprah. She was so innocent, and spoke of how classmates laughed at her height, small frame, fashion, and carrying that guitar, thinking she was going to be a star. Where are THEY?! Who’s laughing now…and banking?❤️
And TS will definitely get the attention of & bring the blue fan votes. She does a lot for them & they relate to her, not only to her music. R’s are frightened by her & should be, even though that’s not her intention. She stands-up for what she believes in.
Taylor is a shrewd operator (she’s not a businessman, she’s a *business*, man!), and she shares the spotlight effectively. Whether it’s a duet with Phoebe Bridgers or cheering on her boo from the sidelines, she doesn’t seem to see success as a finite resource to be hoarded. I can’t see her sniping about being denied a statue simple because of a sense of entitlement or “metrics.”
The MAGA folks, fully bought into the “I’ll take less if THEY get none” trope, must *hate* that.
Excellent points - I’m someone who is a Fan of TAYLOR. Taylor the Person first and foremost. I love her music and the fact the she has done loves since she was very young. I love that she and Travis are in love and want this to work or them both. I have seen her in small town interviews and learned how smart she is, how she knows what she is talking about and how passionate she is about GOODNESS. I love that she has seen the facade of people like DJT and how she gave money to people who needed it and how that gesture was real and from the heart. I’m not a swiftie but by any means-her music is good I just love the blues
But I remember her at 16 in a “country style dress with long curls and just knew she would be a star. But I LOVE Taylor. How she refuses to take any shiz, is a GOOD person. I love Taylor and hope there are thousands of young women who become real, because of her. The hope I have for this country is in Taylor and all of the young men & young women just like her. I just REALLY AND TRULY hope they get that chance.
Hi Pamela, we are similar in the things we like about Taylor! Such a bright young lady, and a great business head on her. She knew Republicans were watching, because they needed something to talk about the next day. So, she promoted her CD, that they must now buy for their daughters/granddaughters.😂Loved it!
Of course the Republicans are afraid of Taylor Swift. They have nothing to offer except their own personal aggrandizement. Their energy goes into gaining personal power and monetary gains. I watch your show daily and admire that you usually feature artists-of course they're essential!
First, your brother & you look fantastic. Looks like you had a great night. 😃 Secondly, of course Taylor Swift can influence young voters. Why the MAGA republicans are so uptight is beyond me. Used to be everyone- republicans & democrats- wanted everyone to vote and get involved. They lamented the fact that the youth were not engaged. Here’s a stellar chance to get them involved in their country’s politics and the right is having a fit! Bottom line, people, it is their future. Left or right they should have a say in it.
I have to say watching the far right losing their minds over a powerful woman using her platform to suggest people make their wishes known is just <chefs kiss>! Emphasis here on smart, capable WOMAN. This article is great. Seeing Tracy Chapman perform and Celine Dion make an appearance was really special. Lots of great acknowledgements in the awards.
Wow! What an incredible interview with Brian Grazer. He is such a talent, compassionate and a humble man! I loved this interview♥️ You Ari are a brilliant conversationalist.
Thank you for sharing. Top best was Celine Dion appearance!!!! 2nd was Miley singing Flowers which I love. We can all buy are own flowers!!!! Joni Mitchel was epic!!!!!
Taylor will certainly get people to register and vote, that’s for sure, but I watched Charles Coleman and Treymian Lee’s special last night Black Men in America and the race for 2024 and that really got me concerned. They had Jeezy and the butcher rapper you recently had on and what they shared wasn’t good for the Democrats. It still comes down to messaging and like Chai said, Democrats are doing an awful job of it.
I have faith that we’ll endure but we’re going to need more than Taylor Swift to succeed.
I saw it reported worldwide twice! Media does not support love, they support power. Power in ungodly slimy snake hands, we are its end. Chaos, fighting, hate, jealous, porn on VR coming.
I cringe at all the “D’s are bad at messaging” rhetoric. Purdy sure they’ve been encouraged to take the high road to avoid engaging & further enraging(which can be life-threatening not to just D’s...but i wd argue, esp. to R’s who dare speak up against tRump & the Richie McRiches using him & his minions to buy our country out from under us). And must be mentioned, this is MUCH thanx to SCOTUS, McConnell...Federalists Society...(but I digress)...& finish that topic with fact that most or all R’s flat out lie & threaten--sad that so many embrace lies & the lying liars. Yet, remember, Biden won with the biggest #s ever--& the economy is thriving!
Kudos to Taylor...such a talent & GOOD person ...brings honor to the term “Influencer”. Thrilled she leans Left & will DEFINITELY influence the young voters who once were famous non-voters to gather by the droves & vote to save Democracy. (Nod to Orange Killer-clown & the Orks for showing their appalling fascist colors that make it easy to know what we want, by showing us what we DON’T want.)
Taylor is a class act...modeling authentic love & respect & yes, healthy self-esteem & non-apologetic love of life. (No points lost for being very savvy biz woman!)
I’m a dyed-in-the-wool Joanie Mitchell fan, so grateful she’s still going so strong & proving how rotten it is to pigeonhole us 60+’rs as though age only degrades! And thank u, Taylor Swift for following in Joanie’s awesome Hippie Spirit of peace, love, compassion & joyous expression through great music!
Ari I’m here to say Taylor is for Liberty and Justice for all. She’s the elixir we’ve needed for the last 8 years. I’m an elder and been living in the Taylor music for a decade. Let’s get these old people to open their hearts and minds for a rejuvenating tour of brilliance. You said it succinctly concerning the GOP full of pathetic fear. Vote for TS & blue.
The Republicans see politics as a cult of personality, hence their devotion to Trump. So naturally they fear a bigger star that may have a much bigger impact. While I hope all of the voters will choose democracy over fascism, education over ignorance, humanity over cruelty, prosperity over grievances, but if they choose to follow a bigger star, and vote Democratic because of Taylor Swift, I’m down with that.
I think that djt started his cult via his 15-year fantasy act masquerading as a successful businessman and financial genius when the truth was he was a thoroughly dishonest con man. But 15 years is a long time, and I'm convinced that he deceived a huge number of people.
Every heart has a damaged done, something happened that tore off an innocent part. Only God can mend. The wound patches of choice we use, only further the damage, some end in early death. I encourage you to read The Preacher, King Solomon, The Wise man, King David's son, wrote it right. The entire duty of man, to love God, and to serve his purpose for their lives.
Which/whose God?
For myself and my fellow Atheists, what does that have to do with music? Proselytize all you want, many of us don't buy in to the claptrap.
Whatever gets you through the night, is all right. John Lennon
No need for claptrap, whatever that is. I guess I could look it up, but I figure it is a derogatory noun. God calls you fools, you who do not believe in him. Documented. Psalm 14:1. No argument with me. Believe as you please.
Oxford Languages defines claptrap: absurd or nonsensical talk or ideas.
"such sentiments are just pious claptrap". They stole the words right out of my mouth. They must not have used words like that in those stories from the Dark Ages.
God uses all mens hearts, as he chooses, those who know him not. Thank you Professor for the absurd idea of not having a love unconditional in my life.
Cult like loyalty to Hitler preaching hatred and fear Explain cult please Maybe the supporters are anti immigration, don't support freedom to express opposition views or opinions Maybe they support separating families Maybe they don't respect the police or laws/rules Maybe they believe someone must be a scapegoat so they can continue there agenda to tear down the fundamentals framework of democracy 🤔
Weird reply please
Don't reply in future
Weird is being polite
Amen!
I loved the article. My favorite part of the Grammys was Tracy Chapman and Luke Coombs singing “Fast Cars!” Joni Mitchell showed all of the musicians that resilience is a great life goal.
Yes, the Tracy and Joni performances were so inspired!
I couldn’t get enough of the inspired, sentimental performances 🤗
The next Grammys should be just Tracy and her guitar.
🤣
Yes ma'am
I believe Time’s Person of the Year will bring many voters to the Democratic ticket. Republicans are scared of her. She is strong and won’t be intimidated by their bullying and lies. Really enjoyed all the musical performances. Thank you for the pictures. I must say you look quite dapper. Enjoy your show.
Putting aside the time-worn debate regarding the talent vs. popularity of the bands/artists who reap Grammys and inductions into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, no one can deny Swifts success/fame. She sells massive amounts of music, generates a billion in ticket sales, disrupted the ticketing system due to unusually high demand, and, even, improves the economy - (temporarily) of the areas lucky enough to host her concerts. Person of the year? Why, because of the above? Pit Swift against the Beatles; her vocal prowess to Dusty Springfield, Aretha Franklin, Adele, Hannah Reid (London Grammar), Ronnie Spector, and scores of others. Swift was going to tour anyway, so the economic growth of those areas were a matter of logistics. How did she make the world a better place? Isn't that what the accolade should be addressing?
Of course, Swift is extremely talented, but the standards of fame do not depend on skill and the right mix of genes. So many ultra talented individuals/groups languished and disappeared while lesser beings blew right past 'em. Obviously, no Swifty am I, but a dozen or so songs of hers are bookmarked on my devices and play every single day.
I'm also mourning the recent news about the death of Melanie, a true talent of another era. She never made it into the R&R HoF, though certainly more qualified than Jay Z, Dolly Parton, and Bon Jovi. Are Jay Z. and Dolly P. uber-talents? Of course, but attached to different musical genres. Kate Bush, who influenced more than 50 of the 200+ artists/bands (male/female) I interviewed/covered between 1978 - 1988 cited her as an influence. Not so w/Bon J, for example.
Melanie was a time of my late girlhood into pre-teen hood. My friends & I knew the all the words to her songs and were realizing what possible love might be in our near future.
How much innocence from that time and how quickly and how soon pain a few of us would endure.
Unfortunately, The U.S. had a tonnage of bad acts before, during, and after this time, from blocking Jewish refugee fleeing the Nazi from coming into the country; government aiding the Contras, Kent State, napalm and its horrors in war, and so much more...Many people didn't know how much they didn't know. And, back then, media was objective and more truthful. Today, not much. Every report is an editorial. At any rate, I presume we all focus on the music of our own eras. My dear departed dad could not understand the Beatles popularity, but he turned me on to Mahalia Jackson, early Dolly Parton, classical music, and much more. I must've thanked him posthumously hundreds of times.
I had the opportunity to attend 2 concerts by Safka (Melanie's daughter's Jeordie and Leilah). I can't find anything on youtube, but Jeordie's music is there and it's awesome, Hope you get to enjoy it, too.
Thank you for this I will see what I can find. Lost my Dad at about that time - so young- I saw from my young life the assassinations of those three amazing men and knew by then where my side was.
“Pit Swift against the Beatles; her vocal prowess to Dusty Springfield, Aretha Franklin, Adele, Hannah Reid (London Grammar), Ronnie Spector…”
I-I-I don’t think so! I love her, she is quite talented, likable, and generous, but her vocals can’t touch Aretha, Adele, nor Ronnie. Just a different opinion.
Hi Diva! Honestly, I believe Taylor would agree with you here. But she's a pretty talented songwriter. Her pen game is very strong.
Hi CG. Agree, an excellent songwriter, because she tells stories. Admire, and always rooted for her. I recall her earlier days when she and her mom were on Oprah. She was so innocent, and spoke of how classmates laughed at her height, small frame, fashion, and carrying that guitar, thinking she was going to be a star. Where are THEY?! Who’s laughing now…and banking?❤️
They're buying her music and hoping to score tickets to her concert, is my guess. 😆
Scared of her? 🤣 She became famous because of her bad choices in men. It’s no wonder she likes pedo Pete. Maybe she wishes she was Ashley? 😬
First goosebumps—Tracy Chapman
And TS will definitely get the attention of & bring the blue fan votes. She does a lot for them & they relate to her, not only to her music. R’s are frightened by her & should be, even though that’s not her intention. She stands-up for what she believes in.
Thankful for you, brother. You are The Man.
Taylor is a shrewd operator (she’s not a businessman, she’s a *business*, man!), and she shares the spotlight effectively. Whether it’s a duet with Phoebe Bridgers or cheering on her boo from the sidelines, she doesn’t seem to see success as a finite resource to be hoarded. I can’t see her sniping about being denied a statue simple because of a sense of entitlement or “metrics.”
The MAGA folks, fully bought into the “I’ll take less if THEY get none” trope, must *hate* that.
Taylor x HOV - I see you : )
Amen to this Ari
Excellent points - I’m someone who is a Fan of TAYLOR. Taylor the Person first and foremost. I love her music and the fact the she has done loves since she was very young. I love that she and Travis are in love and want this to work or them both. I have seen her in small town interviews and learned how smart she is, how she knows what she is talking about and how passionate she is about GOODNESS. I love that she has seen the facade of people like DJT and how she gave money to people who needed it and how that gesture was real and from the heart. I’m not a swiftie but by any means-her music is good I just love the blues
But I remember her at 16 in a “country style dress with long curls and just knew she would be a star. But I LOVE Taylor. How she refuses to take any shiz, is a GOOD person. I love Taylor and hope there are thousands of young women who become real, because of her. The hope I have for this country is in Taylor and all of the young men & young women just like her. I just REALLY AND TRULY hope they get that chance.
Hi Pamela, we are similar in the things we like about Taylor! Such a bright young lady, and a great business head on her. She knew Republicans were watching, because they needed something to talk about the next day. So, she promoted her CD, that they must now buy for their daughters/granddaughters.😂Loved it!
"They must now buy for their daughters and granddaughters." Hilarious!
Are you excited for her new album to drop?
Of course the Republicans are afraid of Taylor Swift. They have nothing to offer except their own personal aggrandizement. Their energy goes into gaining personal power and monetary gains. I watch your show daily and admire that you usually feature artists-of course they're essential!
Retrumplicans also have hate and cruelty to offer.
First, your brother & you look fantastic. Looks like you had a great night. 😃 Secondly, of course Taylor Swift can influence young voters. Why the MAGA republicans are so uptight is beyond me. Used to be everyone- republicans & democrats- wanted everyone to vote and get involved. They lamented the fact that the youth were not engaged. Here’s a stellar chance to get them involved in their country’s politics and the right is having a fit! Bottom line, people, it is their future. Left or right they should have a say in it.
If everyone votes, republicans in their current posture LOSE.
Well, there ya have it! Democracy in action! ☺️
Yes, yes, and yes.
Great article, Ari. I’m so tired of the Republican bullies. I hope Ms. Swift stands up to them!!
Thank you!
I have to say watching the far right losing their minds over a powerful woman using her platform to suggest people make their wishes known is just <chefs kiss>! Emphasis here on smart, capable WOMAN. This article is great. Seeing Tracy Chapman perform and Celine Dion make an appearance was really special. Lots of great acknowledgements in the awards.
Wow! What an incredible interview with Brian Grazer. He is such a talent, compassionate and a humble man! I loved this interview♥️ You Ari are a brilliant conversationalist.
Well done💯 Perfection⚡️✨
Thank you!
So jealous would love to go to the Grammys! Looking good how fun!
The smile on Tracy’s face was my favorite moment!
Ari,
Thank you for sharing. Top best was Celine Dion appearance!!!! 2nd was Miley singing Flowers which I love. We can all buy are own flowers!!!! Joni Mitchel was epic!!!!!
Taylor will certainly get people to register and vote, that’s for sure, but I watched Charles Coleman and Treymian Lee’s special last night Black Men in America and the race for 2024 and that really got me concerned. They had Jeezy and the butcher rapper you recently had on and what they shared wasn’t good for the Democrats. It still comes down to messaging and like Chai said, Democrats are doing an awful job of it.
I have faith that we’ll endure but we’re going to need more than Taylor Swift to succeed.
96% of South Carolina Democrats voted for Biden in the recent primary far exceeding the flawed pollsters. A large % of votes came from blacks.
76% of the early votes were Black!
I saw it reported worldwide twice! Media does not support love, they support power. Power in ungodly slimy snake hands, we are its end. Chaos, fighting, hate, jealous, porn on VR coming.
Yes, and 90 percent in Nevada. I'll have to check the demos.
How to defeat bullies in law: Run for office and change the law to be more equal. Support the Tennessee Two! You know Justin's, Justice!
It was eye-opening.
I cringe at all the “D’s are bad at messaging” rhetoric. Purdy sure they’ve been encouraged to take the high road to avoid engaging & further enraging(which can be life-threatening not to just D’s...but i wd argue, esp. to R’s who dare speak up against tRump & the Richie McRiches using him & his minions to buy our country out from under us). And must be mentioned, this is MUCH thanx to SCOTUS, McConnell...Federalists Society...(but I digress)...& finish that topic with fact that most or all R’s flat out lie & threaten--sad that so many embrace lies & the lying liars. Yet, remember, Biden won with the biggest #s ever--& the economy is thriving!
Kudos to Taylor...such a talent & GOOD person ...brings honor to the term “Influencer”. Thrilled she leans Left & will DEFINITELY influence the young voters who once were famous non-voters to gather by the droves & vote to save Democracy. (Nod to Orange Killer-clown & the Orks for showing their appalling fascist colors that make it easy to know what we want, by showing us what we DON’T want.)
Taylor is a class act...modeling authentic love & respect & yes, healthy self-esteem & non-apologetic love of life. (No points lost for being very savvy biz woman!)
I’m a dyed-in-the-wool Joanie Mitchell fan, so grateful she’s still going so strong & proving how rotten it is to pigeonhole us 60+’rs as though age only degrades! And thank u, Taylor Swift for following in Joanie’s awesome Hippie Spirit of peace, love, compassion & joyous expression through great music!
Ari I’m here to say Taylor is for Liberty and Justice for all. She’s the elixir we’ve needed for the last 8 years. I’m an elder and been living in the Taylor music for a decade. Let’s get these old people to open their hearts and minds for a rejuvenating tour of brilliance. You said it succinctly concerning the GOP full of pathetic fear. Vote for TS & blue.