*Lenny Kravitz may be a music legend who is among those receiving automatic invites to any music-related events, but believe it or not, even he can be overlooked.
In an interview with Esquire, Kravitz revealed that despite years of being a major artist with a catalog of hits, he still grapples with being seen as a serious rock musician.
‘There was this one article that, at that time, said, “If Lenny Kravitz were white, he would be the next savior of rock ’n’ roll,” the “Fly Away” vocalist told Esquire when describing his career. “I got a lot of negativity thrown at me by all these older white men who weren’t going to let me have that position…It was discouraging at times. I’m good. Intact—happy, healthy, focused, with still so much to do.”
Kravitz’s struggle isn’t limited to older white music listeners. It seems he’s gotten the cold shoulder from outlets that he should receive instant attention and invitations. But that’s not the case, the entertainer said as he named two major events that have denied him.
View this post on Instagram
‘To this day, I have not been invited to a BET thing or a Source Awards thing,’ said Kravitz, who remained puzzled with how Black entertainment and culture outlets perceive him. ‘And it’s like, here is a Black artist who has reintroduced many Black art forms, who has broken down barriers—just like those that came before me broke down. That is positive. And they don’t have anything to say about it?’”
Considering Kravitz’s pedigree (one of the few successful Black rock musicians, classic hit songs and albums, collaborations with a who’s who of music greats, legitimate acting ventures), it’s hard to believe BET and The Source would snub him from at least attending their popular events.
In addition to being snubbed by well-known black entertainment and cultural events, the rocker touched on controversial comments made by Rolling Stone founder and former editor-in-chief Jann Wenner.
Wenner generated headlines when he suggested no female or Black artists were ‘articulate’ enough to be included in his new book about the ‘philosophers of rock,’ ‘The Masters.’ The seven artists profiled – Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Mick Jagger, Pete Townshend, Jerry Garcia, Bono and Bruce Springsteen – are all white men.
Although the esteemed group are certified legends, Wenner’s comments ignited a backlash over what many considered to be sexist and racist, according to the Daily Mail. In his eyes, the artists featured could ‘really articulate’ their philosophy.
“Insofar as the women, just none of them were as articulate enough on this intellectual level… It’s not that they’re not creative geniuses,” Wenner said about female artists.
As for Black artists like Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield, Wenner felt those entertainers “just didn’t articulate at that level.”
Soon after the backlash, Wenner apologized for his remarks. Despite the apology, the damage was done and he found himself kicked off the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame board. A notable result, considering Wenner co-founded the Hall in 1987 and presided over the organization as chairman until 2020.
“It’s very disappointing and sad. I’ve known Jann since 1987. I’ve been to his house. In his life. I was disappointed. I was very disappointed,” Kravitz said about the situation. “The statement alone, even if you just heard about the man yesterday, was appalling and embarrassing. And just wrong.”
View this post on Instagram
In addition to Wenner and his perception among Black entertainment and culture outlets, Kravitz speaks on his desire to marry again as well as his relationship with ex-wife Lisa Bonet and “Aquaman” star Jason Momoa.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB: Lenny Kravitz, Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel Star in ‘Shotgun Wedding’ | First-Look Pics!
The post WTH?! Lenny Kravitz Reveals NEVER Being Invited to ‘a BET Thing or a Source Awards Thing’ | VIDEOs appeared first on EURweb.
This post first appeared on Black Entertainment News | EURWeb.com, please read the originial post: here
