Country Music

Not everyone that loves Country music is Southern. And not all Southerners love Country music. This may take you Yankees by surprise, but I have dear Southern friends who can trace their roots back to the War of Northern Aggression and they hate (with a passion) Country music. Southerners are nothing if not eclectic in their musical tastes. You will find any and all kinds of music on a Southerner's IPod and/or CD player from Eminem to Loretta Lynn. In my young and foolish days, I told myself (and others) that I hated Country music. And yet, I owned Barbara Mandrell records. I used to turn my nose up at Blue Grass. Then found that I admired Ricky Skaggs. I told myself that Alabama wasn't really Country, they were more Southern than Country.

In the 1980's I woke up and realized that I was lying to myself. I'm not a purest as my aunts are. They haven't like the direction Country music has taken since Loretta Lynn stopped wearing that long, lacy dress. And while I do miss some of the artists of the 80's & 90's, I still enjoy the artists who stay true to that acoustic sound.

What do I love about this music? I love the way it reminds me of where and what I come from. Like kudzu. I love the way each song is a story. I'm a story-teller, you see. I love the way most of the singers' Southern accents shine through. I love the way the instruments are used and highlighted in the songs. I love the way that most of the artists are passionate about this country and our military men and women! Country music is a way of keeping in touch with our roots. Country music fans know and are willing to share their beliefs. And, again, it's all about the story.

My suggestion to you, wherever you may be? Find that Country music station on your radio. Turn it up and give it a few days. While you might hear some songs that you don't like, I believe that you'll find more that you can love. Listen to the lyrics before you criticize that steel guitar. Bet you will find something you like!