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Devin: what do you see as your superpower?
Rick: Now, my superpower, because I've learned so much from these outstanding causes and from these amazing people I've met along the way… people are asking me if I might know the solution to something, so you can ask me anything. Now, I have a whole bunch of actual solutions to actual problems.
In today's episode of "Superpowers for Good," I had the pleasure of speaking with Rick DellaRatta, the visionary founder of Jazz for Peace. Rick's insights into the power of music as a universal language for fostering peace and unity struck a deep chord with me and, I believe, with our listeners as well.
Rick poetically expressed how "Jazz for Peace, coming through the trees, fills my heart like a celebration." This imagery captures the essence of what Rick has achieved through his work—using the universal appeal of jazz music to bridge divides, inspire hope, and foster a deeper connection among people, irrespective of their backgrounds.
During our conversation, Rick recounted an incredibly moving experience in Ghana, where he performed for individuals who had never been exposed to jazz music before. His reflections on their genuine, unfiltered reactions to the music underscored the universal language of jazz. "It's funny because there's a video of it... and you can hear the people reacting to the music at certain points. They would start clapping and make sounds as it affected them, and they would just emote that it was affecting them," Rick shared.
This experience in Ghana highlights the raw power of music to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, offering a glimpse into the potential of the arts to build bridges and foster understanding. Rick's commitment to using his art to "espouse, so to speak, for who you are as a person, your growth as a human being, and what it means to you to make a difference for others" is a testament to the transformative potential of integrating one's passions with a purpose greater than oneself.
Rick's journey with Jazz for Peace is a beacon of hope, showing us how the arts can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. As we continue to navigate a world rife with challenges, Rick's work serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty that can arise when creativity, humanity, and a commitment to peace converge.
AI Episode Summary
1. Rick DellaRatta is a guest on the "Superpowers for Good" show hosted by Devin Thorpe.
2. Rick is the founder of Jazz for Peace and is recognized for his musical talent and dedication to peace.
3. During the show, Rick recites a poem and performs a piece of music that convey his message of peace and empathy.
4. Jazz for Peace is a response to the tragic events of 9/11, aligning Rick's music with a mission to make a difference and support causes.
5. Rick has performed internationally, including in countries like Pakistan, Nigeria, and Ghana, to spread the message of peace through jazz.
6. Audiences worldwide, regardless of their familiarity with jazz, react positively to Rick's music, demonstrating the universal appeal of the art form.
7. Rick's work has evolved to include providing solutions to social issues and conflicts, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
8. Rick's superpower is his ability to stay positive, see adversity as an opportunity, and now share solutions to significant challenges based on his experiences.
9. To develop the ability to solve big problems, Rick advises embracing humanity's greatest qualities collectively, such as humanity, creativity, artistry, and intellect.
10. People can learn more about Jazz for Peace and connect with Rick through the generic email address info@jazzforpeace.org, and his work focuses on empowerment grants and growing an "empowerment tree."
How to Develop Transformative Solutions As a Superpower
Rick DellaRatta’s superpower can be encapsulated in the phrase "transformative solutions."
Rick's superpower lies in his ability to perceive adversity as an opportunity for improvement, a perspective that enables him to turn challenges into positive outcomes. Initially, this manifested in his talent for "making lemonade out of lemons" when aiding outstanding causes. Over time, this evolved into Rick possessing actionable solutions to significant global problems, garnered from his experiences and the wisdom shared by the numerous exceptional individuals and causes he's encountered.
An illustrative story from the interview is Rick's account of bringing together Israeli, Palestinian, and American musicians in 2002 at the United Nations. This endeavor was part of his ongoing effort to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a commitment that has won him over a million impressions on LinkedIn from people interested in his solution to this longstanding issue. This story exemplifies how Rick uses his superpower to foster peace and understanding through music and dialogue.
To develop a superpower akin to Rick's, one might embrace humanity, creativity, artistry, and intellectuality, thereby allowing the "cream to rise to the top." By bringing out the best in oneself, one can inspire others, finding common ground even in the most challenging situations. Music, or any universal language of peace, can be a vehicle for creating positive communication and understanding.
By following Rick DellaRatta’s example and advice, you can make transformative solutions a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Rick DellaRatta (he/him):
Founder, Jazz for Peace™
About Jazz for Peace™: Jazz for Peace™ provides Empowerment Grants, sustainable funding and advocacy for non-profits and all outstanding causes worldwide for over two decades to enable them to be more productive and successful.
Website: jazzforpeace.org
X/Twitter Handle: @jazzmgmt
Company Facebook Page: fb.com/JazzforPeaceGrant/
Biographical Information: Rick DellaRatta is now considered by many to be one of the finest Singer/Pianists performing today and one of only a handful of Jazz Artists who can make a successful musical presentation to a large audience without having to abandon the true art form of Jazz. Through his lifelong endeavor to help advance people to their highest potential through the understanding of Jazz as well as spreading peace worldwide through his "Jazz for Peace World Tour," Rick DellaRatta is considered to be an innovator and a visionary.
His unique and original piano playing and composing have been compared in print to Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, Keith Jarrett, Joe Zawinul, Horace Silver, Oscar Peterson, and Thelonious Monk, while his signature vocal sound and style have been likened to Chet Baker, Billie Holiday, Joao Gilberto, Ivan Lins, Michael Franks, and Antonio Carlos Jobim.
Dr. Billy Taylor put Rick's impact in perspective when commenting on Rick's "Thought Provoking CD—he said: "Rick DellaRatta is one of the people who is taking Jazz to the next level".
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/rick-dellaratta-08199818/
Instagram Handle: @jazzforpeace
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The Resonance of Jazz for Peace: Harmonizing Humanity and Artistry