Country Music: Republican or Democrat?
- Bob Doerschuk says Porter Wagoner’s legacy is secure and unique.
“I may not be the world’s greatest singer,” Wagoner said in his 2007 interview with CMA Close Up. “But I know how to sing Country Music. I know what separates Country from other kinds of music. I’ve learned that it’s important, if you’re a singer or an entertainer, to know what you’re doing. You need to study this business as if you were going to be a doctor, a lawyer or a man that makes big decisions. You never do find out all there is to know in your lifetime. But you learn from that process every day - and you don’t forget what you learn.”
Wagoner also revealed the secret to recitations, as told to him by Red Foley:
“He knew how to talk to an audience. He told me one time, ‘You can’t talk over an audience, because there are hundreds of them sitting there. So if you lose their attention, talk softer. They’ll listen harder.’ And it works.”
- Read the preface to Hank Thompson’s biography on his website. The book is expected to be available on November 30th.
- On the New York Times Blog Kurt Campbell says that for Democrats to “gain deeper insights into the soul of America even without leaving the obvious attractions of Blue State life,” they simply need to turn to the nearest country western station.
Scan the hit charts of a recent country countdown. There is the song about a wife struggling to keep her young family together and her composure while her husband fights in Iraq. There is the catchy tune with a poignant verse about a man trying to be a better person in the midst of losing his job and hoping to find his life’s purpose. Another twangy hit describes comforting family traditions passed down from father to son and the insights that come with the passing of time and the turn of generations. Then there is the one about reaching out and putting America’s boot to the posteriors of the terrorist enemies of America.
- Another political article attempts to explore the relationship between political parties and country music.
An alliance called the Music Row Democrats is poised to re-launch itself early next year in an attempt to seize back country music from the Republican camp and spread their message that President George W. Bush’s party does not care about ordinary people.
If you asked me–which you didn’t, but if you did–I’d say that country music belongs to neither party. It’s a genre that represents multiple walks of life, regardless of political affiliations and any attempt to politicize it will only bastardize the genre more than it already is.
- The inspiring rise of Brandon Rhyder. His first two albums failed to boost his career and he took one last stab with his third album–the Walt Wilkins produced Conviction.
- New York Times writer Andrew Beaujon profiles the Red Dirt band Cross Canadian Ragweed.
- Of all the songs on her newest album, Trisha Yearwood says “Sing You Back To Me” is her sentimental favorite. It immediately reminded her of her father. After the record was done she recorded an acoustic version of the song to keep for herself but her producer convinced her that it needed to be on the album.
- Unfortunately Roadhouse Gems from the Texas Sapphires received a low rating from The Austin Chronicle. The superior song selections stand out, but Doug Freeman says the sound quality is pretty abysmal–”like an open-mic bootleg, the poor quality discounts any lo-fi charm, which flattens the vocals and loses the band.”
- The Broken Spoke seems to be quite popular these days, appearing in commercials for Foster’s, Miller Lite, Levi’s, and Wrangler jeans, as well as episodes of Friday Night Lights. It was recently the subject of a segment for the Discovery Channel and a BBC Three program and has been approached to be used as a setting in the independent film The Sno Cone Stand Inc.
- With a new album out on November 27th and no expectations of help from radio Jesse Dayton and Brennen Leigh are searching for alternative approaches for promotion. One approach that I think is pretty creative is a YouTube trailer for the album, Holdin’ Our Own and Other Country Gold Duets.
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Forgotten Artists: Goldie Hill Had Carl Smith and Goldie Hill been born 30 or 40 years later, they might have been like Faith Hill and Tim McGraw–the dominant married couple in country music.
Forgotten Artist: Wynn Stewart Both Buck Owens and Merle Haggard have cited Wynn Stewart as a major influence on their careers, yet somehow, he was never able to translate his enormous talent into extended and consistent success for himself.
Miranda Lambert - “More Like Her” This kind of material, as opposed to her tough-chick-done-wrong romps like “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and “Gunpowder and Lead,” is where her real promise lies
Joey Rory - “Cheater, Cheater” It’s actually downright frivolous, but that just makes it all the more fun. And really, are you allowed to say “ho” on country radio?
Josh Gracin - “Unbelievable (Ann Marie)” Despite initial marketing that touted the album as deep and personal, “Unbelievable (Ann Marie)” is anything but deep or personal.
Josh Turner - "Everything Is Fine" Turner is the rare example of an artist who records material that’s both quality and trademark.
Darryl Worley - "Tequila On Ice" A groovy mid-tempo that sways, a refreshing reprieve from the exhausting pace of a format that clamors for loud music and swelling choruses.
Blake Shelton - "She Wouldn't Be Gone" It’s all about nailing the melody rather than providing a legitimate interpretation that accentuates the lyrical content, although Shelton does do a pretty good job of injecting what limited emotion he can.
Don’t look now, but Darius Rucker, lead singer of 90s rock group Hootie & The Blowfish, has a country hit on his hands. What you probably haven’t heard is that Rucker is the first black artist to chart a single in the country top 20 since Charley Pride last did it in 1988.
News that former Sugarland member and co-founder Kristen Hall is suing her ex-mates, to the tune of $1.5 million, goes a long way towards providing a bit of context regarding the Atlanta singer/songwriter’s sudden departure from the group.
In Memory of Don Helms (1927 - 2008) Helms dated back to a time when an excellent four or five piece band and a good singer were all that were needed to make great country music. No drums, no light shows, no production tricks in the recording studio–just good music.Tagged In This Article
Brandon Rhyder // Cross Canadian Ragweed // Hank Thompson // Jesse Dayton & Brennen Leigh // Porter Wagoner // The Broken Spoke // The Texas Sapphires // Trisha Yearwood // Walt Wilkins
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November 21, 2007 at 1:14 pm Permalink
Brody, you couldn’t be more on the mark about country music being tarnished by association to either political party.
That said, I do like it when a political campaign attempts to use a song, country or not, without having any idea what the song is about.
“Born In The USA” or “Fortunate Son” anybody?
November 21, 2007 at 2:36 pm Permalink
The Dixie Chicks learned the hard way what dragging politics onto the stage can do to a country music career. Trace Adkins is doing interviews for his new book these days where he says the last thing he wants to hear at a country music concert is political viewpoints from the artists on stage, and I agree. As long as a country artist isn’t preaching their politics in their songs or from the stage, then their party affiliation is irrelevant to me. But if they do cross the line then I take it personally and my gut reactions can be quite strong.
I heard a recent interview with Toby Keith where he admitted to being a life long loyal Democrat, but who would have known that from his song lyrics? I’m personally a conservative that believes in patriotism, Mom, apple pie, and good country music and seeing the emergence of the Music Row Democrats as a political force doesn’t exactly thrill me. On the other hand I suspect there is a direct link between the MRD bunch and the pathetic musical wasteland that so much of Nashville mainstream country has become these days…..(wink)
PS - Texan Elana James recently performed at a Democrat fundraiser, but that in no way diminishes my respect for her musical integrity………
November 21, 2007 at 3:05 pm Permalink
“Trace Adkins is doing interviews for his new book these days where he says the last thing he wants to hear at a country music concert is political viewpoints from the artists on stage, and I agree.”
I find it amusing when a public figure declares him- or herself politically neutral, then spews a string of right-wing opinions.
Also, it’s “Democratic,” not “Democrat.”
November 21, 2007 at 3:37 pm Permalink
I think there’s a difference between saying you don’t want to hear political viewpoints from an artist while at a concert and declaring yourself politically neutral.
Also, what’s wrong with Democrat?
November 21, 2007 at 4:55 pm Permalink
I also think there’s an ENORMOUS difference between an artist preaching their politics from stage and an artist performing a political song.
I mean, isn’t that part of the point of music?
November 21, 2007 at 7:09 pm Permalink
Using “Democrat” as an adjective to describe activities of the Democratic party is a linguistic trick that conservatives have adopted over the last several years. People generally think of “democratic” as a good thing, so Republicans want to get rid of that positive association (and, as a bonus, subtly emphasize the last syllable, “rat”). Here’s a fuller explanation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democrat_Party_(phrase)
Sounds a little silly, but language matters.
November 21, 2007 at 8:14 pm Permalink
Actually, I applaud the Music Row Democrats. Maybe if the genre became less identified with ONE political party, then it could be a non-issue and listeners could enjoy music from ALL viewpoints. In recent years I have been incredibly turned off by the country music industry because of its long-standing conservative affiliation. Many recent articles have stated that many big country stars are democrats but are terrified to say anything that might be construed as anything other than conservative. Why is only one side allowed to have an opinion and be public about it? I’m not a fan of preaching on stage, but conservatives at all levels of the industry need to stop co-opting the genre, which they do, both in song lyrics, radio play, music awards and public comments/affiliations.
In contrast to Rick, I believe that country has gone downhill in recent years because of the raging post-9/11 conservative influence. Artists are too afraid to be interesting/edgy/topical. Radio might not play you if you don’t sing a patriotic song, an apple pie Americana song, or a song about how quickly life passes by, and how we must not sweat the small stuff. I have strong family values, I love my country as much as the next person, and I don’t have a lot of money…but, honestly? Barf.
And as far as the Dixie Chicks go…preaching from stage? I guess that all depends on your definition of preaching, but a two second comment from a band that played both Clinton’s and Bush’s inaugurals and have not been political on stage before or since, does not constitute preaching in my book. If ever split second comment got blown COMPLETELY out of proportion…
Maybe I’ve been too blunt here…and will be banned from this country music blog for that. Who knows, I wouldn’t be surprised…
November 22, 2007 at 1:51 pm Permalink
I think the point of the Times article was less about how artists themselves wear their political beliefs on their sleeve (or not) or within their music (or not).
What that writer was talking about was the messages inherent in the songs Country radio plays and broadcasts for the world to hear. And the fallacy in that is so big you could drive a hole in it.
1) The singles chosen for airplay by an artist and label are chosen to maximize airplay, not to necessarily make a political or social statement.
2) Since Country radio usually only grants an artist 2-3 shots (unless that artist is a heavy hitter) at releasing singles off a particular record, then 70-80% of that artist’s repertoire never gets Country radio airplay, so country radio might be missing out on songs which reflect a less conservative point of view.
3) There are all types of Country music Country radio doesn’t even touch with a 10-foot pole, but it still has a loyal audience which might lean left or right - but there’s no radio outlet for it for anyone to analyze that audience - or stereotype it as the Times writer does.
November 22, 2007 at 3:01 pm Permalink
Name the last president who was from a state above the Mason-Dixon line…
In my lifetime, there’s only been Texas, Arkansas, and Texas. Wasn’t Reagan from Texas too? So that means you have to go back over 20 years to find a president without a slight hint of a Southern accent.
Regardless of party, people seem to gravitate towards the Southern good ole boys. Country music DOES reflect the majority of voters in the US.
Key to Democratic victory in 2008: John Edwards.
Suggested reading: Rednecks and Bluenecks by Chris Willman. An excellent read on the the Music Row Democrats and how country music has reflected/influenced elections recently.
November 22, 2007 at 4:17 pm Permalink
Country music isn’t so country any more. It’s mostly a conglomeration of unshaven rock & roll crossover artists who are making believe they were born behind a scenery flat on the Opry stage. If the democrats want the current crop of alleged country music artists…they’re welcome to ‘em.
November 22, 2007 at 6:23 pm Permalink
This conversation is giving me a headache.
November 22, 2007 at 6:57 pm Permalink
I prefer my music to be non-political. Not that I am uninterested in politics, but there is a time and place for everything.
I’m Libertarian meaning I don’t trust the big-business Republicans at all, and I think the Democrats are totally insane and owned lock, stock and barrel by the trial lawyers
Anyway, we’re stuck with the two major parties -but I’ll get my politics through other sources, thank you
November 23, 2007 at 10:00 am Permalink
Reagan was from Illinois. And the Bushes are really from Connecticut.
December 31, 2007 at 1:06 pm Permalink
“I’m Libertarian meaning I don’t trust the big-business Republicans”
Under a libertarian nation, All you would have is “big-business Republicans” shoving the asscramer so far up the rear of the working class (slave class as it would be called under right wing anarchy)backside.
Working Class = Country Music
Republicant = (Yea, you guest it) Non Working Class (as the party has been for a very long time)
The question should be, “has country music been hijacked?”.
December 31, 2007 at 2:05 pm Permalink
I’m suspicious of the “politics doesn’t belong on stage” line because it so often means “political views that I support belong on stage, but those I dislike do not.” For example, those who lambast the Chicks for improperly injecting politics into music due to their their anti-war stage talk don’t seem to be crowing about Bucky Covington’s nostalgic longing for School Prayer in “A Different World.” But Bucky Covington is just as political as the Dixie Chicks. The “politics don’t belong in music” line is often an attempt to censor those with different views.
However, much of the political commentary in country music is extremely shallow, naive, and misinformed. So I hope that people seeking political news and editorials would seek out more sophisticated sources than country music. And I wish country singers and songwriters would stop reducing complex political issues to mindless bumper-sticker type sentiments.
January 1, 2008 at 9:36 pm Permalink
censorhsip is political correctness. Isn’t America the country where everyone’s right to an opinion is honored, regardless of what that opinion is about? So it should be with country music, but it isn’t. so ‘mindless bumper-sticker type sentiments’ are what ‘get by’ because they seem to stay ‘pc’ instead of flying directly into the face of us the way they used to.
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