This past week I was watching CBS Sunday when a story on the band Toto came on. Here is another of those iconic rock bands of decades ago still singing those songs for an audience that loves their sound. However it was not the idea of the vintage rockers that caught me, it was their careers beyond the bright lights that caught me as really interesting…their roles as studio musicians.
They have played and helped create music with literally thousands of artists during their long careers as individuals, in a jam session here, providing a line for a song there, helping orchestrate the sound and the melody for the biggest stars for decades, all away from the main stage. And they did it with passion, perfection, and devotion.
They didn’t always have to be top dog (yes the band is named for Dorothy’s dog in “The Wizard of Oz”)…although Toto’s tunes resonate with a wide audience around the world…they enjoyed the contribution and the journey.
“It’s a testament to the commitment, I think, of the band. And the integrity of the music that keeps propelling everybody forward.” David Paich. Toto
I also thought of that role of “studio musician” this past week again when the Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted its Awards of Excellence for PR types, trainers and the like. Again, maybe not the household names, but those who are able to rally the troops and make sure that what the public see, is quite amazing, flawless and inspiring.
I have often thought of what they key role in storytelling is, and how we play roles in the bigger picture, the orchestration of stories. We did a post about the role of “The Fixer,” earlier this year, and while that is certainly part of the mix, the real place we fit is in that role of studio musician, helping orchestrate the stories and the stage for the spokespeople…from behind the scenes.
Having watched so many friends literally help pull off epic moments, provide inspiring words, solve problems, all from behind the scenes, being that “Studio musician” in sports, media and entertainment may not provide the ego boost of the bright lights, but it does become fulfilling in the crafting and execution of the big picture, whether you played one note or even helped the conductor find his/her/or their voice. It takes a village or an ensemble to do all those things right not matter what the business, and being part of that studio can out one on quite a ride, and a career, without ever having the Grammy all to oneself.
I have gotten to be part of quite a number of “bands” over the years, and each one brings a smile to ones face. Again it’s the people and the places not the things, and as we cross into July, 2022, its another good reminder of the sense of team, and getting stuff done, from the words of one of the coolest bands of decades gone by.
Yes, Toto, too.
