There was one other mountain to climb: I had NO connections.
I got gigs singing in rock bands where we were lucky to make $50 a night on those rare occasions when we'd actually book a gig. During the day, I worked in one of those "phone rooms" where a bunch of people called prospective businesses to sell them frisbees or pens with their business name printed on them.
I was pitching my original songs and got the opportunity to record some of them in a studio owned by the managers of the group, "Air Supply." They loved my tunes and even said I had some hits. But, they were getting out of the band biz and moving to New York City to pursue other creative aspirations. They were at least kind enough to give me free use of their studio in the final weeks of its existence, which helped me to record a decent song demo reel.
I had also been singing in a "power rock" trio that eventually hired ex-"Runaway," Lita Ford, to take my place. At least you can stay pretty skinny when you don't have much money for food.
Although I was a "rocker" with shagged hair, tough attitude and exuberant stage presence, I was offered a record deal as a COUNTRY artist. What? This "Ann Wilson-ish," "Pat Benetar-y," "Joan Jett-like" rocker from upstate New York was offered a COUNTRY record deal? Me? Are you kidding?
Country wasn't as cool in the 80s as it is today. Had it been, I would have jumped on that offer. But, instead of being grateful for that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the ignorance of my youth felt I would have numerous other offers in the near future. So, I turned it down with defiance.
Hindsight is 20/20. I should have taken that opportunity and then crossed over into pop and rock after I had achieved some success in the country field. I did not understand the concepts of PR, positioning and networking back then. I wanted to HAVE HITS. Be careful what you wish for...
In 1981, I was HIT by a car driven by an actor named, Mark Goddard. Mark was a star of a TV series called, "Lost in Space." After he hit me, I was truly lost in space for over a year.
Mark Goddard from "Lost in Space"
While I am of the spiritual belief that I must have had some responsibility in getting hit by this man who ran a stop sign, I still cannot believe he did not even contact me after that to see how I was faring! His lawyer advised him against it. So, there I was...ALONE...on a mattress on the floor of my apartment, with no means of support, in much pain and without the ability to even sign my name. This professional actor ran a young singer down and then totally abandoned her for fear of some legal or financial retribution. To this very day, I remain disappointed in his lack of compassion. After a year of building back my mental capacity and physical strength, I was awarded the small sum of $30,000. That was before the lawyer took his thirty percent. Justice is sometimes blind. But, I hope that one day, Mr. Goddard will want to make spiritual amends for that life-changing moment in 1981 when he smashed into my little yellow mustang and put my life on hold for such a long time.
That car wreck forced me to move back to Las Vegas and into the home of my dear mother, Louise. There, I could try to mend my body, mind and spirit.
(Stay tuned for Part 3 of this story and others! I hope you'll follow my blog by joining "google" and then pressing "Follow" on my blog. There are many stories coming your way including the conclusion of the "Trading Spaces" TV reality show fiasco and the continuing journey of "A Hard-Rocked Life." I look forward to seeing your picture in my "Followers" area! Thanks so much!)
