A Letter of Openness from Sheryl Crow
To Our Fans, the Entire Entertainment Community, and the All-American Rejects,
My heart is overflowing with thanks and appreciation for the amazing adventure we have all taken together as I sit down to write this letter. I’ve had the honour of observing and, in some small way, helping to shape a dynamic and always changing entertainment scene throughout the years. I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for your inspiration, love, and support.
We are grateful to the All-American Rejects, Tyson, Nick, Mike, and Chris, for being a source of inspiration, tenacity, and friendship. It has been truly motivating to see your adventure come to fruition. We have all been reminded of the strength of sincerity and vulnerability by your music, which is brimming with unadulterated passion and contagious enthusiasm. Your tunes, including the uplifting “Gives You Hell” and the introspective “Move Along,” have accompanied countless lives, including mine. I commend you for demonstrating to the world that storytelling and craftsmanship are still at the core of music.
In addition to creating your legacy, your enthusiasm and commitment have inspired many artists, including me. One of the real pleasures of my career has been working with and being inspired by talents such as yourself. You’ve demonstrated how music has the power to bring people together from all walks of life and to transcend barriers. I appreciate that gift.
You are the reason any of us are able to fulfil our aspirations, fans—you are our lifeline. We are reminded of why we do what we do by your steadfast support, your sincere remarks on social media, and your voices joining in at concerts. By accepting our histories, feelings, and imperfections, you have forged an unfathomable bond. Every chord we play and every note we sing is for you.
You have been our rock during the highs and lows. Your excitement rekindled our passion at a time when the industry seemed daunting. Your love and cheers filled the emptiness when the path became lonely. Every artist who takes the stage, releases a new song, or uses their craft to reveal a vulnerable aspect of themselves is greatly impacted by you, and I hope you understand that.
You are the unsung heroes of our journeys, producers, managers, sound engineers, lighting designers, and everyone else in the entertainment industry. You’ve established a space where artists may flourish, try new things, and develop. We appreciate your support, encouragement, and faith in the transformational potential of art and music.
Thinking back on all of the amazing experiences I’ve been given, I know that without all of you, none of this would be possible. You’ve created an atmosphere that encourages innovation, rewards taking chances, and makes dreams come true.
I hope we keep pushing limits, encouraging one another, and creating a community based on respect, love, and cooperation as we look to the future. We’ve worked together to produce something classic that will appeal to future generations.
With all of my affection and appreciation,
Sheryl Crow