Death of a Rising Star

[hyphenate]

Okay, I know that some people just die way too young, but isn't the opposite also true?

It seems to me that in many areas, but most often I see it in music, that a lot of those who survive don't exactly inspire us as they reach their peak and start down the other side of the hill.

Some are often young enough to try again, and some often make it. But for many, a photo on The Smoking Gun is akin to a walking death.

Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, the Big Bopper, Jim Croce, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Harry Chapin, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain in music; James Dean, Marilyn Monroe in film--who isn't to say that their deaths made them bigger after their deaths?

On the other hand, John Denver, Glen Campbell, Don McLean, Wynonna Judd and anyone who has ever had to do a gig at a small state fair, are just a few samples, lived well (or are living well) past their peak of fame, and like many others, are struggling with substance abuse, fading glory and the stigma of simply being human and turning old.

Would you rather die young, with the adoration of millions, at the peak of fame, or would you rather live to be old, regardless of your lifestyle and physical condition?

[Shell Beau]

1. I certainly think dying young makes you more of a

"superstar" at least it did for most you named. But a lot of musicians tend to struggle with substance abuse. It seems to be their price of fame. That doesn't mean they aren't or weren't talented (the ones that die young as well as those that live on). I would rather die older but not suffer the whole time. What good is being so famous if you aren't here to enjoy it? Sure they leave a legacy, but does that really matter? It may to us now who appreciate those stars, but what does it really mean to them?

[tonkatoy57]

2. Didn't John Denver...

win the daily double?

In that he bought the farm when he was far past his career expiration date.

[Shell Beau]

3. Jeez...

That was sweet! :eyes: I think that is true for most people. When they get older, they don't tend to be as successful as they were when they were in their prime.

[hyphenate]

5. John had an alcohol problem

and had been arrested twice (that I know of) for DUI. He had, however, started a new life for himself, and was trying to get another album done when he died.

[JVS]

4. John Denver's death made him into a titan of legendary proportions!

[bertha katzenengel]

6. "the stigma of simply being human and turning old" -- that's a stigma?

I don't think so. Consider the alternative.

John Denver was indulging in one of his passions (one he shared w/ my dad, his distant cousin) when he died. That's not a bad way to go, no matter how old you are.

:hi: