I think money is only one measure of success and that it means more to some people than others. If money is your primary goal in life, then music is a pretty risky choice of professions. If having a spiritually fulfilling life is more important to you, then music is a great choice. BUT, there is no reason one cannot have both as they don't necessarily have to come from the same source. I love music but there are many other things in my life that are also very fulfilling such as flying (over 40 yrs. and > 20 types of planes), camping, travelling, and being involved in social causes that I think are important.

As for me, I'd rather listen to Tony Monaco or Joey D. for 10 minutes than Jimmy Buffet for a lifetime - but that's just me. I don't, however, look down on or disparage those who like Buffet - 'different strokes for different folks', I just don't find his music inspirational and that is what music has to be for me - inspirational. I love (some) soul singers, a handful of rock singers (Joe Cocker, Janis Joplin), a lot of gospel singers, a few opera singers (Pavarotti, Lanza, L. Price), a lot of blues singers (BB King, Ray Charles, Aretha, Gladys Knight), even a few Country singers (love Willie Nelson), but very few Pop singers. Always loved Tony Bennett and Mel Torme but was always lukewarm about Sinatra (go figure?). What they all have in common (for me, anyway) is that they all sing from the soul (or the gut or whatever) and it is so apparent in their performances. I know that tastes differ and can be dictated by our cultural experiences, but some things are just 'out there'. When Ray Charles sings Georgia or America (bad grammar and all), it touches us all, regardless of our normal or usual taste in music, because we recognize the authenticity and genuineness in it. But enough of this stuff, just my long-winded way of saying I agree with Russ .

chas