Why do performing artists (singing songs etc) and DJs today get so much more credit than the composers?

Question

Back in the classical times, people worshipped composers like Mozart, Beethoven and Bach, even with later ones where performers could add more personality to it. Today, most performing artists get all the credit, even though they mostly didn't write/compose the song. They do add their own great skills in performing, but I still think the composers should get more credit. Any comments?

Answer 1

Because pop music is more about packaging and entertainment value. Classical music (which still exists and is still being written--although very contemporary and different than the composers listed) is more about the artistic value and depth. Not that some pop music can't have artistic depth (as much does) but music is driven by market value now.

Answer 2

Well, all of the bands I listen to do write/compose their own songs, so I can't really comment on that.

But generally, I agree with you. There obviously has to be someone to sing/perform the song, but it wouldn't even exist without the composer.

Unfortunately, the performer always is going to get more credit because that is the person the audience sees. The majority of people don't care enough to actually worry about the song. Unless someone is a musician, or a true music fan, they don't realize how much work has actually gone into the song they're hearing on the radio, or they don't stop to think about it. It's sad, but I don't see it ever changing.

Answer 3

I’ve asked myself that same question many times. I have no answer but I do know that it’s stupid. I think it may be more of an American thing. It’s very similar to the fact that no body ever talks about the story writer or director of a movie (unless they threaten to stop writing in the middle of a trilogy). But seriously, people know the actresses in “Bring it on” but they have no idea who choreographed the stuff.

Not too many people know that songs sung by Celine Dion and Diana Ross have been written by James Horner.
Koji Kondo is an amazing writer by the way (that was for the little Hyrule dude)

Answer 4

Because the people behind these Music award ceremonies know that the veiwers are shallow and would much rather see an award show for celebrities posers like Kanye West, Gwen Stefani, "Madonna", and Green Day rather than an award show for real compsers like Marty O'donnell, Nobuo Uematsu, Koji Kondo, Danny Elfman, or John Williams.

Answer 5

even if they do get more credit composers/producers get the money they can charge millions for one song b4 they kno if its any good, i think the producers get the credit in the business world the artists kno whose good and who they want to work with but the artists are the ones in the spot lite, b4 mozart beethoven performed as well

Answer 6

Ignorance of the performing artist and the Greed of the Record Business....Now,as well as then. (It's a wonder people finally realise just who they have been carrying around for so long.).

Answer 7

I totally agree with you, Composer is the one who gives birth to song and maximum credit must go to them.

Good question!!!!