The Singer or the Song?

After writing yesterday's post, I started to think about the singer and/or the song. Which is more important? Can a well written song bring a not so great singer to another level? Can an amazing singer lift up a poorly written song? Is it a case of chicken and egg?

In any case, pondering those questions reminded me of a great musical experience I had a few years back. My husband works for a music company that works with the VH1 Save the Music Foundation, so we were invited to attend a benefit they were having featuring singers and songwriters of famous 80s hits. Each singer/songwriter was going to discuss how they wrote their most famous song of the decade and then sing it. After a round robin, they would discuss a famous 80s song they wish they'd written, and then sing that. The panel consisted of Cy Curnin from The Fixx, Patty Smyth from Scandal, Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian from The Hooters, Desmond Child, and Cyndi Lauper. The event was hosted by Rob Thomas.

I wish I could remember all the details of that night. What I remember most is how passionately they spoke about songwriting, about the feeling they got when they made the connection and knew the song was good. They were proud of their work, but not in a boastful way. It resonated with them that people still remembered and enjoyed their work, and seeing them perform songs like "One Thing Leads to Another," "The Warrior," "All You Zombies" and "She-Bop" in an acoustic setting was fantastic.

The best part of the night was listening to them talk about the songs they wish they'd written. They had nothing but praise for their fellow songwriters, and a kind of reverence and awe. Cy Curnin chose "Rock the Casbah" by the Clash. Patty Smyth chose "The Boys of Summer" by Don Henley and talked about how she was privileged to work with him on a duet. Desmond Child picked U2's "With or Without You." Cyndi Lauper brought the house down with a version of "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye. It was definitely a thrill to see and hear.

So, what's more important, the singer or the song? Damned if I know. I'm just glad to be in the audience.