Joe Barone was well-known for his musical style and skills. He was brought up in Chicago, Illinois and worked his way up into “fortune and fame.” All a person had to do was say his first name and the image behind the name appeared. He could play the piano with the sweetest jazz you ever heard. Joe Barone was one of those musicians that you had to see to believe anyone could play with such style and majesty of the keyboard. Joe was known internationally as the jazz maestro.
Years of playing music, women, wine, and song were starting to wear on him and Joe wondered where he went wrong.
True friends were hard to come by. However, they came around when there was money, parties, or a photo shoot. Joe decided to go for a walk and found an old church with stained glass windows. Out of curiosity, Joe decided to walk in. The church reminded him of his childhood.
The virtuoso of song sat in the pew, bowed his head, and said prayers to the God that had seemed distant in his life. He thought of his “rise to the top,” and realized that life was not as glamorous as he was told. No longer were you just a man. You were just an image, almost an illusion.
Therefore, the public could decide whether they like you or not based on the latest reviews.
A little boy walked into the hallowed church and noticed the famous singer. The child appeared to be an admirer of Joe. The kid was dressed in clothes from the 70’s and looked out of place.
Joe noticed the child, nodded his head, and walked towards the windows in the church. The two met as they gazed upon the stained glass holy figures in the church windows.
Joe was curious but irritated that this child kept staring at him. Joe said, “Can I help you? The boy smiled, looked up at Joe’s face, and said, “I want to be just like you!” The singer smiled and saw on the child’s face the dream of becoming something more than could be imaged.
No one was in the front part of the church. Joe walked past the pews and noticed a grand piano. In reverence, he sat down and played a jazz rendition of “Just a closer walk with thee,” on the piano keys. Joe expected the child to clap or give some sort of praise.
.
The child looked up at Joe and said, “I bet I know why you are here. You are looking for peace away from the noise, drama, and confusion. I bet these feelings surround your life.”
Joe was curious but perturbed that this child would try to get into his head. Joe said, “Just because I am playing in a church you think you can psychoanalyze me? .The singer bent down to the level of the child and said, “You look familiar. Do I know your parents?” The little child said, “Yes, you do. You know all of my histories for this is where we cross paths. I am your dreams, hopes, and desires. In other words, I am you before you became famous.
” Joe looked at the little boy and got a feeling of deja vu. Joe put his hand on his face and shook his head.
“Who the heck is this kid anyway?” Joe got up and turned away from the child and faced the stained glass windows. Then he looked directly into the eyes of the little boy.
“There was a time, I did not worry about anything. I played music, hoped for my songs getting out there, and living the dream.” I did not realize that I was living the dream being with the people who really loved me.
It was fun at first with the lights, the fame, and the adoring fans. Then came the paparazzi. The calls, fake news, and the phobia every time the doorbell rang.” Joe tried to change the subject and asked, “So kid, what’s your story?”
The little boy smiled and said. “I have been hiding; I have been kept away and put in this dark place, like a box. A secluded place where there was no light. I could not break free, until now.” The singer said with curiosity and wonder, “How did you escape?” The little boy said, “It was when you remembered me and you let me out.” Joe said, “I let you out? What are you talking about?” The child said, “Yeah, you finally let me out! I am the one that you have kept in the Locked Box.”
Joe looked at the little boy and asked quizzically, “So, what do I call you, little Joe?” The boy showed quick wit and said, “Do I look like I am Joe Cartwright in Bonanza? No, I am who you were when you dreamed about becoming the musician that you are now.” Joe said, “OK, what happened? When did I become part of the corporate world and stop being the dreamer and the free thinker?” The little boy said, “It was when you first signed your name on the contract with the record company and forgot to read the fine print.” Joe said, “Why do I need to read the fine print? That is what attorneys are for!” The little boy said, “You forgot to read the part that says, they own you. Your music, your words, your time, talent, and eventually your soul.” Joe said, “That is rather dramatic don’t you think?” The little boy pulled a document out of his pocket signed by Joe. “Here’s the contract that you signed, Joe. This is where it all began.”
Joe said sarcastically, “OK, little Joe. Give me the rundown! I’m dying to know what you can tell me that would change anything.” Joe’s younger self, said, “Let’s simplify things. Call me Joseph and I’ll call you Joe. Deal?”
Deal. OK. This is where it started. You practiced with your piano teacher Mrs. Humphrey. Your teacher was very strict and made sure you did not hit a wrong note. If you did you had to practice the same lesson over and over again. You almost gave up on learning. You would have rather be playing softball or hockey. During one of your lessons, a mother knocked on the door and asked to speak to Mrs. Humphrey. The piano teacher told me to keep practicing. She walked towards the door and opened it. “Hello, can I help you? I heard that you give piano lessons to children. My daughter is six years old and I would like her to learn how to play the piano.”
Do you remember Joe? She was six years old at the time and you were seven. Her name was Marjorie Watkins. Mrs. Humphrey said, “Well we have openings for a new student. This is Joe Martuzi. He is one of my students. Let me show you some of the curriculum. “Have you played any piano before, dear?” “No madam, I haven’t, but I’m willing to try. “Joe, would you like to play something for our new student? Joe couldn’t take his eyes off Marjorie. Joe said, “Ah, I can play this tune.” He proceeded to play “Twilight Time” by The Platters. This was one of his favorite tunes and was easy to play. Joe played it so melodically that even Mrs. Humphrey clapped.
“Well, I must say, that song is not in our curriculum but if you practice maybe Joe can teach it to you.
In the meantime, you will be practicing scales, doing drills, and working in the beginning piano book. I will expect you to practice 2 hours everyday. Marjorie’s mom asked her daughter, are you willing to commit the time to practice and come for piano lessons? Marjorie said, “Yes, I can do this.”
Joe, you were impressed with Marjorie’s level of confidence considering that she had never played.
That was when you decided there and then he would continue with his music and get better.
Through the years,
Marjorie and yourself became great friends. It looked like it was going to lead to something. She became a virtuoso on the piano and played classical music. You started listening to Duke Ellington, Louie Armstrong, Fats Waller, and wanted to imitate them in their sound and style. You stopped taking lessons but continued in band, concert orchestra, and playing for social events. Remember when you sat in the audience and watched Marjorie play “Romeo and Juliet?” How your eyes lit up when she gazed at you during the song? You knew you had a chance.
You started playing with jazz bands and your teachers had to wake you up during class because the band played so late. That was in high school.
Marjorie loved you and thought of the future that you have together. She was making money playing at the roller skating rink and at garden clubs.
You played wherever there was an opportunity. Somehow you passed high school.
Marjorie was a year behind you in school and attended your graduation. She sat with your mama and her mama.
After graduation, you took Marjorie for a drive to lover’s point.” Marjorie, you know I love you but I’ve got a gig that is going to take me away for a few weeks. This man at the club came up to me and said he worked for a record company. If I signed a contract, I could start performing and getting the big bucks.”
Marjorie was heartbroken.
What about us? What am I supposed to do while you are off at your gig?
“Just wait for me. When I get enough money I will send for you and who knows? Maybe get married?”
Marjorie had dreamed of a proposal but she was hoping that he would follow through when he was done with his gig. “I will wait for you Joe.”
You did not realize that in the small print you would have to do a lot more concerts at parks, county fairs, and events around the country. His producer said, “Joe! You were going to be a big name. Unfortunately, nothing much happened till you changed your name from Joe Martuzi to Joe Barone. You saw that name somewhere. Maybe an Italian Restaurant?
As it turned out, Marjorie got the hint that you weren’t coming back so she met someone else that was playing in the symphony. He was a classical guitar player named James Hawkins. When you got the wedding invitation you were sad but were too busy to do anything about it. She got married and you were with the band.
Joe Barone contemplated all Joseph had said. “
Now here I am. I have gone through several bands and we are still playing. This has become all I know. Is it too late to teach an old dog new tricks?”
Well, you’re not under contract. You have gold and platinum albums because of all the record albums you have sold. Plus, you played at Carnegie Hall and in Hyde Park. You are a star! What else do you want Joe?”
I want my life back. A quiet life. No paparazzi. Walks on the beach. Settling down with one woman and having a good life.
So, you are willing to leave it all behind? No, I just want to play only when I want to. Sing when I want to and retire.
Joseph smiled. In case you’re interested, one of your other fans is here to see you. Joe looked towards the door and saw a glimpse from the past, Marjorie.
Marjorie was older but still as beautiful as he had remembered.
Hello Joe. Do you remember me? I am here to lead you to the other side
You have smoked your last cigarette, drank your last beer, and played your last show. The curtain is coming down and if you keep on the way you’ve been it will be time to meet your maker. I am here with encouragement from your family to intervene for you.
I can’t change Marjorie. I am very set in my ways. Are you still with that guy you married?
“No, Joe. I had cancer and died two years ago. I have come back to help you. Your mother has been praying for you to live a good life and to happy. Your mom is getting old and wants to see you before she dies.
” I want to see you on the other side where heaven is
. I missed you but life goes on. You need to go on too, Joe. People remember your name when you are making them laugh or join in song. They forget you just as easily. Fame is fickle. It lasts for a moment and ends with a flickering candle light. Make peace with yourself Joe. Do that for me.”
Joe had tears in his eyes as she vanished. I will take your advance. Joseph, what do I do now?
Come back home. Start again. Find yourself and rise like a phoenix. I don’t know! But you have got to try!
Joe decided to come out of the locked box and go home. To live a simpler life and meet someone who was like Marjorie. He was finally free of the locked box!
