The word 'legend' is tossed around so recklessly today that almost anyone who performs karaoke at their local pub is labeled a legend.
Consider the history of popular music... say from Vera Lynn's 'White Cliffs of Dover' to Shakira's 'Underneath Your Clothes'... who are the true legends ???
Sure, it's subjective. But who'd disagree if Presley, Dylan, The Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John, Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey were suggested?
"Hey man, ain't this supposed to be a Jewel site... get to the point here... where does Jewel fit into all this ?"
OK... Jewel's debut album 'Pieces of You' is currently rated #55 in the Top Selling Albums of ALL TIME !!! That's where she fits in.
In perspective, Carole King's genuine classic 'Tapestry' is #61.
And... 'Pieces of You' is currently in the 10 best selling 'female' albums of ALL TIME !!!
Well... not yet. Outside of the USA and Australia she's relatively unknown. If we only use the statistics based on the Record Industry Association of America for our criteria then we stand on pretty shaky ground.The RIAA introduces some curious conclusions. Britney Spears: 'Baby One More Time' rates #31. Thefore, mathematically, 'Baby One More Time' is twice as good as 'Tapestry'... and even Britney would never argue that.
So, legendary status is not merely a game of numbers. Perhaps a musician must have had to have changed the course of music, redefined music, introduced uniquely innovative styles or to have passed the test of time in order to achieve legendary status. Maybe there is no measurable criteria. Perhaps it's a cultural issue.
Yet this troubles me. When Jewel finally hangs up her guitar I have this unnerving feeling that 'Pieces of You' will never be as historically acclaimed as 'Tapesty'.
Anyway, as some artists have multiple entries in the RIAA charts, that puts Jewel in the Top 50 best selling 'artists' of all time.
So... the next time someone picks up your copy of 'Spirit' and annoyingly asks, "Who's Jewel?"... armed with your printout of the All Time Top 50 Artists... yeah, you stick it right up 'em.
Justin (ASPCJ)
