VDP: the four ages of an artist

Van Dyke Parks on record companies that are “more interested in brunettes” than in music veterans:

It reminds me of a joke my agent told me. He said there are four ages to an artist. I said what are they? He said, “Who is Van Dyke Parks?” “Get me Van Dyke Parks.” “Get me a young Van Dyke Parks.” “Who is Van Dyke Parks?” I think he hit it on the head right there.

But I have never written music to fish for flattery or condemnation. I don’t pay attention to what people think of me. I pay attention to the old fella I see in the mirror in the morning who looks like my dad on a bad day.

Van Dyke Parks Interview (Songfacts)

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All Van Dyke Parks posts (via Pinboard)