Bela Fleck

"I believe in figuring out my own way to do things. This approach can yield great results, but it's got its negative sides." So begins folk-jazz guitarist Bela Fleck in his essay, Doing Things My Way (9/25/06 - 4:00), part of the ongoing NPR series "This I Believe."

Recently, Fleck discussed his early experiences with music, and played variations on "Oh! Susanna" on the NPR's From the Top (9/20/2006 - 7:04).

Musings

• There's a peculiarly American strain in both Fleck's music and his attitude about it, especially as revealed in this short essay.
  

• The "This I Believe" series entails what turns out to be a rather difficult format, not that people lack opinions about what they think but precisely because everyone has them and after a while they all tend to blend together. Thus producing a good NPR piece in this series is akin to writing a good college essay. Here are two key suggestions from the "This I Believe" tips-page for doing just that:
  
  
  • Be specific. Take your belief out of the ether and ground it in the events of your life. Consider moments when belief was formed or tested or changed. Think of your own experience, work and family, and tell of the things you know that no one else does. Your story need not be heart-warming or gut-wrenching -- it can even be funny -- but it should be real. Make sure your story ties to the essence of your daily life philosophy and the shaping of your beliefs.
    
    
  • Be personal: This is radio. Write in words and phrases that are comfortable for you to speak. We recommend you read your essay aloud to yourself several times, and each time edit it and simplify it until you find the words, tone and story that truly echo your belief and the way you speak.