“Hero”: A Landmark Hit and an Inspiration

 

A crowning achievement in ISINA president/co-founder Walter Afanasieff's discography is the massive Mariah Carey hit "Hero," which reached #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 in December 1993 -- and topped that chart for a month. Although one of numerous collaborations between singer Carey and Grammy-winning producer/songwriter Afanasieff, the song is a standout and a spirit-lifting wonder that's still a high point in Carey's career and often the final song that she sings in concert.

 

In the decade that Afanasieff spent as Carey's go-to co-producer and co-songwriter, they created a wealth of beloved music together. But "Hero," which can be found on Carey's "Music Box" album, is of particular significance due to its lovely melding of pop and soul styles and its thematic power. Sung with passion by Carey over a powerful instrumental track forged by Afanasieff, the song's lyrics exhort us to dig deep within ourselves to find our own inner heroism.

 

The potency and appeal of "Hero" resonated so much that the composition was covered by the finalists of the 2008 edition of "The X Factor" in the U.K., and issued as a single in Ireland and the U.K., becoming a chart-topper and eventually one of the best-selling tracks in British pop-music history.

 

In all ways, "Hero" is inspirational -- and especially relevant to anyone who seeks to bring their art and talent to light. It could certainly serve as an anthem for all those who choose to participate in ISINA's programs and receive the benefits of the expertise provided by Afanasieff and other members of the ISINA brain-trust.