Thank you, Pharrell Williams

Until a recent awards show I had never heard of Pharrell Williams. I know, you are thinking that I must live under a rock to not have known about him or his music. Please bear in mind that I am at least a senior, or by some standards elderly, citizen even if I do not admit to being old. But since that first sighting of Mr. Williams and that hat, I have become a fan. Well, that is if you can call it being a fan if I am still unfamiliar with most of his music.

Anyone who can write and perform a song that makes people around the world of different cultures want to sing, dance, and rejoice in being happy deserves all the awards and accolades. But it was in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that Pharrell Williams made an impression on me. During their conversation he repeatedly gave credit to the teachers, especially music teachers that had meant so much in his life. When shown video of people across the world singing and dancing to his song, he seemed genuinely touched that his music reached so many.  Later I saw a clip of when he visited a class, surprising the teacher and her students. It seemed like an honest gift to that teacher rather than just another celebrity seeking a photo op.

In an earlier blog I talked about my music teacher and put in a plug for education in all the arts in our schools. Hearing Pharrell Williams talking about his teachers, I couldn’t help but wonder how many children are out there, loaded with talent that they may not even recognize yet, or have a chance to develop without access to an arts program.

I’m not suggesting that we neglect science, math, or any of the other areas. But we really need things that cross all national and political boundaries, unite us, remind us of the ways in which we all are alike, and make us happy. That his song can do that reminds us of the power of art.

Thank you, Pharell Williams.