10 Great Musicians - Beyoncé Knowles

I’m a human being. I cry. I’m very passionate and sensitive. My feelings get hurt. I get scared and nervous like everyone else.

I have so much respect for Beyoncé. Her solo career almost didn’t happen because she fought with depression in the late 90s as she struggled to adjust to being a worldwide sensation with Destiny’s Child. Keep in mind, she was still a teenager at the time! For her to overcome that (with some help from her mother) and become one of the most recognizable musicians in the world is extraordinary. It speaks volumes about her work ethic and how much she cares about her craft. I guess we should throw her talent in there too, because it’s there.

Oh boy, is her talent ever there. Have you ever listened to a Beyoncé song? Of course you’ve heard one, we all have, but have you ever really listened to one? Have you ever leaned in, turned up the volume, and heard just what she can do with her voice? Have you ever actually looked at the credits for her songs and realized that she does a fair amount of the songwriting and production work? Have you ever watched her perform live? If not, watch her absolutely stunning performance at the 2010 Grammys. Regardless of whether she’s recording, performing, acting, or just dancing, she puts her all into it. For someone who is at the top of her game to keep pushing herself like that, that deserves a lot of respect.

It’s hard to believe she only turned 30 last year. Four albums, countless number one hits, an almost endless library of great songs, and you still have to think she’s just getting started. Much fuss has been made about her recent foray into motherhood, and I wish nothing but the best for her as she takes this new step in not just her career, but her life. I really look forward to whatever she does next, because it’s going to be great. She has set the bar so high for herself that even if she falls just below it, it’s still a lot better than anyone else’s best.