Keeping it in the Family
There are tons of success stories when it comes to family members and performers; whether it’s the Beach Boys or the Bee Gees or the Jackson 5, they have all made their familial mark in the music world.
Has it been the easiest path? Not necessarily. While family members share a certain bond that others may not, specific family-based problems may rear its ugly head.
Whether it’s a domineering father acting as an agent (The Beach Boys or The Jackson 5) or fatal drug and alcohol abuse (The Bee Gees), often the problems of the family are accentuated and worsened when put under the strain of success, fame and money.
In the same breath, certain performers rely heavily on their parents as a moral compass in the often morally compromising music world, such as Beyoncé’s father, Matthew.
Other famous performers who are keeping it in the family? Usher, Jessica and Ashlee Simpson, Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan, Ashanti, Brandy and JoJo – all of whom are managed or co-managed by a parent.
Unfortunately, family members aren’t always as trusted as we’d like to believe. Some parents have sued or stolen millions from an unsuspecting and trusting child. Just ask Aaron Carter, LeAnn Rhymes, Macaulay Culkin or Whitney Houston.
Married musicians certainly experience their fair share of family strain. John and Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac attribute the end of their marriage to seven years of nearly constant touring.
So if you’re lucky (or unlucky as the case may be) to be working with family members, remember: they’re human and fallible too. The stress of success can put a strain on any relationship, family member or otherwise.
Communication, honesty and understanding are keys to surviving. Realize when family members are wearing different hats. Keep business strictly business and don’t get into personal issues you wouldn’t get into if they weren’t your relations.
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Filed under: Priorities, relationships | Tagged: family, music biz, relationships
