Legendary music executive Danny Goldberg joins Melanie for the Sacred Music Series to talk about the joy of listening to Aretha Franklin, working with Kurt Cobain, and how music can open the heart to love.
Danny Goldberg knows sacred music. He is the host of the Rock and Roles Podcast, and has been in the music business since the late 1960s as a journalist, publicist, personal manager, and record executive. His latest book, Serving the Servant: Remembering Kurt Cobain, explores what it is about the legendary artist that still resonates today.
Amazing Grace
Melanie and Danny set the space for this entry in the Sacred Music Series by listening to Aretha Franklin’s medley “Precious Lord, Take My Hand/You’ve Got a Friend” from the iconic album Amazing Grace. They discuss what makes this such a special moment in music history, and Danny reflects on how different musicians connect to the spiritual through their work.
“Close your eyes and meditate on him, and soon he will be there. God can brighten up your darkest hours.” – Aretha Franklin, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand/You’ve Got a Friend”
The Bridge Between Heart and Mind (28:22)
Melanie asks Danny about his personal experience of spirituality and music, which Danny likens to a bridge between his heart and mind. They talk about Danny’s work with Kurt Cobain and Nirvana, and the many different functions that music plays in life.
“I’m not so sure about the idea of labelling some things spiritual and other things not spiritual, to me the key word is love, and if something opens your heart to love, to me that’s spiritual.” – Danny Goldberg
Read more about the intersection of music and spirituality in The Musical Ally: An Interview with David Silver
Serving the Servant (42:40)
Danny shares some stories from his many years of work in the music industry. Melanie recommends everyone check out Danny’s new book, Serving the Servant, about his experiences with Kurt Cobain.
“I’m not even sure how much of this is even me doing anything. A lot of times it feels more like being on one of those rides at Disneyland… I’m not sure how much of the script I’m contributing to.” – Danny Goldberg
