There are times in life when we just don’t know what we’re getting ourselves into. But usually that doesn’t happen to experienced pros who have been there and done that.
Like me.
I’ve been writing this blog since February 2005 – more than 18 years. And as most of you know, there’s a new post every weekday (excepting holidays, of course). So you’d think that by now, I’d have a pretty good gauge on whether my posts will be hits…or misses. The reality is that on most days, I bat around .500. I generally know – half the time – whether you’ll respond and engage with a post or whether you won’t.
But to say I whiffed on Wednesday’s post, “The Next Beatles?” is an understatement. It has officially set the record as the most-read post since the blog’s inception – by far. The topic turned out to be a lighting rod: Whether Taylor Swift has become bigger than the Beatles.
While I can’t confirm it, I think our post found its way into a Beatles fan club or community. Many people with first names I don’t recognize came to the Fab Four’s defense. But Taylor had her fans, too. And it is clear her following is much, much stronger, broader, and more powerful than the legions of Swifties garnering most of the attention.
And it has stirred emotions. Thousands of you who read the post, commented, liked it, disliked it, or questioned my sanity.
So for today’s post, I thought I’d take you behind the curtain, sort of, and give you a look at the range of emotions the post stirred up. It’s a good potpourri of responses this existential question stirred up.
Some of you reminded me of the unfairness of comparing the Beatles – who exploded on the scenes in the 60’s, a time with limited media outlets and no Facebook, Twitter or TikTok – to a modern-day star, Taylor Swift. It’s like those conversations you hear so often on sports talk stations when the topic of the day is whether Magic’s Lakers were better than LeBron’s Lakers.
Maybe I unknowingly came up with a morning show bit for some of you. After attending Morning Show Boot Camp today, I feel like I’m in fighting shape.
Making the case for the Beatles:
And finally this:
Making the case for Taylor Swift:
And this blog post wouldn’t be complete without a few of these:
If you’d like to read the original post that spawned all this reaction, you can read it here. Lots of comments follow.
My Facebook and LinkedIn pages are also filled with comments as well. Feel free to weigh in or just scroll.
As always, thanks for reading the blog and for playing along. – FJ
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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I thought it was a great post, Fred. To the gentleman who says her audience isn’t as diverse as the Beatles: It’s a lot easier to have a diverse audience when you’re playing everything from The Beatles and James Brown to the Green Berets.
Fred is brilliant with Radio/Music/Our Business with Consistent, Timely Thought Stimulation. Thank you again. And, the Beatles certainly did start an entire, positive revolution, here there and everywhere.
Oh my god, this is fun!! IMO, its near impossible to compare these two acts as the only thing they really have in common is that they make music that appeals to young people. Other than that, its like comparing tacos to pizza because they’re both food you eat with your hands. Of course you only see young people, largely females, at a Taylor Swift concert – that’s not a scene for old people, but that also doesn’t mean that old people don’t like her music. Did we see a lot of old people at Beatles shows? Probably not. Only time will tell what Taylor Swift’s cultural impact will be…..let’s come back to this topic in 15 years and see what has transpired.
FRED for President! Your humility knows no bounds.
Your Beatles vs. Taylor Swift posed a question that can’t be answered. I would bet that the folks who vote for the Beatles are significantly older than the Swifties. It’s a generational divide. If you’re a Beatles fan, listen to the Camp Codger podcast. If you’re a Swiftie, find a podcast that’s more age appropriate for you. We all don’t have to like the same things.
Indeed, we don’t. Thanks for commenting.