Age and Beauty Shouldn't Matter in Country Music
We live in a visual, “SEX SELLS” society, and I’m aware of that, but why do age and beauty SOMETIMES matter more than talent? I mean, seriously. I’m not saying there aren’t plenty of beautiful people that sing like birds, and this is a case-by-case thing, because there are plenty of gorgeous and talented people, so no one jump down my throat. I'm just trying to get a handle on the situation.
Someone sent me a link to a discussion the other day guessing country singers' ages on Velvet Rope. I was like, "Oh Lord, here we go again." Readers were saying that artists are skirting the age issue too frequently, and that it is annoying. One response was, "Why can't everyone just tell their real age?" Well, hun, you wanna know why? Because people like you, who are all TOO concerned about how old someone is versus their talent, probably wouldn't buy a record that a 17-year-old made, even though she was the spitting vocal identity of Patsy Cline or Loretta Lynn.
People just push and push about age, which I think should be an irrelevant subject. Does it really matter if I’m 20 or 50? If you like my music, what difference does it make? If you like it, are you gonna buy my records? If you don’t like it, then I think you should buy one for all your friends, then have a listening party and a discussion. HA!
I think it's so cool that traditional country crosses so many age barriers. It amazes me nightly, because I thought my fans would be older white males that used to and still only listen to Kitty Wells and Loretta Lynn. But our fans start at 3 and go to 80. I also think it's ridiculous that someone's age and the way they look should matter more than the way they sound. I got this Hank Williams acoustic album the other day. That's what music is to me – when someone can entertain you with acoustic music as much as they can with a full band, such as Dwight Yoakam’s acoustic CD and Jack Ingram’s acoustic CD.
Back in the day, before there were music videos and magazines, you had no IDEA what any of these folks looked like unless you saw them at a concert or on their record cover. The other day a male friend said to me, “Have you heard so-and-so’s new single? She is so hot!” What does HOT have to do with hearing it? I mean, there were plenty of "hotties" back in the day (Leona Williams, Jeannie C. Riley and her mini skirts, Loretta, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Tammy Wynette and her necklines), but that's not all that mattered. What mattered were the songs they were singing with their unique voices that you can pick out from across the room.
There's nothing wrong with living in a beautiful world, but IS THAT ALL THAT MATTERS? What gives??
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Penny says:
you are so right! Pop culture and society as a whole is entirely too focused on age, looks, or other insignificant details versus whether someone has talent! keep spreading the word about real country music Sunny!
Linda says:
Well, hun, YOU listen. I’m one of those Ropers you’re whining about. If you don’t think age matters, why doesn’t every CMT bio start with the artist’s birthdate? Why be sneaky if it doesn’t matter? And I DID buy your album and have been enjoying it but question whether I’ll buy the next one because you sound like a brat who thinks the world revolves around you.
applesandoranges says:
Most of the singers have only minimal talent, most of them sing songs with cliched lyrics, and uninspired music. Age and sex appeal is all thats left.
If artists want fans to focus on something other than sex appeal, artists should work on improving their craft.
applesandoranges says:
Sunny has a lot of talent, so I wasn’t talking about her in my post. I like her music, and don’t care about her age. But with a lot of “artists,” all they have is sex appeal. Not that sex appeal is a bad thing!
Dave says:
I quit watching videos years ago because most of the music channels are filled with crap and not videos. I like music for its enjoyment. It helps me if i know that the artist writes their own music and also can play an instrument, not just a karaoke singer. U rock Sunny.
deversm says:
I don’t think you can lay the blame for this one at the feet of country music or even music in general. It’s a societal issue. Sex sells and the envelope will be pushed until it breaks (I love Bill Hicks’s take on this and the seemingly eventual ad for Coke).
There are no arenas left that this hasn’t permeated. Even the one area where it really should be 100% talent-based, sports, is effected. It seems you can make as much (sometimes more) money being an average hot female golfer as opposed to being a great but plain female golfer. Here’s a little quote for example: “Erica Blasberg (golf)- Blasberg is going to give Natalie Gulbis a run for her money very soon. Blasberg is a professional golfer but she’s nowhere near Gulbis’ level which means one thing- the outfits are going to get skimpier and the photoshoots are going to get racier. That’s how it works in women’s sports- the winners win and the losers pose naked.”
When it comes to music I feel that talent at the extremes will still break through. If Bob Dylan were just getting started today, he’d still make it. But with talent more “in the middle”, if an executive has to choose between two close to equally talented artists and one of them is smokin’ hot…
goingbald says:
A good percentage of country songs are about sex (or related topics like relationships, divorce, breakup). Its not just the looks of the singer, its the content of their songs. Perhaps age matters because the average 40-year old or
Jenna says:
Real country music is such a rarity in the real world anymore. Mainstream country has unfortunately disintegrated into it’s own pop/rock version of what they think will sell to the masses. It’s all about the bottom dollar and marketing the whole package. In my opinion there’s no point in listening to someone’s music if they sound just like everybody else, regardless of what they look like. Sunny keep breaking the mold!
Ad says:
So true Sunny! I don’t care what crap Nashville puts out there with their pretty boys and makeup caked wanna be supermodels, I won’t be listening or looking. I enjoy true TEXAS country. My theory is if you haven’t lived it then you shouldn’t sing about it. That’s why I love you and listen to so call alternitive country… what a label. Your music is true country; real people, real stories, just like country music is suposed to be. Give me the classics like Johnny Cash or Merle, or the new versions of that style, like Eleven Hundred Springs or Tejas Brothers or you! I don’t care as long as it is authentic music.
Leonard Seabass says:
Age and Beauty does not matter in country music. I’m pretty sure there are no rock stars that are still playing good sized venus at the age of 60 or 70. Rap stars all get shot before they reach 60, and anyone who ever sang a pop song, just fell off the face of the earth and crawled into a hole and died. I recently went to a George Jones Concert up here in Minnesota and despit the fact that George had a cold, he still was alive and kickin’. If the country artists of today stuck to their guns and sounded the way they did when they first came out and not go “Pop”, they would stay around until they die. Then live on forever like those before them.
sirmixalittle says:
A lot of the older singers have lost their voices and can barely hit the notes of their songs. L
OutlawSteph says:
Actually, the Cream reunion was one of the most coveted ticket ever. They sold out MSG and the Royal Albert Hall how many times? And how much did those tickets go far? And Led Zeppelin is big buzz right now as well. I’ve seen plenty of artists over 50 who put on a wonderful show. The club I work at hosted Charlie Louvin in June and the crowd loved him! Roger McGuinn from the Byrds still sells out shows. The lady next me at my last McGuinn show whispered, ‘it’s like going to church’. I had to agree, and I don’t go to many churches. Whether it is rock, country or folks, many people respect and are still entertained by artists others may dismiss as ‘past their prime’. Au contraire. indeed. I wish the Last of the Breed tour came within a four hour drive from me because I would have been there. I wouldn’t walk across the street to see 90% of the young artists promoted as ‘country’ these days, and they are about the same age as myself.
Go Sunny! I agree 1000% Don’t let narrow minded pop fans who think Garth Brooks invented country music get you down! (YIKES!!) ;)
PS.. I love the Loretta Lynn picture. Her album with Jack White is a favorite of mine!
-Stephanie
sirmixalittle says:
there are a lot of great performers who are older.Yet some older performers are getting by on nostalgia and not on the quality of their current music. Of course a lot of younger performers are getting by on sex appeal and not on the quality of their music, either.
Do a little dance, make a little blog, get down tonight. « The Gobblers Knob says:
[...] CMT.com Blog - With contributors such as Sunny Sweeney, Eamon McGloughlin (the Greencards), and the iconic Chet Flippo, this blog hits about every color [...]
Rick says:
The American culture is obsessed with youth and beauty these days and, as said by other posters previously, it permeates all facets of our lives. The fact mainstream country music is caught up in this is not surprising, but I do think they’ve gotten carried away with it. As mainstream country continues to evolve into a mediocre and shallow form of pop-rock music, its not surprising looks would become important since matters of any real substance have been cast aside. Its not about the quality or creativity of the music itself anymore, its about marketing a lifestyle image and attractive artists do that better than average looking folks.
Quality traditional country music has always appealed to discerning listeners of all ages and always will due to the inherent goodness of the music. Current mainstream country is a pop culture musical fashion statement geared for a specific young female listener demographic. These listeners want good looking male artists to fantasize about romantically (just like with handsome actors) and pretty female artists they would aspire to be if they could magically transform themselves via a Fairy Godmother.
Placing form (appearance) over function (the quality of the music) is just a sign of where the mainstream country music scene is these days, which sadly is in the toilet musically. I will always be on the lookout for great real country singers, like Amber Digby down in Texas, who may not be the prettiest gal around but delivers the heartfelt goods in an authentic fashion much as Loretta and Kitty did in their heyday. Of course with Sunny we get great looks too, which in her case is an added bonus on top of the foundation of quality “real” country music…….
sirmixalittle says:
A lot of “quality traditional country music” also places appearances over function.
billy lipscomb says:
i agree, country music is to visuality oriented,if you dont have commerical value, well good luck.not the same with heavy medel.im almost 44 years old.i love to sing but i know i wouldent have a snoballs chance in, well you know. but i am starting to write songs again and i have found that age does seem like its helped to improve my skills quite a bit, so maby not alls lost. your right thou, years ago we hardly ever saw the stars, just herd them on the radio and could care less how old or young they were. miss the good ole days.
ipostonmessageboards says:
But if in the “good ole days” people “could care less how old or young [the stars] were” why were the stars, generally speaking, under 40, and often in their 20s or 30s. Mere Haggard, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Buck Owens, Don Williams, Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, all the stars had their best years, commercially, before they reached middle age, or soon after it. And its hard to think of more than a few country music singers who reached age 60 and still got significnt play on radio.
chris from kentucky says:
Well, I was sitting here reading this and wondering, ‘Why do age and beauty matter?’ Well the fact of the matter of this, ‘Ipostonmessageboards’, you are right, in a sense. But there are plenty of older people that are my heros that don’t get radio play. you are right. But, the sad part is that there are plenty of 20 and 30 somethings that are getting the radio play that they don’t deserve. I think if radio would open up their ears and realize it all sounds exactly alike, and play some of the Sunny’s and Dale Watson’s of the world, that country music would be alive and kickin again in no time.
Just my two cents.
Clint Black Sabbath says:
Hey Sunny,
Great topic, and lucky for you that you have both talent AND looks. It’s a double edged sword. It’s a fact that comsumers, both men AND women LOVE a pretty face. But arguing about age is like arguing about why “real” country music does not get played and the pop crap from Nashvile does. You can’t argue with success. Kenny Cheesy sells millions so guess what, every other label will sign up a load of the same bland, generic stuff like him.
Just like when a “pretty” singer takes off, if she has a certain look, others will follow. For those who desire substance over superficial, you have to dig a little deeper than the Billboard charts…… Just keep up the good work and let the trivial matters go by….. Age is just a number, right?
Laura says:
yep I agree chris from Kentucky.
This is my take on it, with mainstream country music, they are trying to market to a certain brand of people. So in order to draw these people in, they market their product in such a way, that it appeals to the certain demographic they are going after. Just like with any big business, its supply and demand. We the listeners have to quit buying the cd’s and quit listening to mainstream country radio and let them know that we’re sick of it. If not, its not going to change. I really love the indie labels, people like Sunny, Gretchen Peters, Eve Selis, John Lester, Blackheart, Tom Russel, Craig Carothers, Hem, this in my opinion is where the music is. THese people are all different ages and yet it really doesn’t matter because what they put out MEANS something its not just the same tired ole song with the same sell me now lyrics. There’s depth, and soul in each song they put out. OK there’s my two cents!
Laura
bruce says:
of course it’s not all that matters, but unfortunately it’s what sells these days. the good news is that real, honest good music will survive and be remembered. 99% of the crap out there right now will not go down in the history books and in about 15-20 years no one will remember them………at all. bob dylan might have been a success had he tried to first make it in this era, but janis joplin wouldn’t have. so yeah, times have changed and sometimes it’s a good thing and sometimes it’s not. and if none of this makes sense, well it’s because i’m up way too early. :)
Julie says:
It’s about the sound folks! Nothing more - nothing less.
Skitz O’Fuel says:
eh… i’ll make this as simple as possible.
Tom says:
She has an opinion and is not afraid to share it.
In this bland politically correct society its refreshing to have an artist that is not afraid to voice an opinion and create a meaning full discussion.
Keep it up Sunny!
carl says:
Thank you sunny for your thoughts, they are the thoughts of yours truly and I am sick and tired of how commercial nashville and music row have become, there definitely has been a murder on music row as george strait and alan jackson have alluded to. I do not appreciate the product anymore from nashville and I go to lonestarmusic.com to get all of my true country and texas country music. Keep it up sunny you make us all proud.
Skitz O’Fuel says:
honestly, sunny… i think we may have beaten back the “need to see” the talent these days. there are many a’ folk that i listen too who i don’t ever see… i may just be a lazy cracker who won’t take the time to look anybody up… but i really think that that the pace of modern music and the challenge for traditional media (radio in particular here) to keep up with the internet and ipods has really brought us a long way from the early eighties through the late nineties to a point where the music really does matter… and that’s all that matters. those who don’t think this way are simply going to become that weird uncle who wants to “see her before he believes her…” in other words they’re gonna be left behind.
anyway… what are you worried about, gorgeous?
I blame the record companies.. says:
…for whining on about how much money they are losing (Yeah right!)with downloading and that they can’t afford to “take chances” and give record deals to anyone innovative or authentic anymore. This means they “play safe” by only taking on and churning out the same old airbrushed prettily packaged rubbish which they know will sell to a mass market. No wonder people (like me ) end up producing their own CDs in this digital age and can’t be bothered haggling with record companies who won’t give you a second look if you aren’t 21 and prepared to be “packaged up”.They deserve to get their come-uppance as we say over here and have any artists worth their salt bypass them completely.
Lisa Marie says:
I agree with you Sunny 1000000%
:)
i honestly couldnt give a flying frog how old the artist is or what they look like, if they have talent then thats all that matters :)
you really have amazing talent and your voice is beautiful, and the fact that you are stunning aswell is just iceing on the already delicious cake!
love lisa marie xxxx
p.s. i hope this message made more sence to you than it just did to me when i read it back to myself haha
xxx
Chad Garrett says:
The age and looks issues in country music are exactly why I think a lot of talented singer/songwriters unfortunately decide not to pursue being artists, but rather opt to focus solely on songwriting. Record labels want the image that’s selling in the moment, and for the most part, someone only has a certain window of opportunity to try and crawl into the artist world before being considered too old or not attractive or marketable. On the other side of that coin, you can be 80 years old, 50 pounds overweight, and have the fashion sense of Weird Al…..and STILL be writing hit records. I don’t know too many publishers who drop writers because they get old or their image is out-dated.
I guess to a certain extent, artists have always had to deal with image in conjunction with substance. It just sucks that a lot of times the former takes precedence over the latter.
By the way, for the record, I like Weird Al’s fashion sense :) And I promise you, Sunny Sweeney- fellow myspacer, that I’ll never check to see how old you are :) I just dig your music!
Chad Garrett
Randy McKenzie says:
There is room for a lot of different talented people in country music. Country music has evolved, just as we the people have changed in the last 50 plus years. There are people who like twang, old country, bluegrass, and new country. Just because it does not fit into your idea does not mean that it is not important to other country fans. I was an Eddy Arnold and Sonny James fan. Today they would be considered new country. I still love their music but I also like the new country. If you want to make a video, you need to be video friendly. If you are not beautiful, then just have low lights or just release to radio. A great voice will always overcome looks.
Ben says:
if it were only that easy. have you seen some of these “new” folks live? even the ones that claim to be “oh so country?” i saw one of these newsish gals drop down to the ground and beat the floor with their hands (hello, joan jett!) right amidst their “country” set (i won’t mention names)
Tommy Alverson says:
Sunny it’s a constant battle for us old farts, I’m 55 and have been trying for 20 years to get something going and now it’s harder than ever. God Bless all the talented young uns there’s just too many that aren’t. But you’ve got both youth and talent. Hearing you on XM all the time, thank God XM and Sirius Radio.
Tommy Alverson
Patti says:
I still love the good old country. It’s really got me baffled as to why so many young girls/women want or need to have the same sound - like they are almost hoarse (and stay that way) off key with the scratchy voices to boot - but ahhh! wait! she’s young and (blonde?) = HOT so who cares about the sound? Some fellas have the same problem.
Yell all ya want - but country wasn’t built on this kind of garbage - and hopefully won’t stay with it much longer.
mandy says:
music is WAY more than just some pretty little face that can jump around on a stage and make everyone clap for them. and way more then some little, skinny blonde that can get up there and sound like shes the real moron that she is
jennie says:
What’s up with the tomato in Dwight Yoakams new video??
Bob Wallace says:
Sunny you are absolutley right! I’ve always prided myself as a guy who likes what he likes even if it’s not the in thing. I would rather listen Merle or Johnny Rodriguez or Gene Watson than the “crap” they call country music today. Watch some of the videos , where the “Babe singer” rolls around half naked on a bed, this doesn’t do anything for me. I would see something from Merle or Patsy Cline or even Jody Miller than this stuff. I can’t figure out why radio stations won’t play the older stars. I guess it’s all about the money. It’s ashame when I have to listen to a “oldies rock and roll station” to hear a song by Patsy Cline! Sunny you are soooo! right, Why should someone’s looks or age make a difference.
Billy Bob says:
I like Earl Scruggs and he’s about 84. I saw him at youtube with the Cheftians. That’s fabulous music.
Darlene says:
If it a good song and make you feel good that great. I love all the old country mucis and wish we could get back there again.Right now country not as great as it has been so we did to go back. Give me Hank Williams Jr and Tody , Tracy Akins and Ronny Akins and Jason Aldin and Alan Jackson.Then we can get this pratty strated.
Darren says:
Easy to say for a beautiful woman, Sunny. In fact it comes off as smug. How magnanimous that you feel that beauty doesn’t matter, and how coincidental you say that as a woman who is extremely beautiful. I wonder how you’d feel if you were less than beautiful but still had to make a living. BTW, a quick look at your website shows you onstage in a denim mini skirt. Beauty doesn’t matter eh? LOL Nothing wrong with that but you are making money off your beauty….which clashes with your statement that beauty shouldn’t matter because if it didn’t, then you would be less successful. Love your music Sunny, but I would suggest you keep your wisdom to yourself….you’re a beautiful woman making money off that fact. So your article must be based on some kind of guilt that you feel….perhaps you feel you don’t deserve your success and a less beautiful girl should have it.
snoddy says:
Darren, reread the article as you missed something…
sunny sweeney says:
Well, now, Darren…aren’t you brilliant. Why don’t you reread my thoughts, as you apparently misread what i was trying to say. Thanks for your insight, however.
Craig says:
You are right on, Sunny. Keep making great music and thanks for keeping the music real. The shows at MusicFest in Steamboat were great and it was good to see a lot of people out there enjoying your music. MusicFest is definitely the best event in music.
sunny sweeney says:
stayin true.
DAVID in Texas says:
If you look at stars in the past not all have been attractive or sexy. Sunny is from Texas and happens to be a beautiful girl. Our Women wear that kind of stuff especially in the summer time. However, she has a sound that appeals to many. I remember hearing her for the first time on Radio Free Texas and saying “she is so different.” Her traditional sound is what country music needs. I never saw a wardrobe while listening to her music. It was not until I decided to see what she was all about on her website that I found she was pretty. She also seems down to earth. She is not using her sex appeal to sell or profit. I am sure she is working her ass off to make it. I for one would still like her music if she was 400lb and wore a mini skirt. Let me guess if she wore a pair of jeans and a long sleeve shirt you be fine with it. I think not. There is a difference in someone who is genuine and the big and rich type.
Stephanie says:
Sunny, I think that your blog was so true. It touched on the basics that most people do not listen to or buy music unless the person is beautiful or in style. I had not ever seen you until I saw your myspace page. You are truly beautiful. However, that has not stopped me from being a fan because you are bringing back country music and what it used to be like back in the days of Loretta Lynn and Hank Williams. Classic country is something that a lot of people these days have never heard, and true Texas country is also something that more people have never hear. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to you coming to my area soon!
Shawn says:
Darrens an idiot. Find something else to do with your time besides make stupid comments. Love your MUSIC Sunny.
Matte Johnson says:
what business are we in?
the music business, or the novelty business?
my thoughts, it’s more a reflection of ignorance, on both sides, the music industry and the general public; the american music industry is ignoring a very large american audience, that is reflected overseas, the adult audience (ages 30+); and, it is the primarily reason why classic recordings sell so well, and there is an emerging new breed of crossover music called americana; why does the music industry have to chase money, like our beaurocratic government, instead of lead with character and dignity?
just my thoughts,
matte johnson
professional musician
woodstock, atlanta, ga
Katrina from TX says:
Hmmm, looks like Mr. Darren didn’t actually read the artice and completely missed the point. I’m with you Sunny, I don’t think age or beauty should matter! And to some of us, they don’t. I fell in love with your voice before I ever knew what you looked like! It’s just an added bonus that you are so pretty! ;) And by the way I still don’t know how old you are, nor do I care. Keep doing what you’re doing…we love your REAL TX Country sound!!
Christine says:
Funny - every time I’ve seen Sunny, she’s in blue jeans and a t-shirt. Not exactly what I’d call dressin’ sexy! Sunny is a down to earth Texas girl.
Chris says:
Wow, reading all these posts is almost funny. I am a 33 year old guy. Do I like pretty women, well of course I do. Do I think Sunny is beautiful, well of course I do. However, do I buy albums based on is she hot? No I do not. Unfortunately I do think we have gotten to a point in society to where looks sell more then the vocal talent. Do I think the talent pool has gotten worse over the years, I do. I also think by listening to Sunny or some of the other young women, men, or any people, that there is talent out there. Does it really matter if they sell 10 million records, does that define success, or will those talented people know that although they may not get commercial success, the success they may have by staying true to what is real, and what IS GOOD is more important? I hope for the latter, and that people like Sunny stay with quality, and ignore the comments of people who prefer the outer shell rather then the inner meanings. Either way, I just love good music, as most of you do, and am gonna find it as best I can.
Chris says:
Wow, I have something to say about all of this. First of all, Sunny has made some really good points. Let’s not forget that most people did not even know that Charley Pride was a black man until long after he was a hit singer. This was at a time in our country’s history when people would have snuffed him out regardless of how awesome his music was, just because of the color of his skin. And what about Kenny Rogers? He was out there for a long time, yes, and many people knew about him…but he did not really start having big hit songs until his hair was starting to turn gray. Back then it was about the music, not whether or not a singer was young or attractive.
Now let’s turn to Mr. Darren’s comment. He has a point in saying that (unfortunately) beauty does matter in today’s music industry, but that point was already made by Sunny in this post (if you read between the lines). Regardless of the fact that Sunny is a pretty woman, she has every right to complain about the way country music has turned into a material culture that cares more about looks than a good voice and good music. I for one am just happy that she is having quite a bit of success not only in Texas, but also now in Nashville. Texas is where all the good, traditional country music is today, and nothing would make me happier than to see Sunny make it big nationwide, along with many other good Texas artists that may not be quite as attractive as she is.
One last point: I am 21 years old. My dad recorded and performed with the likes of Charley Pride, Conway Twitty, Bill Anderson, Mel Tillis, Waylon Jennings, and many of our other country heroes, so he passed on his love for traditional country music to me. I have been frustrated throughout my life that people my age will not even give the old country style a chance just because it is not “cool.” Sunny, keep it country, and hopefully someday this country will once again embrace our style of music the way it did in the 60’s and 70’s.
-Chris (aka: “kickinmusician”)
Rob in Fort Worth says:
Sunny has legs? All I ever see her where is a black t-shirt and blue jeans. Pretty unpretentious if you ask me. Sunny’s all about the music and honing her craft. Her new songs are really good and if you guys haven’t heard them, get out to one of her shows pronto. GOOD STUFF!
Rob in Fort Worth says:
ummmm that’s wear & WHERE is the edit button. :-)
JB Cloud says:
All Women wear clothes that could be deemed as Sexy. I do not think that I want to see a woman performer on stage dressed like a man. That is the whole point. They are women. Women wear what is comfortable to them.
I embrace Sunny and her music and welcome it to the Texas Music format, which has turned into a big sausage fest. There are a ton of women that sing in Texas but only a few that can stand toe to toe with the “sound” that is out there. Danni Leigh was and still is awesome. She was a little before her time with Texas Music and is now in the UK. I am glad that Sunny is “Keeping It Country” whether she wears a skirt or not.
If you don’t like what she wears, close your eyes and enjoy. You rock Sunny. Sorry I missed you when you came by the studio in Abilene.
Becky says:
Yes, Darren, Sunny is a beautiful woman, both inside and out. I find it rather odd that you say you love her music then say she’s making money off her looks, hmmm. Does that mean you think everyone else is buying her CD’s because of her looks not because they love her music? Or are you saying beautiful women don’t have a right to have an opinion? As several others have already pointed out, Sunny is totally unpretentious and all about the music.
Tom in Dallas says:
Darren, you’re being a bit ridiculous. Yes, Sunny is a beautiful person and thankfully with a beautiful voice. I’ve met Sunny several times and she always seems very genuine about her passion for music (her own and anyone else’s) and I think that means a lot.
Who cares that she was wearing a mini-skirt? Is she trying to sell CD’s that way? Not exactly. I am like Rob in Fort Worth, I have never seen Sunny in anything but jeans and Merle t-shirt and I love her for that. She is who she is and that’s what it’s gonna be. A mini-skirt is simply an article of clothing that girls wear. should she not be able to wear clothing that makes her feel cute, comfortable, beautiful or whatever look she is going for?
Just because she has a nice voice and is a pretty girl and she wrote a blog about Sex Sells doesn’t mean she has to be ugly and wear unflattering clothes. She’s still a girl and is allowed to dress like one. And if someone buys a CD because she had a mini-skirt on instead of her regular jeans and a t-shirt..well, so be it. But I bet her twang and the music made them turn their heads, tap their toes and listen in the first place!
Cheers.
Jenna in Tx says:
Darren you should be beat with a male chauvinist club!
Quite an assumption you made…… because of one picture of Sunny in a freaking mini-skirt?? If she were making money off her looks, then why do plumbers show more cleavage than she does? Obviously you’ve never met her in person, or seen her perform live…. hence your magnanimously narrow minded response.
In today’s world, a person with talent like hers, who isn’t afraid to stick to who she is, is a rarity.
SUNNY… continue to spread your wisdom, and best of all your music!
kendra says:
AMEN!
Brenda says:
Hey, Sunny I have a song i,d like you to listen to, I wrote it and singing it.See if you can guess my age?
Brenda says:
Hey Sunny my email is breezy58@frontiernet.net
Just Joe says:
Unfortunately, in today’s country market, talent is dead last while looks are #1.
Jordyn Mallory says:
As a teenage country music singer, I couldn’t agree with Sunny more. I think that many people have overlooked me because of my age. Thankfully, the younger generation is becoming more popular these days. I sing, write songs, play guitar, and play piano. I’ll be the first one to tell you that even at 15 years old, age doesn’t matter! Don’t judge me by my age, judge me by the quality of my music please! Yes, I have won Loretta’s Talent Contest and sang at one of Loretta Lynn’s concerts. I’m not trying to be mean, I’m just saying that it doesn’t matter the age or ethnicity, just the sound and quality of the music! Thanks for the post, Sunny. Keep rocking!
myspace.com/jordynmallory
Amber says:
I think that country music is no longer what it used to be, now I am only 20 but I listen to the older music. I don’t like watching the music videos because most of them are sexually based and I think that it is disgusting. Also I believe that the new commers of music don’t have the same vocal ways. If you listen to their tracks on a CD then listen to them live they sound a lot different. however if you listen to older music such as Dolly Parton or Reba McEntire they sound almost the same as the CD (and no they do not lip sync) they are just good enough not to have so many changes.
patouie says:
My great- granddaughter had me get in her car a couple of months ago and listen to Sunny on the XM at the Grand Ole Opry. When I heard her sing, I pictured someone older. Today, the same great-granddaughter showed me this CMT article and I wanted to respond and tell you that I liked her music because of her music! Her looks and persnality were unknown to me. When I saw her pictures today I was surprised. Too bad we can’t pick our favorites out like we did in my day. We heard them, liked them and if we were real lucky, we might see them one day. There aren’t any surprises left today. And I think some of these real talented girls on tv should be confident enough in their talent to not have to be so sexy that it is embarrassing.
David Nisbet says:
Have to agree with Sunny on this. All I hear when I talk to people is “oh isn’t so and so just soooooooooo hot?”. They never talk about the lyrics or the music just what the person looks like and I think that’s sad.
David Nisbet says:
To add to what I said just now, when I started listening to Country (and it’s still the same today) it was mostly on the internet via radio stations and mp3s. I didn’t know what Alison Krauss or Clint Black looked like unless I searched for photos of them, but I didn’t care what they looked like I just loved the sound of their music.
music news says:
music news…
As for me the comment last month (I could not find the link now) is like my comment now that some comments are like this comment… Who advice?…
Emily Edwards says:
I do believe that many young artists get passed over because the industry does not view them as being old enough to enter a world primarily consisting of forty year olds. It’s sad, but it is true. However, I also feel that some of the younger artists do not truly represent the essence of country music, and I have even noticed that some of them do not appreciate or know who planted its roots. However, not every young artist fits the description I just gave. I like Loretta Lynn, George Strait, Hank Williams, and many of the other older artists, but I also enjoy listening to a lot of the younger artists. Age does not matter to me. The quality of the music does. I don’t care if you are sixteen or eighty if you produce good music. It is all about the music for me, and not the age or look of the person doing it. I think we have missed out on a lot of talented individuals because the industry felt they were too young, but I also think the industry overlooks some of the older ones too. You don’t see any new country music artists who are fifty do you? The industry has their idea of what works, and if you do not fit that package, even if you are one of the best vocalists in the world, they will not give you the time of day.
myspace.com/emilybethedwards