Genesis fans, we are getting older. The base is shrinking a bit, yet their seems to be an interest in the music from the generation that follows us. It is probably to early to tell, but one has to ask, will the music be reborn after the founder members have passed away?An interesting historical footnote. For years, 78 records were collectable and very expensive to collect. Today, you can't even give away 78 records collections. Why? Once the artists were forgotten by a new generation, the value of 78s dropped significantly. If history gives us any clues to an artists resiliency, it has shown us that very few artists have stood the test of time. Many popular artists from generations past have been archived, somewhat permanently. A few, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis Presley, nd bands like the Beatles seem to cross the generational barrier. Their music is listened to be a new generation. Their audio collections are still valued and cherished be a new generation of fans.
There are many ingredients to an artist's success to cross generations. A band or single artist has to have a catalog that speaks to future generations. Both musically and culturally, their has to be a catch. Frank Sinatra for example has a catalog this is very rich, however some of the attraction is the cultural background of being an Italian American during a time when America was, and continues to be fascinated by Italian American Contributions to music. Also the connections to stories of the Mob help keep the interests levels high. Will Genesis have something that sticks long after the members have passed?
The key to Genesis being remembered will most likely be Phil Collins. Progressive music lovers will surely hate to hear this, however his song catalog is consistently being covered by new artists. This is the commonality of artists that cross generations. Peter Gabriel and Mike Rutherford will also have smaller contributions to generations of music, however Phil far exceeds their appeal to reinvent their songs. Phil also crossed over to many genres of music during his career, which allows for multiple hooks for future generations to find and enjoy. He always included Genesis in his journey, which is another key factor. For example, when Phil did his big band projects, he included a mix of Genesis and solo songs that appealed to big band enthusiasts. By accident, he expanded the base through multiple projects for people to discover Phil Collins, and Genesis.
It is not just In The Air Tonight that gets recognition. Many of Phil's songs have been recognized by newer artists. Hellyeah released a new version of I Don't Care Anymore and there is an admiration from metal bands and hip hop artists with Phil that has benefitted Genesis. Land of Confusion was also honored with a remix by Disturbed and many hip hop remixes from artists such as Brass Knuckles and Christian Clay.
Though no eyes can see The course laid down long before." Genesis will surely cross into future generations.
