It was a perfectly average well- adjusted childhood, not a bit unlike that of millions of other individuals.
America tends to worship the modest talent because it doesn't put us in an uncomfortable position vis-a-vis the artist.
In my mid 30's, after a decade or so of giving full time to the music thing and finding myself with about $10 in the bank and no assets other than my musical equipment, I realized I needed to get serious about making a living.