Stephen Bishop Reflects On a Rejection Letter That Forever Changed His Songwriting Journey
If you've experienced the highs of falling in love or the lows of heartache, it's likely that a song by American singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop has struck a chord with you at some points in your life. His evocative lyrics and tender melodies are known to tug at the heartstrings, providing a soundtrack for those sweet and sometimes bittersweet moments in life.
His songs It Might Be You, Something New In My Life, Separate Lives, Never Letting Go, and On And On capture the essence of romantic sentiments, making his music a go-to for anyone looking to indulge in the emotions of love and loss.
According to his official website, the two-time Grammy nominated singer has written over 650 songs, released 19 albums, and sold over 15 million records worldwide. All these achievements would not have been possible, Bishop said, had he allowed the rejection letters he received early in his career to discourage him. He recently shared on his social media accounts one particular letter he received way back in 1969 from Apple Records.
The letter went:
Dear Mr. Bishop,
Thank you for submitting your material to us for consideration.
Unfortunately we find your compositions unsuitable for our catalogue. However, I would like to assure you that we have treated them with an interest which matches the effort you have put into them, and we know that you will accept from us that our rejection in no way implies any inadequacy in your work.
I am therefore returning herewith your works and would like to take the opportunity once again of thanking you for writing to us.
Best wishes.
For Apple Publishing & Records
Dee Meehan
Sharing an insightful reflection on the challenges and triumphs of his career, Bishop acknowledged that rejection has been an fundamental part of his songwriting journey.
"It took six years for me to get my big break. I used to tape my rejection letters to the bedroom wall in my first studio apartment in Hollywood. I could have used all the rejection letters I received as wallpaper to redo the entire space," he reminisced.
There was a moment in early 1975 when Bishop nearly abandoned his dream of being a songwriter. However, the following year marked a significant turnaround as he released his first major hit, "On and On," on his debut album, "Careless." The song soared to number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1977, cementing Bishop's place in the music industry.
"Never give up. I’m glad I didn’t. You never know what’s around the corner. And make sure to save those rejection letters for when you become successful," he concluded.
The post attracted a swell of supportive messages for the singer, filled with gratitude and admiration for his musical contributions. Listeners shared that his melodies have become a cherished part of their personal playlists, providing inspiration and pleasure.
One fan exclaimed, "Big fan here. Nothing compares to 'It Might Be You' to this day," and went on to say, "The intro itself is enough to make anyone's heart melt. Thank you for your music. Keep inspiring."
Another offered, "Just re-read the lyrics to 'On and On.' How fitting! Hope your toes are in the sand somewhere, Stephen!"
The music executive, Dee Capocciama (formerly Meehan), who sent him the rejection letter, reached out with an apology, confessing, "I'm still living with the guilt."
Bishop responded graciously, "It’s all good, Dee. I appreciate the apology. That rejection only fueled my determination to succeed as a songwriter. I’ve kept it framed as a reminder of how far I’ve come. So, thank you."
Meanwhile, commenters praised the music exec for the considerate manner of her rejection letter. One netizen remarked, "That's a really classy rejection letter, isn't it? They even took the time to return your tapes! That's a genuinely thoughtful gesture." Echoing this sentiment, another commenter added, "These days, songwriters looking for publishing don't even get the courtesy of a reply!"
