I’m enjoying my read of ‘HITMAN’ the memoir of legendary music producer David Foster. In reading this book I realized that so many times I was pressured, bullied or conned into doing work I was not satisfied or pleased with. It bothered me for days sometimes weeks but I would often find myself back in the same position. Yet still doing absolutely nothing about it but gripe and complain. Now many years later I know I have learned my lesson and thought I would share this with you.
In his early years after finishing producing an album for the’ Average White Band,’ David Foster met another legendary music impresario Quincy Jones. To show he was moving up in the world of music and seeking Quincy’s approval. He approached Quincy, “Skip over track two,” I said, handing him the album. “It’s not good. Forget about four and five-the vocals are out of tune. Track six, well- they wanted that one, not me.”
Quincy took the album from me and asked, “What does it say right here?”
“Says ‘Average White Band’.” “No, jackass, here.” He was pointing at my name.
“It says, ‘Produced by David Foster’.” “Right. And listen to the excuses you’re making. Either it’s exactly the way you think it should be, or don’t put your name on it.”
At that moment, the light bulb went on, and I realized that- right or wrong-I needed to be in control of my destiny. I was never going to compromise again. And I learned that important lesson from Quincy Jones: Compromise breeds Mediocrity.
 

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