The Ancient Greek scientist Archimedes of Syracuse
Moderation in all things: The adage dates back to the Greek poet Hesiod. To accompany the thought, our previous Parting Word courtesy of Tallulah Bankhead: “Never practice two vices at once”; sage advice on keeping life between the lines. Keeping life interesting in the meantime? Another matter altogether.
An experienced yoga teacher will tell you that achieving balance will always remain an ambition. Arrogance will lead us to believe we can control all the random forces that pull us in opposite directions. Complicating matters further: Any judgement of what you or someone else might consider to be a vice.
Smoking as a human activity is about as old as sailing or writing. Burning and inhaling was initially reserved for the conduct of sacred ritual, steadily becoming less communal and sacred as it evolved into a solitary practice.
In the process, the numbers of those who chose to practice have been diminishing. In the early decades of the 20th Century, it was estimated that 80% of adult males and nearly half of all women used tobacco in some form. This included individuals who were already placing a different type of stress on their throats: professional singers.
Among them, singers whose unique voices may have been made even more distinctive by their pack-a-day habits; say Billie Holiday or Frank Sinatra. There are also names appearing on this roster that might surprise you. Enrico Caruso apparently had a craving for Egyptian cigarettes. Operatic soprano Maria Callas would chain smoke as she watched her favorite Westerns on TV. More contemporary relationships with tobacco would include Lana Del Rey and Adele.
For your consideration, an example of grace under fire left smoldering in the ashtray. Jo Stafford’s singing voice can seem as calm and transparent as a glass of water. This type of alto used to be referred to as smoky. There is a photograph of Jo Stafford alone in front of a microphone during a recording session; a pack of unfiltereds there within easy reach.
Just listen. The singing in these two songs is accompanied by smoke as much as it is by musicians. Much like yoga, both practices focus on breathing. First breath to last measuring the significance of whatever might lie between. Full disclosure: There is a seldom-cited coda to Hesiod’s ancient quote: Moderation in all things, including moderation.
Song, Artist, Album
The Nearness Of You, Jo Stafford, Portrait
Smoking My Sad Cigarette, Jo Stafford, Portrait
We Don’t Grow Tobacco, Old Crow, Carry Me Back
Tamp ‘Em Up Solid, Ry Cooder, Paradise and Lunch
Smoke Rings, Les Paul / Mary Ford, Bye Bye Blues
Roll Another Number, Neil Young, Tonight’s The Night
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, Platters, Golden Hits
The Cigar Song, Brad Paisley, Mud On The Tires
Cigarettes And Coffee, Otis Redding, Soul Album
Fool For A Cigarette, Ry Cooder, Paradise And Lunch
Dream, Diana Krall, Turn Up The Quiet
