Written by Longstanding readers of my blog may remember a number of years ago I wrote about the signage that bedecks the Manchester United academy at Carrington. In a large and clear font, the words of the Roman philosopher Seneca are an inspiration for all to see:
In that blog, I featured a young Marcus Rashford who seized his opportunity when a first team starter became injured in the warm-up of a Champions League game. His preparation had taken him into the squad, and it was the unforeseen opportunity to play that night that elevated his trajectory to the first eleven and to play for England.
A little over a fortnight ago (23rd January 2024), the singer-songwriter Melanie died. I knew of her vaguely – as perhaps one of the lesser-known counterparts of Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Carole King and other female artists of the late sixties and early seventies. However, hearing more about her life and work as eulogies were written in the days and weeks that followed her death made me recall Seneca once again.
Melanie’s big break came at the Woodstock festival in 1969, when around 460 000 people communed for three days of peace, love and music. Melanie had worked as an executive assistant in the publishing house in New York where her colleagues were assembling the acts to play the three-day event. These would include Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Santana and The Grateful Dead. As a local singer and player, she asked to be involved and, in the somewhat chaotic world of the beatnik festival planner, was told to pack a bag, tag along, and “see what might happen”.
On Friday 15th August (the opening day) the rain that would plague the event all weekend began to fall. Ravi Shankar played through it between 10:00 pm and 10:30 pm, but the next act due to go on (The Incredible String Band) refused to play. They would subsequently be given a slot on the bill the following afternoon. Literally waiting in the wings, Melanie was invited to perform to the crowds in the rain, and did so receiving four standing ovations whilst the crowd lit candles and cigarette lighters amidst the dark. Her first hit (“Lay Down [Candles in the Rain]”) was inspired by this moment, and it is believed that this was the first instance of an audience using lighters and candles in a way that has now become commonplace.
Melanie showed the same tenacity the following year at The Isle of Wight Festival, when she was introduced to the crowd by the drummer from The Who, Keith Moon. It was common knowledge that none of the acts slated to play the festival wanted to follow The Who on the bill, but she was prepared to do so. This marked her big break in the UK.
Her career saw her win Billboard awards an Emmys, collaborate with numerous artists, sell millions of records and become a UNICEF ambassador. But it started with having the courage to put herself forward when the opportunity came – in those offices in New York and then in front of 460 000 wet festival-goers forty miles up state at Max Yasgur’s Farm for Woodstock itself.
We can all reflect on whether we would have the confidence to back ourselves in such a way, and seize an opportunity with both hands. In our schools, we have a mission to develop the confidence and enterprise spirit in our children and young people so they are prepared and willing to demonstrate and share the knowledge and skills they have acquired and developed. That’s why within John Taylor MAT we espouse the value of “tenacity and resilience”. Without tenacity, having a “passion for excellence” (another of our values) may not be enough to lead to the recognition and success our talent and endeavour deserves.
Thanks, as always, for reading.
Mike.
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