It’s a simple question, but can be answered many ways with a plethora of aspects.
I remember one time I was at John Pisano’s Guitar Night, and the guest was a young, more modern six stringer. Pisano asked between songs if there was something he wanted to play, and the guy mentioned if he knew “so and so.” Pisano demurred, responding, “No, I’m a bopper.”
For many of us, our identity is in our music, or even more specifically, our style of music. But what happens if what we are associated with is taken away? Ron Carter wanted to be a classical bassist, but because of the social prejudices, he switched over to jazz bass. Was he less of a bass player? Was his ultimate identity altered?
We all like certain of our identities; some like to be a “jazzer,” others simply a “music lover.” However, if my entire identity was in my music, I wouldn’t have married the wonderful bride I’ve had for 32 years. She is almost a-musical, which leads to some difficult after-concert discussions. The good news is that our identity is not in being musical; it’s based on something more transcendental.
The reason that this topic is so important is because the two “INTERVIEWS” for the month are about artists who’ve had their identities challenged the past few years. Sonny Rollins is considered not only the greatest living tenor saxophonist, but the greatest living jazz musician, period. However, due to health reasons, that identity has been taken away (hopefully temporarily). His famous routine of marathon practices and big toned concerts has been stripped away, and he’s therefore been forced to re-think what (and Who) he actually bases his identity on. His conclusions can only come after everything else has been stripped away.
Likewise with David Murray. Once considered the poster child of the “New” jazz artists, while at the peak of his popularity, Murray pulled up stakes and moved to France to create a new life. He explored various “non-jazz” styles of music, even delving into opera, eschewing the limited confines of his previous identity.
I bring this up as a lesson to all readers. One of the greatest ways of finding out your identity is this: ask yourself, “What quality must a spouse of mine have in order for us to be compatible?” That is what your identity was. When I was younger, my identity was in being Greek, so she had to be Hellenic. I subsequently went through various identities based on culture, race and tastes until I realized that the core of who I am was based on my faith. So, I ended up with a non Greek, a-musical woman that has made me happier than any Mediterranean jazzer I could have imagined.
So when you listen to music, try to remember who you are, and “Who’s” you are. This allows you to take in styles such as opera, classical, folk, electronics and rock to help you appreciate jazz and even make you a better musician.
FAMOUS PEOPLE THAT HAD MORE THAN ONE IDENTITY
HEDDY LAMARR-Besides being one of the most beautiful actresses, she is credited to having invented the prototype for the cell phone
JIMMY STEWART-the famed actor was also a top notch pilot, being on at least 12 missions and eventually becoming a brigadier general
QUINCY JONES-starting out as a trumpet player, he eventually became one of America’s great music producers, including Sinatra, Michael Jackson and Roots as just a few of his great album creations.
MOE BERG-a journeyman catcher for the American League, he also served as a spy for the Office of Strategic Services, which became the CIA during the mid 20th Century
LARRY KLEIN-starting out as bassist for Freddie Hubbard, Klein felt more comfortable in the studio and became one of the most sought after producers for the likes of Joni Mitchell and Luciana Souza.
DAVE DEBUSSCHERE, BO JACKSON, DEION SANDERS-All three are athletes that played professionally 
in more than one sport. DeBusschere played basketball and was a pitcher, Jackson was a fullback and outfielder, and Sanders played left field and cornerback.
ETHEL WATERS-after becoming one of the first blues singers to perform in the jazz context, she turned 
her back on her glamorous career and became an evangelist
THOMAS A DORSEY-starting a career as a barrelhouse pianist for Ma Rainey, Dorsey turned his life over to God and wrote classic gospel pieces like “Precious Lord, Take My Soul” and “Peace in the Valley.”
FRANK SINATRA-after being the most popular singer for Bobby Sockers, Sinatra lost his voice to overuse and Ava Gardner. He rested his chops and developed acting skills, starring in movies like Suddenly and winning an Oscar in From Here to Eternity.
PAUL WINCHELL-known to Baby Boomers as the ventriloquist for Jerry Mahoney and Knucklehead Smith, he also invented the first artificial heart.
DAVE BRUBECK-besides being the famed leader of his “Take Five” Quartet, Brubeck wrote much 
liturgical music, and started his career as the pianist for gospel bands
WINSTON CHURCHILL-contrary to popular belief, Churchill did not make his money as a result of 
politics (take note Bill and Hillary Clinton). He was already a millionaire upon entering politics due to his historic writing. His books on the Boer War, WWI, and WWII are still considered state of the art. He also won a painting award under an assumed name.
ALEC GUINNESS & TONY RANDALL-Guinness played almost every character except the building itself in “Kind Hearts and Cornets,” and Randall played just about everyone except the MGM lion in the film “The Seven Faces of Dr. Lao.”
AL GREEN-Gave up a “successful” career as the premier soul singer to save his soul as a preacher. We went to his church, and it was ROLLING! 
FINALLY, MY WIFE-When I met her, she was a veterinarian. She then gave that up to become a nurse so we could go on medical missions together. Along with that, she served up dinner for over 20 college kids every Monday night at our house and does counselling on the side. That’s an identity with God!