COLUMN: The Traveling Wilburys Can Inspire My Generation

 by Jami Morain

    Who knew that George Harrison needing a B side track for his "Cloud Nine" album would result in an 80s supergroup called the Traveling Wilburys? For context on this opinion, watch the short documentary below.

    No one has ever thought or talked to me about the Wilburys, I had to find them myself. Actually, I stumbled upon them and thought it was a joke. When you have some of the most legendary names in music history working together, why aren't more people talking about it?

    The guys have talked about wanting to get back to the "roots" of music, with no technology, focusing on guitars. However, that didn't mean shying away from some pretty ridiculous lyrics. In "Wilbury Twist," Harrison sings about falling on your butt and your dentures knocked out, so they weren't exactly changing lives or anything, they were just enjoying the artistic freedom of being the Wilbury brothers instead of music legends.

    When watching the documentary, or any of their music videos, you can't help but notice how incredibly happy they all are. They have the biggest smiles and they repeatedly talk about how much fun they were having- its simply contagious because that what music is about. Connecting with people, having fun and making memories.

    So often in the music industry, we are told the hardships. People focus on the drug abuse, how toxic it can be, people losing everything to make their dream come true and I think this needs to change. I am not saying it should be ignored how much of a toll a musician's life can take; but music is incredibly important to a majority of people, so maybe we should focus on how surreal it is for someone's dream to come true or what it feels like to know you are literally changing lives by living out your passion.

    The Wilburys should be taught about in music classes because of the hope they inspire. Teenagers don't go outside and form a band in their garage with friends anymore. Musicians are severely lacking in creativity- when I turn on the radio it's today's artist covering older music or sampling over half the song. I hate it. Maybe these kids or young adults will see how fulfilling it is to pick up an instrument and create something unique. 

    Since I have started streaming the Wilburys, I have picked up my guitar again and tried to learn new songs or even come up with something myself, but imagine what could happen with a group of people blessed with a musical talent. 

    Wilburys prove not every song has to be sang with a voice as epic as Roy Orbison's or lyrics as legendary as Bob Dylan's storytelling. It's okay to be yourself, creative and goofy.

    I encourage my generation to create their own sound, no more covers or sampling entire songs. Make your own music, figure out your way to leave a mark on the world.