The Kid Who Watched a Cartoon

LINK TO YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/hv5XH_PDDPU

YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@BootstrappedUnicornsPodcast

ORIGINAL RELEASE DATE: December 22, 2023

RELEASE DATE: June 27, 2024

EPISODE: 14

SHOW NOTES:

This one was fun. Jazz lovers, you're especially going to enjoy this episode.

Welcome to episode 14 of the Bootstrapped Unicorns podcast! In this episode, host Josh Pies welcomes music curator Jamie Smith. Jamie has quite a fun, interesting story to tell about how his love for a voice that heard in a cartoon as a kid turned into a life-long passion and successful side business. Also, he befriended a legend. How many can say that? Hear how a youthful fascination turned into a lifetime of appreciation, and how that appreciation was shared with others. You won't want to miss this discussion!

BLOG:

From Fandom to Legacy: How One Teen's Admiration Became a Lifelong Mission

The Beginning: A Voice That Changed Everything

 Imagine being a teenager and stumbling upon a voice that stops you in your tracks. For Jamie, this happened with a video titled "America Rocks," part of the "Schoolhouse Rocks" series where jazz stars sang about American history and mathematics. What caught Jamie's attention was a snippet about the invention of the sewing machine, sung by an artist with a mesmerizing voice. This artist was none other than Blossom Dearie—although her name was misspelled often all over the early internet. Jamie’s curiosity led him down a rabbit hole of research, ultimately leading him to correct the internet’s mistake and create a website dedicated to Blossom Dearie. This website marked the beginning of a relationship that transformed Jamie's life.

A Relationship Blossoms

Blossom Dearie, a jazz artist with a career spanning decades, was deeply touched by Jamie's dedication. So much so that she reached out to him through the Musician's Union. This initial contact snowballed into regular conversations and a long-lasting friendship. For Jamie, Blossom wasn't just a voice from a cartoon; she became a mentor, a friend, and a significant influence in his life.

 From Friendship to Business

Blossom Dearie's trust in Jamie grew over time. She granted him the responsibility of maintaining her online presence, ultimately putting him in charge of the official Blossom Dearie website. What started as Jamie’s personal project turned into a mission to preserve and promote Blossom's legacy. After Blossom's passing, Jamie continued to honor her memory by managing Daffodil Records, Blossom's independent label. Today, Daffodil Records remains one of the rare independent record labels founded by a woman, still operational more than 50 years later.

Jamie’s Lifelong Mission

Jamie speaks with immense gratitude about his role in Blossom’s life and legacy. He works diligently to preserve her recordings, release unreleased tracks, and interact with fans who span generations. His efforts have seen the digitization and restoration of Blossom’s works, collaborations with Universal Music, and the introduction of Blossom’s music to a new generation through platforms like Spotify and Instagram.

The Importance of Legacy

Jamie emphasizes that his work isn't just technical; it’s about preserving an artist’s soul and spirit. Blossom was known for her high standards and her refusal to settle, such as the moment she walked out on a major label that undervalued her work. Jamie continues to embody her ethos by giving fans not just music, but a piece of Blossom’s life and soul.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Jamie’s journey is a testament to the power of starting something small. He advises others to be doers, not seekers, and to just plant seeds. You never know what will grow. Jamie started as a fan, became a friend, and transitioned into a custodian of a lasting legacy. His work proves that passion and dedication can transform lives in unexpected ways.

Explore Blossom Dearie’s Legacy

If you’re curious about Blossom Dearie, Jamie recommends starting with these albums:

• My New Celebrity Is You: Jamie’s personal favorite, perfect for getting lost in smooth jazz melodies.
• Blossom Dearie Sings: A funky and engaging album entirely written by Blossom. 
• Blossom Dearie 1975: A forthcoming album, anticipated to release around Valentine’s Day, featuring beautifully restored tracks. Join the growing community of Blossom Dearie fans by following her on Instagram and Facebook, where Jamie shares stories, music snippets, and archival treasures. Explore the depth of a remarkable artist who continues to influence and inspire.                                                                                                                                   

Jamie’s story is not just about preserving a legacy; it’s about embodying the spirit of entrepreneurship by following your passion, taking risks, and staying true to your mission. All it takes is one moment of inspiration to spark a lifelong journey. So, what are you waiting for? Start planting those seeds. You never know which one will grow into your very own orchard of dreams.

To connect with Jamie:

https://www.instagram.com/theblossomdearie/

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