The WHAT has happened to music is easy to SEE / HEAR. The problem is discovering the WHY.
In the visual arts, we have gone from the Sistine Chapel.. Mona Lisa... Dutch Masters.. French Impressionist, to a Soup Can.
And now they just throw the paint at the canvas. And people go gaga and pay real money for it.
Have they forgotten how to paint? Do they have the talent to paint?
The great works are forged all the time. They even fool the experts. So the talent to do the art is there, maybe it's just the creativity and vision that is missing.
The skill set and training / education is top tier, they just aren't able to connect with humanity on a mass scale.
Many of today's music 'artist', have all become niche players. Each with their small group of followers / fans.
The decline is national. Cosby, Playhouse 90, All in the Family, etc... to, The Real Housewives of 'reality' TV!!
We are in a state of artistic decline. Music is not spared.
There is some hope. European Governments will use tax money to encourage, create and preserve their great art and artists. While here, we continue under the mistaken belief that people CAN BE, and have a RIGHT to be, whatever they WANT to be.
And everybody wants to be, The Stones or Miles or Dylan or etc..... And don't forget the GREED! Which is the root of it all.
Get Mingus while you can!! :)
Cheers