Looks became a heck of a lot more important during the video era.
I don’t think musicians like Billy Joel or Elton John for that matter would have a prayer at superstardom these days. These recording companies learned that it is much easier to sell sex appeal w/o musical talent than it is the other way around (for the most part).
I am the entertainer
And I know just where I stand
Another serenader
And another long haired band
Today I am your champion
I may have won your hearts
But I know the game, you'll forget my name
I won't be here in another year
If I don't stay on the charts
This may be what happened to Christopher Cross. I recall in 1980 when his song “Arthur’s Theme” came out with the Liza Minelli movie of the same name. Chris had one big hit right after another, Ride Like The Wind, Sailing, and others.
Then MTV became popular, and Chris didn’t look like the typical entertainer with his large, heavy frame. He looked closer to Meat Loaf, but Meat Loaf had a different stage persona, wild, raunchy and gutteral. Chris’s music alluded to opposite impressions. He didn’t make the leap into MTV appeal with all it’s TV rules and expectations.
“These recording companies learned that it is much easier to sell sex appeal w/o musical talent than it is the other way around (for the most part).”
Yeah. Look at Janis Ian. Stunning voice, but never a big-time star.