Television
One of the most versatile artists on the European music scene has landed on the Rai Uno talent show: does it make sense?
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A The Voice Seniorduring the Blind Audition aired on February 1 (Rai Uno), none other than landed on stage Ronnie Jones, 85 years old, American born in Springfield (Massachusetts) and among the most original and versatile singers of the European music scene. Before the performance, although he didn’t need to since he has a stellar career behind him, he introduced himself, explaining that he is a lover of soul, blues and gospel. Then off to the performance, with Ronnie singing Superstition di Steve Wonder. After about five seconds Loredana Bertè and Gigi D’Alessio they turned around. The Rich and the Poor followed closely behind them and shortly afterwards Clementino also pressed the button. On the other hand, such a talent does not go unnoticed. However, there is a broader discussion to be made and it concerns the choices of the program helmed by Antonella Clerici. But proceed in order.
“You’re Ronnie Jones, we did Hair in 1971. We’ve been together 5 years, 3 rehearsals and 2 on the road. It was more than once that we were in court for the scene of the full nude”, recalled Loredana, immediately recognizing the American artist who had a laugh. For the uninitiated Hair is a rock musical written by James Rado and Gerome Ragni (lyrics) and Galt MacDermot (music). It represents one of the most important products of the hippie counterculture of the sixties. The first Italian edition was staged at the Teatro Sistina in Rome in 1970 and among the performers there were Ronnie Jones and Loredana Bertè.
Just Jones and Loredana, on the stage of The Voice Senior, then decided to make an improvised duet on the notes of the poignant Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word, one of the most famous songs globally by Elton John. In the end, Ronnie chose her friend Bertè to continue her career in the talent show.
Chapter ‘known’ competitors in the race: it makes sense to have an artist of Ronnie’s caliber enter the competition? It is one thing to focus on ‘meteor’ singers of the past, perhaps with only a few sporadic successes behind them. And it is also one thing to participate conductors such as Beppe Quintale, who have done something else in life and now enjoy trying their hand at singing. It is another matter to equate ‘amateurs’ over 60s (many of whom have sumptuous talent anyway) and a character like Jones. In short, the risk of a somewhat distorted race is just around the corner. This is why Ronnie should be kicked out of Classical for ‘excess talent’.
