An American Tragedy: Phil Spector

I know, I know..."you do the crime you do the time". But I still love my music idols, and I feel really protective towards any that are crazy, unloved, small, or picked-on. I know he is coo-coo bananas, and the rumours about him lead the general population to believe he deserves what he got, and suggest it was a long time coming for his reckless behavior (with guns), for his cruelty and abuse of then wife, Ronnie Spector, and for the way he treated his associated artists (treating them like they were disposable and barely paying them), but like a mother hen I just hate to see my little mad-genius chickie in any pain or being told by society in a court of law that he is rotten and a murderer.

Today is a sad day in music history. The only other musical tragedy tried in the court of laws that comes to mind was when Little Willie John was convicted of manslaughter in 1966 for a fatal knifing incident following a show in Seattle. Little Willie John died nearly 41 years ago in 1968 at Washington State Prison in Walla Walla. The official cause of death was a heart attack, though some say it was pneumonia or asphyxiation, but he really died of a broken heart. He just gave up, after he lost his appeal. He was 30 years old. 30 year olds don't of heart attacks.

Phil Spector, 69, was convicted of second-degree murder, and he is soon to serve at least 18 years, according to the Los Angeles Times, a jury today has found Mr. Spector guilty of the 2003 murder of model/actress Lana Clarkson. It is painful to know that he is going to die in prison; he will be 87 when released (if he receives the minimal sentance). I just feel terrible about the tragedy. I feel terrible for Lana Clarkson, and I feel awful for Phil Spector. The conviction doesn't offer any "why" there is no reason that has come-to-light. It is a waste. A waste of two lives. The sadness of this tragic genius is that he has been deserted by the American Pop listening audience, and this severed relationship stopped him from creating his beautiful records and forced him to withdraw and retreat into himself living in a world he created for himself...inside his head removed from the outside world. I can't, but feel the only persons consoled by this verdict are the family of Miss Clarkson. Everyone has lost.

http://pitchfork.com/news/35071-phil-spector-found-guilty-of-murder/