Muses of Music

In Greek mythology, muses inspired science, literature and art. According to these myths, muses were the source of the knowledge expressed in poetry, songs and fables. In modern times, muses often come in the form of men and women that inspire musicians, painters or even writers. These individuals have gone on to shape the trajectory of their counterparts’ artistic careers be it in music or on canvas. In music, muses have had a considerable influence in both positive and negative respects.

The inspiration to write and produce music varies from one artist to another. A woman is perhaps the greatest inspiration there has been to this form of art both presently and in the past. Songs and albums have been named after women, poetry sang in their praise and so on and so forth. There’s just something about the female species. It’s no surprise however considering the original muses were goddesses.

The best musical works in history have been attributed to the presence of muses as motivation. From the icon John Lennon to the legendary Marvin Gaye, one aspect clearly stood out in their music creation process. That is the presence of a female character whom the lyrics formed a clear embodiment of.

Yoko Ono and John Lennon

Yoko Ono is much accredited with the breaking up of the English rock band The Beatles. Considered a charlatan by most, Yoko is also termed as an eccentric muse whose influence on John Lennon went beyond music. The two met at a London art gallery in 1966 and it is reported that John never wanted to spend a day away from her afterwards.

Shirley "Sara" Noznisky and Bob Dylan

Sara and Bob started seeing each other romantically some time during 1964. Bob fell for Sara’s kind hearted and resourceful nature. Sources claim that Sara struck most as being shy, a good listener and knowledgeable. Sara married Bob in a secret ceremony in 1965. It is worth noting that the muses of music to Bob Dylan were numerous before Sara.

This relationship is cited by most as being the inspiration Bob Dylan’s musical works. Bob Dylan wrote the songs “Sara,” “Love Minus Zero/No Limit” and “Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands” for his muse Sara. The couple had four children; Samuel Dylan, Jakob Dylan, Jesse Dylan and Anna Dylan. The album Blood on the Tracks has been cited by most as being inspired by Bob and Sara’s failing marriage. In June 1977, the couple finally had a divorce.

Pamela Ann Miller and Michael Des Barres, Amongst Others

Michael Des Barres is a British rock singer and actor best known for replacing Robert Palmer as the lead singer in the band Power station. The muse Pamela is known to have had affiliations with several big acts which included Mick Jagger, Keith Moon, and Michael Richards. Pamela Ann’s rise to fame wasn’t because she had a song or an album named after her but rather because she has inspired a great deal of lyrics from musical Legends of her time.

The muse published her books I’m with the Band and Take Another Little Piece of my Heart where she narrates tales of her famous sexual exploits with rock stars. Pamela married Michael Des Barres on October 29 1977. They later had a son, Nicholas Dean Des Barres and divorced in the summer of 1991.

Anna Gordy and Marvin Gaye

Anna Gordy is known for inspiring the legend Marvin Gaye to write a couple of memorable hit singles. With Anna’s inspiration, Marvin wrote “Stubborn Kind of Fellow,” “Pride and Joy,” “That’s the Love Is” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” It is said that Anna Gordy co-wrote some of Marvin Gaye’s music even through a turbulent marriage marred with infidelity.

Marvin Gaye won acclaim for his music and personal life notably the relationship between him and his abusive father. Marvin met Anna while working as a staff drummer for Anna’s record label “Anna Records” in 1963. The couple got married in 1963 despite Anna being 17 years older than Marvin. The pair adopted a male child christening him Marvin Gaye the third.

Edith Minturn Sedgwick

Edie was an accomplished socialite, fashion model and actress. This muse is referred to most as being the figure of rebellion and freedom in the sixties. Edie had a rough childhood growing up around a cruel father. It is reported that by the age of 13 she had elicited signs of mental illness. After bouts of anorexia, bulimia and hospitalization Edie finally recovered.

Justine Frischmann

This English songstress is accredited with the formation of the alternative rock band Suede alongside her college love Brett Anderson. The pair met at a London college where Justine was studying architecture. The couple played music until 1989 when Justine started going out with Damon Albarn.

Unhappy about the affair, Brett kicked out Miss Frischmann from the group Suede. Her muse on Brett Anderson and Suede in general was particularly funny in the sense that the band was better after she left. She inspired the songs “No Distance Left to Run” and “Animal Nitrate.” Sadly, her addiction to heroin use led to her relationship with Damon going south.

Anita Pallenberg, Keith Richards and The Rolling Stones

Anita was a blond model, charming and good-looking. She is known to have had an obsession with the Occult and hardcore drug use. Keith Richards is a British songwriter and singer who is known for being a founding member of the rock band The Rolling Stones. Anita’s influence on Keith was so strong, Keith is at one point quoted saying “Anita almost killed me.”