What is the ultimate importance of music and the arts in life? On today’s episode, legendary baseball player and jazz guitarist Bernie Williams joins us. He talks about how it was growing up in Puerto Rico, playing for the New York Yankees his entire career, and why he wants kids to love music, too.

“Not everybody's gonna be a virtuoso musician but to use music as instrument for education, I think, is vital for every culture.” - Bernie Williams

Three Things We Learned

Making life connections through music

Bernie believes exposing kids to music and the arts helps them make a connection with the world. There is actual scientific evidence that supports the importance of music and the arts to make children well-rounded. He wishes to contribute in having every kid get this opportunity in their lives.

Importance of music and art education

All thriving cultures around the world with great public education systems have their core music, arts and athletics in the forefront. Indeed, mathematics and literature, among other subjects, are important. But there is also the fact that exposure to music and the arts gives better understanding and opportunity to utilize parts of the brain otherwise not used.

A successful life through music, the arts and sports

People often say that a successful life is all about good timing. The same can be said for music and sports: music is about hitting the right note at the right time. Then there is baseball, which is about hitting the ball at the right place at the right time.

At a young age, Bernie was able to make connections with life through music and the arts. In a society where people give the sciences and maths much more importance and leverage, we should also remember that music and the arts feed the heart and soul.

Bio:

Growing up in Puerto Rico, Bernie Williams discovered his love for baseball and music at roughly the same time. At the age of eight, he fell in love with the sounds of a flamenco guitar his merchant-marine father brought home from Spain. He also felt the same exhilaration when he first picked up a baseball bat.

The young student-athlete quickly excelled in both pursuits, going on to attend the special performance arts school Escuela Libre de Musica at the age of thirteen. He became one of the most noted young athletes on the island.

When Williams signed a contract with the New York Yankees at age 17, he brought his love of music with him. In his 16 year career patrolling centerfield for the New York Yankees, Bernie Williams was a four-time World Series Champion and a five-time All Star.

Throughout Williams’ years with The Yankees, his passion for music never waned. The sound of a guitar would often be heard emanating from the clubhouse or during team flights.

Whether acoustic or electric, a guitar was a constant presence in the star’s locker or equipment bag. In 2003, he demonstrated how serious his musical pursuit was with the release of his first album, The Journey Within.

The record featured fusions of jazz, rock and the tropical rhythms of Williams’ heritage. It was met with both strong critical praise and instant chart success- reaching #3 on Billboard’s “Contemporary Jazz Chart.”

Bernie also co-authored a book in 2011 published by Hal Leonard Books titled, Rhythms of the Game: The Link Between Music and Athletic Performance. The book examines the symbiotic relationship between musical artistry and athletic performance through the eyes of a man who has mastered both.

Links:

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We hope you enjoyed Bernie Williams on this episode of Legends and Losers! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners.