Silent Success
Image Courtesy: Aleksandra Madjeska
The music industry’s unsung heroes, whose words reach billions of eager ears, are known as ghostwriters. While songs with relatable verses about heartbreak or empowerment may forge deep connections with listeners, the sobering truth is that many artists adopt these life experiences rather than live them. Singing out lyrics with passion and innuendo does not necessarily mean the artist wrote the message their song conveys. Ghostwriting is a common and prominent practice throughout the music industry, raising questions about an artist’s authenticity. Authenticity in the music industry is a matter of perspective, where shades of gray blur the line between genuine artistry and industry norms. For example, an artist’s persona and stage performances are carefully curated and crafted to generate popularity, deeming them a mere fantasy. However, is adopting another person's lyrics something that can be successfully borrowed, or does this cross a line?
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While many know that ghostwriters play a role in the music industry, discovering how many iconic songs were actually ghostwritten can be truly surprising. Like many others, I am an avid Beyoncé admirer. Her talent knows no bounds; she is a dazzling performer who owns the stage, carrying the voice of a mighty angel. “Halo,” boasting billions of streams as one of Beyoncé’s most iconic songs, was written by Ryan Tedder and Evan Bogart. Quentin Miller has been named the official ghostwriter for Drake, raising questions about the legitimacy of Drake’s entire career. The Weeknd has had almost entire albums credited to the Swedish songwriter Max Martin. The Grammy-winning song “Snooze,” sung by SZA, was written by Leon Thomas III, yet the public entirely accredits it to SZA. The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, employed Mike Stoller to create “Jailhouse Rock” and “Hound Dog.”
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While this extensive list could go on, these examples are hallmarks representative of each individual’s career. Listeners worldwide are often unaware of the integral role ghostwriting plays in the music industry, raising the ethical question of whether ghostwriters receive sufficient credit. This omission of truth by labels and artists is a deceptive tool constructed to build the image of an artist. Unlike novelists and poets, whose personal voice is a defining element of their craft, singers often become mere vessels through which lyrics come to life. Yet, society perceives an artist’s song as their own words and creation to be consumed as a melodic harmony. Artists, in this sense, become mere imitators of someone else’s life experiences, embodying the persona of their ghostwriters. Meanwhile, record labels sell a manufactured product, turning artistry into a commodity rather than a true expression of the artist.
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The term "ghostwriting" itself implies secrecy and reservation. Record labels understand that when fans discover artists have not written their most famous songs, their credibility can begin to slip away, thus weakening authentic connections with their audiences. Ultimately, ghostwriting remains a paradox, both an indispensable force in shaping the music industry and a controversial practice that challenges our perception of artistic legitimacy. While some may feel deceived by the manufactured authenticity of their favorite artists, others recognize that collaboration has always been at the heart of music. Perhaps the real question is not whether ghostwriting is ethical but how the industry can balance artistry, transparency, and fairness to honor all creative contributors.
Strike Out,
Writer: Isabelle Kim
Editor: Dani Hernandez
Tallahassee