Dan Fogelberg: 'My dad was vehemently opposed to electric guitars. He did not look on that kind of music as legitimate in any way.'

My dad was vehemently opposed to electric guitars. He did not look on that kind of music as legitimate in any way.

In the world of music, there are often debates around different genres and the instruments used to create them. This quote by Dan Fogelberg sheds light on a personal experience he had with his father's disapproval of electric guitars. According to Fogelberg, his dad vehemently opposed the use of electric guitars and did not view the music created with them as legitimate in any way. This quote captures the complexity of generational gaps and differing perspectives on what qualifies as "authentic" music.Initially, this quote's straightforward meaning seems to highlight a clash between the older generation's traditional values and the new wave of music that embraces electric instruments. Fogelberg's father represents the perspective of many older individuals who believe that "real" music can only be created with traditional instruments like acoustic guitars or pianos. From this straightforward interpretation, we can sense the struggle Fogelberg might have faced as he navigated his own musical journey, attempting to find validation and acceptance for his chosen instrument and style.However, let's take a moment to introduce an unexpected philosophical concept into this discussion - relativism. Relativism is the idea that truth and knowledge are subjective, varying from person to person. Applying this concept to Fogelberg's situation, we can examine the deeply rooted beliefs that shape our perceptions of what makes music legitimate. By recognizing relativism, we open ourselves up to questioning the notion of absolute truth when it comes to music or any other form of artistic expression.Comparing and contrasting Fogelberg's father's perspective with the broader musical landscape allows us to delve into the fascinating intricacies of musical genres and instruments. While Fogelberg's father dismissed electric guitars as illegitimate, millions of fans and musicians have embraced this instrument, revolutionizing the sound of music across genres like rock, blues, and even jazz. The emergence of electric guitars brought about entirely new possibilities for artistic expression, challenging the traditional boundaries set by acoustic instruments.It is crucial to recognize that the legitimacy of music lies in the ears of the listener. What speaks to one person's soul may not resonate with another, and that's the beauty of art. Fogelberg's divergence from his father's view is a testament to the power of personal preference and individual experiences with music. While Fogelberg's father may have disregarded electric guitars, he inadvertently played a role in sparking dialogue and exploration around what defines authentic music.In conclusion, Dan Fogelberg's quote provides insight into the generational clash surrounding electric guitars and its impact on music's legitimacy. While his father vehemently opposed this instrument, it opened the doors for new sounds and musical possibilities, captivating a whole new audience. By introducing the concept of relativism, we are encouraged to examine our own beliefs about what defines authentic music. After all, it is the diversity of opinions and artistic expression that drives the evolution and innovation of music.