“Now that’s real music! It’s not like that other stuff they play on the radio these days.” I’ve heard those words many times throughout my years of writing for Weekly Music Commentary. That and also, “I never heard of him (or her).” Many members of my family and friends are unfamiliar with today’s popular music or artists. However, the older people in that group gravitate toward the classic style of yesterday. “Now that’s music”, they say. Our featured artist this week happens to be one that fits the bill of delivering that uncomplicated music that stands the test of time. American songwriter, pianist and radio show host Jim Brickman has been providing beautiful, melodious music for over twenty-five years. He’s done it in our day and continues to do so successfully. Is there a reason he has been successful following such a simple formula? Well, let’s go back into his beginnings and find out his secret.
Jim Brickman was born and raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio and attended Shaker Heights High School. He began playing piano at the age of five. Later he studied composition and performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music while taking business classes at Case Western Reserve University. In 1980, Brickman founded his own advertising music company called The Brickman Arrangement, writing commercial jingles for many companies across the country such as McDonald’s, Pontiac, City of Cleveland, Ohio Lottery, and Isuzu.
The Cleveland Institute of Music is an independent, international music conservatory. I have heard about the institution, but learning that Jim Brickman attended gave me an opportunity to research and find out how prestigious the school is among young music students. Between 1,000 and 1,200 prospective students apply to the conservatory annually for the (approximately) 150 openings available for fall enrollment. Typically, 60-70 freshmen are enrolled each fall; 81% of entering freshman graduate within five years.
Members of The Cleveland Orchestra are connected to the Cleveland Institute of Music as members of the CIM faculty, alumni of the conservatory or preparatory programs, or both. Through a cooperative arrangement with Case Western Reserve University, CIM students have full access to university courses and facilities. They can pursue a degree both at CIM and Case Western Reserve, if they are accepted to both institutions. Thus we understand Jim Brickman’s choice of schools and curriculum for his early studies. We also know Jim Brickman was quite accomplished in his early years in order to gain entrance into CIM.
As I learned about Jim Brickman’s start in music, I was reminded of another classically trained pianist who started in the commercial jingle business before his break as a solo artist in the music industry. Does the name Barry Manilow sound familiar? Yes, Manilow enjoyed a fairly lucrative career writing commercial jingles. In fact, he never kept any of that part of his life a secret. He even made it a part of his act, playing some of the well-known jingles for his audience. The difference is that Brickman seemed to have his sights set on the commercial music business rather than initially looking for the career as an artist. He ran his agency for several years before embarking on his popular music career. Nevertheless, the time came and Brickman was ready.
Brickman signed to Windham Hill Records in 1994 and released his first album, No Words featuring the song “Rocket to the Moon” which became his first solo instrumental to be ranked on the Billboard charts. The songs “Angel Eyes” and “If You Believe” gained radio airplay from Brickman’s second release, By Heart on the Windham Hill label in 1995. The following year, the CD’s title track, “By Heart”, became his first top 20 adult contemporary (AC) hit.
In 1997, Brickman released the album Picture This, adding a vocal performance, “Valentine”, sung by Martina McBride. This song charted on both country and AC stations, with the album selling platinum. By the end of the year, Brickman issued the first of many Christmas CDs, The Gift, with the title song featuring Collin Raye and Susan Ashton, topping three different charts; for this album, Brickman received a Dove Award from the Gospel Music Association.
As Jim Brickman found early success, he also found that his music seemed to have few limits. From pop to country and gospel, Jim Brickman seemed to be everywhere with a variety of artists.
Making its debut in January 1997, Your Weekend with Jim Brickman is a four-hour radio show that has been heard across the US featuring music blended with celebrity interviews, lifestyle features and entertainment reports. In 2018, The Jim Brickman Show Podcast debuted on Podcasts by Pandora. It’s a place for listeners to hear extended conversations, behind the scenes takes, plus “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” that they won’t hear on the radio show. As of March 2020, there are over 50 episodes of this podcast and along with Pandora, these episodes can be heard on Jim Brickman’s website as well.
The foundation was now set for Jim Brickman to deliver music for years to come. He did just that. Brickman’s Tin Pan Alley sensibility, uncomplicated melodies and down-to-earth nature have taken him from the Grand Ole Opry to Carnegie Hall, and Disney World to the White House. You can also hear his music on Pandora, TV commercials and shows like CBS Sports, The Kardashians, Jimmy Kimmel, The Olympics and all over HGTV.
Earlier this year Brickman released his 25th Anniversary Greatest Hits album. It’s a collection of fifteen songs, photos and memories of his long career of music making and his work with a multitude of artists. If you are not familiar with Jim Brickman, I suggest you listen to one of his earlier Windham Hill albums first. Learn to appreciate his music as it was released. Listen to some of his collaborations with well-known artists. After gaining an appreciation of his music, then the 25th Anniversary album would be good for you to take in.
When listening to Jim Brickman’s music, the word I used in the title seems very appropriate: uncomplicated. It’s not that the music is simple to perform or without appeal. Quite the opposite. His approach to creating music is uncomplicated. The style of music has stood the test of time. Once again I speak to those folks out there who yearn for music of yesterday, I give you Jim Brickman.