Over the last 40 years, music has made a drastic change from innocent lyrics about goodnight kisses and romantic evenings to vulgar expressions about sex, drugs and money. In this day and age, it is easy to produce a hit song with a catchy beat that sounds similar to every other club banger song you hear on the radio. True talent, however, is found in artists who can reinvent themselves and who hold an appreciation for the generation of artists that once inspired them.

Rufus Wainwright released his self titled debut album ‘Rufus Wainwright’ in May of ’98, and his popularity has been growing ever since. In June of 2006, Wainwright proved that he still has an undeniable talent as both a composer and a lyricist by paying tribute to a legend he once worshiped as a kid.

On a hot summer night in June, backed by a 36-piece orchestra, Wainwright performed just as Judy Garland had in her legendary 1961 concert at Carnegie Hall. Playing the exact same set as Garland, Wainwright thrilled the audience with his smooth voice, sometimes appearing on stage in drag. Lorna Lufy, Garland’s daughter, also made an appearance during the concert in a duet with Wainwright singing, ‘After You’ve Gone.’

‘I’m trying to think of it as my continuing education in how to be a legend,’ Wainwright told fans in response to his two sold out concerts.

Wainwright is certainly proving himself to be worthy of the title with sold out concerts and the successful release of his latest album, ‘Release the Stars.’ It is entertainers like Rufus that give hope to the music industry and future artists. Rufus will be performing his last Judy Garland concert this Sunday, Sept. 23 at the Hollywood Bowl in California. If you have the money, or a free plane ticket, I suggest making the trip.