It is sadly true that the so-called glass ceiling exists in so many spheres of human activity. From politics to the arts, from finance to international relations, an inexplicable imbalance persists. Yet there is one area where this absurd disequilibrium does not occur with such frequency- music.
In the world of music there is an automatic recognition of talent. It makes no difference whether you are female or male, black or white, rich or poor, believer or atheist, old or young. Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Billy Holiday. All of them revered and adored for their immense talent. Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell, Patti Smith. The list is enormous. And not only in the Anglo-Saxon world of pop and rock and soul. Celia Cruz, Lola Flores, Edith Piaf, Maria Callas. So many amazing voices and compositions, and not a hint of sexism or racism involved. Undoubtedly all of you could add to this list; the glorious voices of Arabia and Asia, of Africa and Australasia. And so many more.
In music there is no race or religion or age or sex. You either have it or you do not. Maybe we should all learn that lesson and apply it to other walks of life.
And may Ella Fitzgerald sustain that high C and shatter for once and for all that ridiculous, senseless, oppressive glass ceiling.
