Buster, Oh Busta, It's Time to Bust Some Chains Again!
Throughout the ages, Buster's have changed the world, as their name implied ... it's about time for another Buster (or Busta) to bust out!
The earliest definition of Buster can be found in the Oxford English Dictionary (1614). Buster is used to mean “a person who or thing which ‘busts’ a specified thing, or causes it to break or burst”:
The first documented use of the word buster comes to us via the arrival of the first African slaves to Jamestown, Virginia 1619. According to the US National Park Service's records, an English pirate ship, the White Lion, flying a Dutch flag, brought the slaves after they had seized them from a captured Spanish slave ship. The slaves were not sold as "slaves" but rather traded as indentured servants in return for supplies. After seven years they were to have been set free. It is not clear to what extent this agreement was honored (Pffft!). It is, however, clear that several "indentured servants" escaped and therefore busted their bonds & chains. They were the first recorded Busters in history.
Let's take a look at some other Buster's of recent history:
Buster Keaton
Should there exist a definition for someone who's animatedly sublime, Buster Keaton would surely embody it, if not define it. Subtlety ... juxtaposed with outrageously theatrical stunts characterized this dare-devil's genius mark on a fledgling genre known as film. Born Joseph Frank Keaton (October 4, 1895 – February 1, 1966), Buster was an American actor, comedian, film director, producer, koala tamer, screenwriter, and stunt performer. He was best known for his silent films, in which his stoic deadpan expression combined with his physical comedy, earned him the nickname, "The Great Stone Face."
Critic Roger Ebert wrote of Keaton's "extraordinary period from 1920 to 1929, when he worked without interruption on over 35 films, that made him, arguably, the greatest actor–director in the history of the movies".
Revered film critic and professor, Gilberto Perez commented, "Keaton's genius as an actor was to keep his face so nearly deadpan and yet render it, by subtle inflections, so vividly expressive of inner life. His large deep eyes were Buster's most eloquent feature; with merely a stare they conveyed a wide range of emotions, from longing to mistrust, from puzzlement to sorrow."
Buster used that stare in over 90 starring roles on top of 70 plus cameos from 1920-1966. He did all of his own stunts, often to great personal harm, such as breaking his neck while filming the railroad water-tank scene in Sherlock Jr., when a torrent of water fell on him from a water tower, which he didn't realize until years afterward ... which I can absolutely relate to.
Buster was also the first director/film-maker that portrayed women in a non-sexist, intelligent and empowered way, as they were, most often, competent counter-points to his own character's ineptitude and struggles.
Buster Keaton left an immeasurable mark on film, brevity and humanity. Busting through barriers of sexism, barn walls and koala pens, where he first fell in love with the adorable down-under fur balls.
Buster Poindexter
Buster Poindexter, born David Johansen (January 9, 1950) was the frontman of the early 1970's band, the New York Dolls. The Dolls were an NYC based group of busters that predated the punk and glam metal movements and were one of the most influential rock bands of the last 50 years. Buster has been accredited to the creation of glam-rock movement with the likes of David Bowie and T. Rex, who came to New York regularly to exchange styling and make-up tips as well as attending several platform-shoe repair workshops. The Dolls influenced rock groups such as the Sex Pistols, Kiss, the Ramones, Guns N' Roses, the Damned and Morrissey of the Smiths who was caught stealing the very shoes that were used in the 2011, title track video for "Dancing Backwards in High Heels."
Buster's stage persona and public presence exemplified the lunacy and chaos that was New York in the 1970's. He busted through social norms and gender restrictions. We can forgive him for releasing the single "Hot, Hot, Hot" and appearing in "Freejack" with Mick Jagger ... both were just awful!
Busta Rhymes
Buster Rhymes, born Trevor George Smith Jr. (May 20, 1972), is an American rapper, actor, record producer and record executive. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the moniker Busta Rhymes, after NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes.
With 9 studio albums, over 50 singles and a mind boggling 220 plus cameo/guest vocal appearances throughout his 20 year career, Busta has truly made a mark on modern music. With his eccentric presence and wholly unique rapping style, it's no wonder that he's been asked to lend his brilliance to so many artists along the way. One being Mariah Carey, whom he duetted with on "I Know What You Want," a guilty pleasure of mine ... if you judge me for that, I will kindly direct you to the mast-head located at the top of this page.
Busta's reggae inspired, in-your-face delivery is framed by complex frustration and humor simultaneously. With unforgettable lyrics, such as; "There's Some Hoe's In This House" and "We Got Some Shit For That Grass" and "Bitch, You's Gots-Ta Mow That Lawn!" ... it's no wonder that Busta has managed to reach such a diverse audience whilst transcending generations, genders and horticulturists.
Those were just a few Busters from recent history. They've all busted through barriers, influenced greatly and had several laughs along the way. Although we were briefly blessed with "Arrested Development's" Buster Bluth, it's time for yet another Buster to come forth and do what they do best ...Bust Shit Up!
Busta!
