George Strait's Music Doesn't Even Need Twin Fiddles
You know you have something of fiddle fetish when you are glued to a TV show that is honoring one of country music's greatest legends, and you cannot see past the fiddler.
That's how I felt Wednesday night (May 27) watching the ACM Artist of the Decade special all about George Strait. I get what Toby Keith, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Jack Ingram and Garth Brooks all said about how they felt when they heard a Strait song on the radio. I felt that way, too. His voice is a powerful instrument, and he's got a golden ear when it comes to picking great songs to cut.
But, beyond that, you have to admit that what makes a George Strait song sound like a George Strait song is all that fiddle. Even when there's only one, like there was last night. One so good that John Rich called Stuart Duncan out in the middle of "Amarillo by Morning," when he said, "Play that west Texas fiddle, son." It had just the right swing and bounce on tunes like Jack Ingram's take on "All My Ex's Live In Texas" and Alan Jackson's version of "The Fireman." And just the right vibrato and long bowing when it came time for the loping songs, like when Brooks & Dunn performed "The Cowboy Rides Away" and LeAnn Rimes sang "Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind." Come to think of it, the only performance I didn't love was Jamie Foxx's "You Look So Good in Love," and that's only because I didn't hear any fiddle on that one.
I have to agree with Alan Jackson, who called Strait just a good ol' boy from Texas that likes country music. But last night, even with that all-star team of singers, it was the backing band that had my utmost attention. And to hear fiddle that good, I'd swim the Rio Grande.
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Bethanny says:
It certainly didn’t need Tim Mcgraw that’s for sure.
Deanna says:
Oh what a show Alison! you did’t mention Jamey Johnson duet with LeeAnn Womach. Well, I guess the questions is answered now about a duet partner for Jamey. Also, a hilight I have to agree with you John Rich did an awesome job on Amarillo By Morning and I would have loved to of heard The Fireman that Alan Jackson done but, by dang it! our power went off so that I didn’t get to hear.
Kay says:
Alan was the best part of the show he really done a great job. I loved Faith doing Loretta it was great. John Rich was just ok for me I really wish Kenny Chesney had been there to sing Amarillo, he does a wonderful job of singing it. Allison do you know why Kenny wasn’t there? I know he loves George. I even kinda enjoyed Jamie Foxx. All in all it was a really good show.
Jesse says:
I watched the show, and I have got to say for the most part I enjoyed every performance. I could have done without a couple of them but in all an amazing night! I completely agree Jamey Johnson and Lee Ann did an fantastic job on “Give It Away.” My fav performance of the night goes to Lee Ann Womack with “Just Stand There and Sing.” I was thinking after about the tenth time listening to it, that the song fit George. It sounded like a George song, and she did it amazing…perfect voice and perfect song! I will remember this night for a long time!
Barbara says:
I would love to have the lyrics for that song that Lee Ann sang to George, “Just Stand There and Sing” I loved the melody but I just couldn’t catch the words and I am sure they were really the inportant part. The whole show was fantastic !! George looked great !!
Thank you for any help you can give me.
Cleo2u says:
More and more country music is getting away from its roots; but George Strait shows that good country music is what the people want!
George is truly one of the greats of country music….congrats on an award well-deserved!!
Connie says:
Was a great show last night.. Brooks & Dunn’s Cowboy Rides Away was a high point. As was Alan Jackson’s performance. Wonderful tribute to George and well deserved, I an so glad I taped this and can watch it over and over
hodad says:
Do you think CMT might re-broadcast this show?? I missed it–Please do CMT!!
solongsowrong says:
Buddy Miller was named Artist of the Decade for the rest of Country music not of the Pop variety… who played right along side Stuart Duncan last year on the Raising Sand tour, for Alison Krauss and Robert Plant.
By the way, Duncan isn’t just a great fiddle player. He’s also a master on the mandolin and guitar, and can hold his own on the banjo as well. Seems he always ends up playing for special events shows like this. One that comes to mind is the Kennedy Center Honors tribute for Dolly Parton a few years back. He’s one of the greats of Country music, that most Mainstream Country listeners have no clue about.
raydean says:
Yes that was a great show. I recored it and am playing it again right now. Alan was the best. As well as Leann Womack’s Just Stand There and Sing. All of the artist did a great tribute to King George. Although I didn’t care for Jamie Fox. AWESOME SHOW.
Alison W says:
Wow, I can’t believe no one mentioned Taylor’s version of “Run.” Normally I wouldn’t be one to rave about Taylor’s live performances, but her singing that song made me fall in love with it. Weirdly, I had never heard it before, but after the show I made sure to get my hands on it, and I listened to it like 20 times.
Also, I agree he should have thanked the songwriters, but if you think about it, maybe some of those songwriters wouldn’t have gotten where they are without him. A song needs two things, a writer and a singer. If the writer does not happen to be a talented singer/performer, then exactly what they want and need is for someone like George Strait to sing their song. ( I realize I’m generalizing, but what I’m saying is at least true for some/many.) So I doubt those songwriters were sitting in their living rooms angry about not getting a giant thank you nor were they feeling like they should get all the credit for George’s success.
solongsowrong says:
Found it interesting on The L.A. Times music blog, where the writer, Randy Lewis, made a comment along the lines of what Alison W. is saying… that Strait spreads the wealth among a broad spectrum of writers, music publishers and concert promoters… and this award was a reward for that, even though he has never been one of country’s innovators. Had that been the goal, Alison Krauss might have been the ideal candidate for the 2000’s, for all she’s done to stretch the boundaries of country with a consistently inspired musical vision.
It also went on to say, that Strait is neither a masterful vocal interpreter on a par with George Jones or Emmylou Harris, nor a writer to join the ranks of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash or Merle Haggard.
Just one man’s opinion of course, but then, so is everything else that is being written here.
merlefan49 says:
Wonder why George didn’t thank the songwriters? Since he didn’t write any of his hits?
Jackie says:
I was at the show at the MGM- Great show. George is King. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill-Awesome, Love them!!!
merlefan49 says:
As far as his song Run it was of the ones I have never liked.
cj5 says:
Loved the show. Alan Jackson nailed The Fireman. George is a True Country Star. I hope he makes music foever. He is one of the only true country singers left. I could have done with out a couple but that is the way it is.
Ruth says:
George straight is great.That tribute show was noce and great!Glad to see soo many great artist turn out.Also thank you to everyone who vote for kelliepickler and george straight on cmtpowerpicks.Thank you to evryone who vote for kelliepickelr and georgestraight for the cmt awards and the top20.Thank you cmt for showing george straight and kelliepickler videos on cmt.George s and kelliepickler love all the fans.Take care all!Have a great weekend all.Enjoy yourselves.You all are the best fans arround!!And cmt is great!
dmarie says:
LOVED IT!!! What a show. Loved Tim singing Marina Del Ray, Deirks Clear Blue Sky, and Alans The Fireman, they were so good. I thought Faith did a great job with Lorettas song and Martina did Garth proud. Montomery Gentry doing Play Me Mountain Music..woo hoo. What a fabulous show, I could watch it over and over. George..is the best, King George. I think the tribute song that Lee Ann Womack sang to him says it all. Where would country music be without George, not to mention all those performers who cut their teeth on George…in a manner of speaking.
Mark says:
Randy Lewis of the LA Times blog can pontificate all day long about George’s perceived deficiencies….but the fact is NO other singer in the history of music can match his staying power nor his record 57# 1 songs.
Add in another 30-40 other top hits that didn’t quite make it to the top and his success is even more mind boggling.
No artist, not even the greats like Elvis…Beatles…Sinatra…etc can match that record.
When you put the entire picture into focus, Mr. Strait more than holds his own. Anyone trying to denegrate his accomplishments is either looking for attention or is ingnorant about the music industry in general.
Jelly Bean says:
Great show! The highlight for me was Brooks & Dunn’s version of “This is where the cowboy rides away”. You could hear the emotion in KB’s voice when he spoke, and of course, Ronnie’s great delivery of the song. By the way Ronnie…. you didn’t mess it up!!!
solongsowrong says:
Well Mark, I would certainly look forward to you coming back and explaining about the music industry, so ignorance can be factored out about this subject.
The fact of the matter is, Randy Lewis appears to have a very clear understanding of how the music industry works, and if you take time to read his article, you would see he also had good things to say about Strait. His comments are based on the fact that if other criteria would be considered… like for those who decided that Buddy Miller is the Artist of the Decade for the Roots part of Country music… there are other artists, like Alison Krauss, who are worthy for that honor based on artistic innovation and interpretation, and how their music is accepted for art, instead of how much money it has generated for the industry.
Those who don’t understand that the Pop industry, whether it be Country, Hip Hop, Rock or whatever, is about the money, are the ones who are ignorant about the music industry. I know many claim that Strait’s music isn’t Pop, and I understand that there are Roots radio stations in Texas that do play Strait’s music because it does sound Country, but the balk of his success and airplay is on Pop Mainstream radio, and that is the part of the industry who has given him this award. Randy Lewis understands and recognizes that fact.
Take away Strait’s promotion to the Mainstream masses, and see how long his new songs continue to be #1’s.
barb b says:
if you people are not going to
show my comments i know why
her name is alison b I say what is
on my mind
Justin says:
I loved the show but honestly Tim Mcgraw was the worst. Why was he even there? He sings like Taylor Swift….Off Key.
Ann says:
I thought the show as very well done, George Strait is definitely deserving of this award. My favorite performances were Toby Keith, John Rich and Alan Jackson. I thought these artists brought George’s music home. My least favorite performance was Taylor Swift, just didn’t do it for me. All and all it was a show well done and truly showcased a great artist.
Che’ says:
I MUST AGREE, THE SHOW WAS GREAT EXCEPT I’M SORRY TAYLOR SWIFT IS SO FAR FROM BEING CONUTRY IT MAKES ME SICK. SHE MAY HAVE TALENT FOR POP BUT NOT COUNTRY. I THINK THAT IS WHAT’S WRONG WITH COUNTRY STATIONS, THEY PLAY GARBAGE AND CALL IT COUNTRY.
THERE ARE A FEW GOOD COUNTRY ARTISTS OUT THERE. I WONDER WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN WHEN ALL THE OLD TALENTED COUNTRY STARS ARE GONE. THEY JUST STAND AND ENTERTAIN AND SOUND COUNTRY, THEY DON’T NEED SEX OR MACHINES TO MAKE THEM SOUND COUNTRY. GOD BLESS NASHVILLE AND HOPE THEY COME BACK TO THEIR SENSES AND START PLAYING REAL COUNTRY ONCE AGAIN.
Julie says:
Justin,
You are absolutely wrong…Tim McGraw sounded great! Your ear must be off-key. Great show…
Stone LN says:
The following are my thoughts about the ACM Artist of the Decade Concert honoring George Strait:
Of the 13 George Strait songs performed during the concert, only 3 were from the decade of which Strait was being honored: Jamey Johnson and Lee Ann Womack did an excellent version of Give it Away (Johnson is a co-writer of the song and performs it regularly), Taylor Swift covered Run, and King George closed the show with Troubadour. Other 2000 hits such as Murder on Music Row, Cowboys Like Us, and I Hate Everything were passed up for 80’s and 90’s classics that didn’t deliver him the honor when Alabama and Garth Brooks edged him out. Performing songs from all three decades made the concert fell like a lifetime achievement award ceremony or a retirement party and Strait indicated so in his acceptance speech.
I appreciate honoring past Artists of the Decade recipients, but throughout the show for the current honoree? The show’s producers should have paid homage to the past recipients at the beginning of the show before brining out George Strait and avoided uncomfortable camera shots of him watching Martina McBride praise the talents of Garth Brooks or forcing him to applaud Keith Urban on stage for his tribute to Marty Robbins…. on his night.
Where was Reba McEntire? Reba and George came up through the ranks and toured together in the 80s. They are co-headlining a concert to open the new Dallas Cowboy Stadium on June 6th. Reba was in Vegas the night before hosting the ACMs. They shared the same label for 25 years, MCA Nashville, until Reba left this past winter for Valory Music. I have no proof, but I can’t help but think MCA had something to do with Reba not participating in the concert. I’m sure MCA wants to minimize Reba’s exposure leading up to her first post-MCA release, Keep On Loving You on August 18th.
The inclusion of Jamie Foxx, whose main objective was to promote his new movie, was shameless, selfish, and tasteless. I was surprised that after his sexual remarks about Miley Cyrus on his Sirius radio show, The Foxxhole, CBS chose to televise his performance. The guy’s a jerk and had no place on the stage honoring a man with such class and principles.
Best Performance: Jamey Johnson and Lee Ann Womack, Give it Away. I pray these two duet again and tour together.
Best Performance Runner- Up: Brooks and Dunn, The Cowboy Rides Away. When George Strait accepted his award, he stated, “I’m sure glad I got to these songs before y’all did.” I think he was speaking specifically to Ronnie Dunn. Dunn is the best male vocalist currently making records.
In the end, I would have preferred a George Strait concert (filmed Somewhere Down in Texas) spotlighting his songs from the past decade sung by him with special guest appearances: Alan Jackson on Murder on Music Row with Lee Ann Womack singing back-up vocals, Lee Ann Womack on Good News, Bad News, Brooks and Dunn backing up Cowboys Like Us, Tim McGraw on The Seashores of Old Mexico, and Dean Dillon on West Texas Town.
RedMaZ says:
Che’…why so anti-intellectual?
Scooter429 says:
I watched the tribute which was okay, however, I had the privilege of seeing George live on Saturday night at the Comcast Center just outside of Boston. As good as these guys were at signing GS material they don’t hold a candle to the real thing. He is just so smooth and his band is as tight as any I’ve seen.
Mark says:
Will CMT please re-air the George Strait Artist of the Decade Concert???
Please!!
Janetgijoenurse says:
Sorry I think the comment from George about glad I recorded these songs first was directed at Tim Mcgraw. Other than Lee Ann’s tribute song Tim was the last artist to perform before George came on stage when he made that comment.
George had his biggest smile of the night, don’t believe me look at the youtube of Tim singing the song. He had the biggest smile of the night after Tim performed and turned to George and gave him a bow and a salute. Tim was one of the very few that gave George a hug and his wife.
George and Tim are friends in fact other than Asleep At The Wheel who was on George’s festival 4 years, Tim was on it three years. Kenny, Alan, Martina, Faith even Lee Womack was only on the festival one year.
snl says:
loved taylor, tim and faith and of course george!!!!
George Fan #1 says:
First of all George is the best, because he brings together vocal talent, song choosing ability, style, and charm to every son he plays. I thought that the show was really nice, and everyone did a good job singing George’s songs, and yes I call them George’s Songs because he made those songs great, they were very good pieces of writing most of them, but George made those songs complete. We all heard how all of these other “great” artists played them and if George was taken out of the picture and it was up to them to make those songs successes, they wouldn’t have the ability to do it. As for solongsowrong you can stick it, because you have made the most asinine remarks expecting who knows what. The fact of the matter is POP is short for ‘POPULAR’ of course a song that is popular because of its quality can be considered ‘pop’, but does that make it any less traditional? By your line of illogic Mexican food would cease to be Mexican upon it being served at any restaurant other than a Mexican one. As for why George was chosen, well, he is the best most well rounded. Get the hell out of here with Alison Krause Krap she is a nice singer, but as recent excursions have shown, she can’t pick songs anymore and she hasn’t been successful with any songs in the country field since about 2002.
Finally, yes its about the money, that is how the free market works one provide goods or services that others ‘WANT’ in exchange for money, there is nothing wrong with that. If people actually wanted to hear those other artists so much because they were that good, than those executives looking for money would sign them and promote them and there talent would be so evident that they would get a lot of airplay, and therefore a lot of number ones? Wait isn’t that exactly what happened with George Strait? Yes!
Solongsowrong, your name says it all, because you are so wrong. Now, Get your ass out of here. Go on get your ass out of here!
George Strait is still the King, because his traditional country sound and his lively interpretation are the best and are what the people want — Period.
George Fan #1 says:
I almost forgot to address the actual article, I must agree with the point that the band sure does bring each song to live and it’s great how George and the Ace in the Hole band work together so well to make perfect music.
By the way, why wasn’t the Ace in the Hole band there for the Artist of the Decade show, at least when George played.