Country Controversy

Call it a lapse of judgment, a loose tongue or just plain having fun. We all say and do stupid things every now and then, and even country stars have been known to get into sticky situations. Unfortunately for some, the bright white lights of fame are sometimes interspersed with red and blue flashing lights.

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Although artists want to be known for their music, sometimes non-singing “performances”, such as the following, can mark an otherwise mundane career.

An off-the-cuff comment from Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines led to a politically-charged and tempestuous clash involving Toby Keith, country radio and countless fans who took offense to her proclamation of ashamement that Former President George W. Bush is from her home state of Texas. Keith lashed out at Maines for her “un-American” views, while radio stations and listeners filled dumpsters with countless Dixie Chick CDs, vowing to never again listen to the trio.



Photo Credit: Les Leverett



A presumably undeserving win at an awards show has been known to stir some controversy, both recently and over 35 years ago. Taylor Swift was bashed by Kanye West in front of millions of viewers at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, while a lesser known event took place at the 1975 Country Music Association Awards. When Entertainer of the Year award presenter and country music traditionalist Charlie Rich opened the winning envelope to discover that the pop-sensible John Denver had won the award, his reaction was not nearly as rosy as that of the audience. Live on the air, Rich produced a cigarette lighter from his pocket and proceeded to torch the card that declared Denver the winner.  Classy. Rich later admitted that his behavior was due to overmedication. All the more classy.



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Even family man Tim McGraw and laid-back beach bum Kenny Chesney have caused a stir. A 2000 incident outside a Buffalo, N.Y. stadium involving a Mounted Reserve deputy’s horse led to a less-than-proud moment for the two men. Chesney was given permission to mount the horse, but definitely not to ride off with it. As it turns out, that is exactly what he did. When responding officers attempted to corral Chesney and the horse, McGraw got defensive. A scuffle ensued and both men were eventually arrested.

When strong opinions and bad judgment get the best of country stars, the outcome can go either way. The attention drawn from increased media coverage can lead to an increase in album and ticket sales, but unwanted press can also be the death of a career.

The controversies described above produced mixed outcomes.

Eight years and several death threats later, the Dixie Chicks are defunct while Keith continues to tout his pride for America.

Taylor was seen as the young victim of an unfair situation, which fueled her already soaring popularity. Rich was never again nominated for a CMA award.

Chesney was charged with disorderly conduct, while McGraw faced assault, obstruction of governmental administration and resisting arrest charges. Both were acquitted of all charges and their careers came out unscathed. I am willing to bet the legalities were merely a slap on the wrist compared to the explanation McGraw owed to his wife, Faith Hill.

Bluegrass is Back



Photo Credit: Katie Rusch

 Its track has been long and winding, with ties that have touched the lives of many storied people, places and events. Because of its widespread reach, it has become a historic yet functional element of everyday life.   Although it has been around longer that most can remember, to this day many of us still try to ignore its “high lonesome sound”. I know I do, especially when I am trying to sleep at 5 a.m.

I am referring to the railroad, but then again I could also be talking about bluegrass music.

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Just reading the word “bluegrass” probably caused some of you to yawn, stop reading and go check your email. But for those who stuck with me, don’t worry; your inbox is probably filled with spam and I will not bore you with the history of bluegrass. What I will do is suggest some current acts worth listening to.

While we have been ignoring it in favor of more mainstream music, bluegrass has developed an understated sophistication that can no longer go unnoticed. Gone are the straw hats and suspenders; bluegrass is based upon original craftsmanship, stellar musicianship and stacked harmonies that leave a haunting echo in their wake.

Dierks Bentley showcases these qualities on his new CD, Up on the Ridge. Washington Post music critic Chris Richards described Bentley’s previous country singles as “doofy party anthems”, but changed his tune and calls the bluegrass project “dazzling”. If that dramatic shift in opinion is not enough to convince you to give it a listen, maybe the U2 cover (Pride) and collaboration with Miranda Lambert and Jamey Johnson (Bad Angel) will prove that this CD is a bluegrass project suited for the modern listener.

Another country act that has dipped its toes into the stream of bluegrass music is Little Big Town. Their earthy four part harmonies and marketable image have made them country superstars. But bluegrass undertones are present in all their songs, with their new CD, The Reason Why, being no exception. Check it out.

Nickel Creek, Cherryholmes and The Carolina Chocolate Drops are also worth a listen.

Although the sound of a midnight train whistle and the fast picking of bluegrass are equally annoying to some, being able to look past the musty connotations associated with both may bring about a deeper appreciation for the history and mystery they possess. My iPod is not loaded with dueling banjos and songs fit for hoedowns, but I appreciate some of the more contemporary bluegrass recordings, and hope that others do as well.