Tracey, the only reason I did this is to prove a point - it can make you APPEAR YOUNGER LOOKING, which can result in more music jobs. Age discrimination exists and has existed for as long as I can remember. For ME, an inexpensive dye job resulted in a huge increase in the number of jobs I landed yearly. I went from just over 200 jobs a year to nearly 450 jobs a year. To ME, it made good business sense. For those with no hair, they do not have this option to work with.

This has nothing to do with vanity - it's a business tool that for some, can be very effective. When we go on stage, and perform in front of an audience, most entertainers want to look their best. In the past, most top entertainers dress accordingly, they wore sharp pressed slacks, sport coats or tuxedos, tie, highly polished shoes, clean shaven, and neatly trimmed hair. We tried to look our best, and at the very least, better than our audiences. We took pride in out appearance, both on stage and off.

When I played the restaurant circuit, I wore a tuxedo every night I was working. I frequently received complements about my attire and professional appearance, which often resulted in more money in the tip jar. Anyone that has worked the restaurant entertainment circuit knows that the tip jar can provide as much or more income per night than the salary they are paid from the facility.

Now, do I enjoy looking a bit younger than my age - ABSOLUTELY! Who doesn't? When they take my dead arse to the Maryland Anatomy Lab at the University of Maryland Hospital, the med student cutting me apart to learn human anatomy really won't give a damned about my hair color. He or she will be looking at my internal organs and trying not to throw up or pass out. Been there - done that!

Bottom line, when you look your best on stage, you will likely book more jobs, and make more money. Nothing wrong with that!

Gary (The old, retired fart.)