Busking Kennedy

When he started out, after a hot-housing as a classical player, Nigel Kennedy was as pissed off by the exponents of classical music as they were with him. Especially after the 16-year-old cut off class to play with Stephane Grapelli at Carnegie Hall. (CBS dropped the artist who went on to make the world's best selling classical album).
And he busked.

Kennedy told The Guardian (31/8/13): "It taught me a real lesson, busking did. That if people like the music you play, they'll listen to it - and they don't give a shit whether its called classical, jazz or anything.

"And that's a good metaphor for what the real life is with music - communication with large numbers of people, rather than just the classical aficionados."
Years ago I found myself sharing a joint with him at our local bar. Wished I'd asked him more.