George Jones Stopped Loving Country Today
Good news for people who think that today's country music isn't really all that country: George Jones agrees with you. He isn't loving where the genre has moved in recent years. So when he was asked about some of the pop-influenced country stars that are so hot right now, Jones said, "They (Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift) had to use something that was established already, and that's traditional country music. So what they need to do really, I think, is find their own title, because they're definitely not traditional country music." He does think that Alan Jackson and George Strait are still good for that traditional sound. "We still have it, and there's quite a few of us that are going to hope that it comes back one of these days," he said. In the meantime, though, any suggestions for what that new title should be?
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Syds says:
Even though I love Taylor I can admit that she is not exactly country. It doesn’t mean that I won’t support and love her though. Just because it’s not traditional country music, doesn’t make it bad or make Taylor and Carrie talentless. Those girl have brought an immense amount of new fans to country music!
Pam says:
George needs to get over himself. Music changes, and eventually returns to it’s roots, but to say they need a
different “title” is rediculous. Those 2 have brought more fans to country in the last couple of years than he has in a decade.
Tristan says:
George later went on in the interview (which is not published here) to criticize other types of music as well, such as rap, and claim that “that is NOT music.” I myself am not a huge fan of rap music, but his comments come across as very bigoted, and out of touch with music and artistic expression. Music evolves….yes George, EVEN COUNTRY MUSIC EVOLVES. Get over it old man.
merlefan49 says:
Great interview Possum. You not afraid to speak your mind!
Allie says:
How about we just call it what it is: Pop
I agree with George.
I’m sick and tired of all these pop stars clogging up the country radio. I don’t mind their music (i dont particularly like it either) but when i turn on the country station i want to hear country music, not pop or rock or anything else.
Ken says:
As much as I love Carrie and am a fan club member I agree with George however Carrie while she does what is popular… I believe she respects those who came before her in country music.
Guy says:
I agree with George. These “rock/pop” wannabes can’t get a foot in the door anywhere else, so they try calling themselves “country”….B/S!
If they were any good…they would go directly to the genre they are…pass or fail.
But country folks will give anyone a chance I guess.
Under 60 years old, there’s not but about 10 entertainers worth a crap in the country market! They try gettin’ some weird looking wrinkled cowboy hat and blue jeans put out a song with a lot of foul language in it and call themself country.
Amanda says:
George needs to get over himself. You can’t live in the past. Things change and evolve. There is a reason the old “traditional country” music isn’t so hot right now…people aren’t buying it. They aren’t buying it and they aren’t calling in the radio stations or CMT and asking for it to be played. Until there is a demand for it, it will continue to take a backseat to it’s newer contempary cousin that IS selling…and spending 152 weeks on the charts.
Allie says:
To I HATE JERKS: He wasn’t just singling out the women. In the article it says “Jones made the comment during a recent interview when asked about music by artists like Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift.” so he was just asked about those two but it also was implied that he was talking about everyone else like rascal flatts, and kenny chesney etc… I don’t know where you got the idea that he was sexist and rascist. It’s just his opinion on the MUSIC not the people in particular.
You also said that no one “is outraged about them or their music”. Trust me. There are plenty of people, including myself, that don’t care for or just plain hate the music of Keith and Kenny, its just that there are more people on this site like them than those that don’t.
Redmaz says:
What Jones said is what I see and hear from other people too. Usually they are the people who know very little about today’s Country Music scene. What he’s talking about clearly is Pop Country. Everyone he has mentioned so far is clearly a part of the genre called “Pop Country”. The very same genre he was a part of during the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Granted those era’s of Pop Country had a more traditional sound then, but he himself was being played on the same radio and in the same genre as Olivia Newton John, Kenny Rogers, John Denver etc. None of who were considered traditional country either. I don’t know if Jones knows about the rest of today’s Country music scene(Americana/Roots Country/Alt.Country/Western Swing) or not, but he is clearly talking about today’s “Pop Country” music in this blog whether he knows it or not, and I think most people agree that Strait and Jackson are two Pop Country acts with more of a traditional sound. He seems to be saying he would like a more traditional sound in today’s Pop Country. I don’t know why he would, but that’s not going to happen. Today’s Pop Country is not intended for “traditional” country fans. Even though today’s Roots Country (”traditional”) is much bigger and in many ways better than it ever has been, not many people want to hear it, and even less know about it. So to George Jones and everyone else who feels this way, just because you don’t know about all of today’s Country music, doesn’t mean it does not exist. There is much more Roots Country(”traditional”) today than there is Pop Country.
hotelmotel says:
The “Rap isn’t music but oh I am open minded and I like black artists such as Brook Benton and Ray Charles” aspect of the interview really bothered me. It seems like a very unsophisticated thing for Jones to say at best and at worst it has some tinges of being a racist comment.
“I HATE JERKS” suggests that Jones is sexist and says, “I would even venture to say a racist.” I don’t know if Jones is a racist in his heart, but I do think his remarks - intentionally or not - raise the possibility that he is a racist (and sexist).
He says that rap isn’t music, he says its “tacky” and that its “talking stuff.” Yet there has been talking stuff in country and there are more than a few “tacky” Jones songs (”Her Name Is…” “The King is Gone (And So Are You)” and “Highteck Redneck” come to mind). Either Jones is not that thoughtful or a closet racist.
john says:
As much as I like George Jones I dont think he has a leg to stand on here. One of his biggest hits White Lightning is not traditional country music. The chord progression is a rock & roll progression, all most rockabilly. When I thnk of old traditional country there was no drums like today, so I guess anyone that has drums you can hear is not traditional country, things change, Get over it!
Dave says:
Taylor Swift is one of the most talented songwriter/ performers today. She writes about every day things that people can relate to… isn’t that a hallmark of good country music? Furthermore, the way she sync her lyrics in an “off time” beat that is unusual and pleasing to the ear. “Love Story” being a great example.
All music is based on what came before, and country is no exception.
jemarba says:
El venerable George declara que las que muy bien pueden ser sus nietas Taylor y Carrie no son intérpretes de country tradicional.
Es una opinión de un enorme artista, posiblemente la mejor voz que ha interpretado nunca ese género, llamado por los “puristas”, “traditional country”. Es una opinión de persona autorizada.
Ahora bien, hay que tener muy en cuenta que como muy bien ya cantó Dylan al final del siglo pasado, “Things have changed” y muy posiblemente las tradiciones actuales pueden llegar a ser bastante diferentes de las de hace como cincuenta años atrás.
Tanto Taylor como Carrie son dos enormes artistas que cantan lo que yo llamaría “present country”, que posiblemente dentro de cincuenta años desde luego estoy seguro que será llamado “traditional country” también, por tanto en ese momento sus trabajos sí estarán incluidos en el mismo grupo de música al que se refiere Jones ahora.
ES una cuestión de tiempo y de como se quiera recordar la historia.
Desde luego que yo, persona intermedia en edad a los aludidos, animo desde aquí a que cada uno siga el camino que tiene trazado en estos momentos, ya que todos ellos, desde luego son aportaciones muy positivas e importantes a la música country. Todos ellos están en el camino correcto.
Nashviller says:
Dave you are disillusioned about Taylor. She gives ideas to Liz Rose and Liz writes them. She writes about ONE subject…high school crushes, and I never heard that from George Jones and company. Besides, Taylor can’t sing to save her soul. The most OVERRATED star in Nashville.
I cant believe the Possum put the names Carrie Underwood and “her” in the same sentence !!! Carrie is a PHENOMENAL talent and can sing ANYTHING!!
Robin says:
Redmaz - I think you’ve finally learned how to get your point across. I agree with you 100%. While I disagree with you on one thing (I think “Taylor Swift” is pop country, but I think “Fearless” is pop rock), the overal “package” of what you are saying I agree with.
Now, if you learned to speak to everyone else the way you spoke about Jones’ statement, then you’d have more credibility.
Guy - Pop is not a genre, it’s an industry (just ask Redmaz). They are in the pop country industry and they are pop country artist. This is decided by how pop country fans choose the move the industry by choosing the artist in that industry that they request on radio and video and by what who purchase. You’ll note that I say “move the “inudstry”" and not “move the “genre”".
Traditional country still exists and Carrie, Taylor, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, etc. don’t claim to be “pop country” traditionalist. They are contemporary “pop country”. George Strait and Alan Jackson are also “pop country”, but they are not contemporary country, they are new traditional country.
Redmaz says:
Robin, I certaily don’t need your approval on my credibility. I’ve been saying the same basic music fundamentals here for years. Maybe you are the one who is finally learning something.
T4Tex says:
Coming from the great state of Texas I agree with Redmaz 100% There is a heck of a lot more traditional country today than there is pop country, so I don’t know what Jones’ problem is. Maybe he doesn’t know about today’s traditional country music. Maybe he needs to get out of Nashvegas for a while and come to Texas!
Sherry says:
Sounds like sour grapes to me. Maybe if one of the new stars featured him in their video he might change his tune. I can see how older ones don’t like to see change, but each to his own. We are all entitled to an opinion.
Robin says:
Redmaz - while “you” may not need my approval your credibility. You clearly need to have it for people to listen to you. When you act like a “know it all” (and you clearly don’t) and show no respect for the “genre” you claim to know everything about, then you set your own tone for your (or lack there of) credibility.
So, being “right” techinically does not make you right. Someone does not “need” to clarify to you each time they talk about country music, which sub-genre of it they are referring to. It is quit alright (since they don’t need your approval) for them just to simply talk about it.
Robin says:
T4Tex - Redmaz doesn’t claim “pop country” to be a genre. Traditional country is part of pop country as much as contemporary country. All types of sub-genres of country music make up today’s pop country “industry” (not genre). Pop country consists of traditional country, contemporary country, country rock, etc. etc.
All those sub-genres have much bigger bases that are not in the “pop country” industry (Americana). Fortunately in these days, you can find all that music without it being in the pop country industry so back to your statement. There’s no need to feel traditional (or any other sub-genre) is dying as there is a non popular version of it that you can find. That doesn’t mean that the fans of pop country that participate in that industry shouldn’t “discuss” the issues and push for the music they want to hear on their country radio. But, while doing that, go find what you want to hear, it’s out there.
merlefan49 says:
IMO here is a list of talented songwriter/performers
Dale Watson
Wayne Hancock
Leslie Sloane
2ponies says:
Are you guys kidding me???What is wrong here is that Mr Jones clearly is not looking at the bigger picture..where would country music be if NOT for these new artists??Carrie is a member of the grand Ole Opry..must say something about her abilities…as for Taylor,honey you just keep doing what you do..you have plenty of support from people like me, by the way are you all aware that Taylor is the ONLY COUNTRY ARTIST ever to write or co-write ALL of the songs on a platinum selling album( SHES 19)…WOW George, what a dissapointing thing to hear from a legend as yourself…what is this pick on the 19 year old superstar year????
Always Right says:
2ponies,
Get a clue. Do your homework and then come back.
Karen says:
Sounds like an old man resistant to change. If it wasn’t for stars like Carrie or Keith and others who have brought a new edge and sound to country music, it wouldn’t be as popular as it is today. Wasn’t Elvis consider country? I digress though…..you either accept that things in life change, or you move and get out of the way. I think country music is big enough, with enough appeal to handle what some people call “pop country” and “traditional country”. I personally never listened to country music with any frequency until the appearance of Carrie & Keith (and a few other fresher sounds that are on the airwaves today). I don’t care for Taylor, a bit too young, however, I have the choice of pushing a button on my radio to something else. Might I suggest you get out your eight track tapes, if you plan on living in the past forever.
That being said, Mr. Jones is entitled to some respect, and his opinion. I just happen to totally disagree with him.
Let’s see, your last hit was when, Mr. Jones???
2ponies says:
always right: way too obvious you havent done yours…always wrong??
Robin says:
2ponies (you said) - “by the way are you all aware that Taylor is the ONLY COUNTRY ARTIST ever to write or co-write ALL of the songs on a platinum selling album( SHES 19)…”
and to that Always Right said - “Get a clue. Do your homework and then come back.”
Maybe your answer shouldn’t have been “always right: way too obvious you havent done yours…always wrong??” because Always Right (while an annoying “know it all”) is usually right.
You should do your homework. Let’s take one example of where your statement is wrong:
“White Trash with Money” was the eleventh album by country music superstar Toby Keith, which was released on April 11, 2006. The album shipped platinum. Keith wrote or co-wrote all of the songs.
Those songs are:
“Get Drunk and Be Somebody” (Toby Keith, Scotty Emerick)
“A Little Too Late” (Keith, Emerick, Dean Dillon)
“Can’t Buy You Money” (Keith, Emerick)
“Crash Here Tonight” (Keith)
“Grain of Salt” (Keith, Emerick)
“I Ain’t Already There” (Keith, Emerick, Dillon)
“Note to Self” (Keith, Emerick, Dillon)
“Too Far This Time” (Keith, Emerick, Dillon)
“Ain’t No Right Way” (Keith, Emerick, Dillon)
“Brand New Bow” (Keith)
“Hell No” (Keith, Emerick)
“Runnin’ Block” (Keith, Emerick)
And while Brad Paisley’s 1999 release “Who Needs Pictures” has one traditional song on it (which everone owns), it was all written or co-written by him.
“Long Sermon” (Brad Paisley, Tim Nichols)
“Me Neither” (Paisley, Chris DuBois, Frank Rogers)
“Who Needs Pictures” (Paisley, DuBois, Rogers)
“Don’t Breathe” (Paisley)
“He Didn’t Have to Be” (Paisley, Kelley Lovelace)
“It Never Woulda Worked out Anyway” (Paisley, Lovelace)
“Holdin’ on to You” (Paisley, DuBois, Lovelace)
“I’ve Been Better” (Paisley, Robert Arthur)
“We Danced” (Paisley, DuBois)
“Sleepin’ on the Foldout” (Paisley, DuBois)
“Cloud of Dust” (Paisley, DuBois)
“The Nervous Breakdown” - instrumental (Paisley, James Gregory, Mitch McMihen)
“In the Garden” (Traditional)
Both these albums were platinum (or more)
flower says:
se even the legends think cu is not as country as you cu fans think ha!!!! and if your going to say taylor is not either i agree taylor and cu are maybe not old country but new country!
Robin says:
flower - I think “Taylor” is a contemporary country artist. I think “Taylor Swift” is a contemporary “pop” country album ((in it’s entirety)). I think “Fearless” is a “pop” rock album (in it’s entirety).
I think Carrie Underwood is a contemporary country artist. I think “Some Hearts” is a contemporary “pop” country album (with too much “pop” rock on it - ‘Some Hearts’ the song for one, but the album as a whole is “pop” country). I think “Carnival Ride” is a contemporary “pop” country album (in it’s entirety). I think “Play On” is a contemporary “pop” country album (in it’s entirety).
So, that’s my opinion. George has his and I don’t need his to validate mine. You don’t need mine to validate yours.
I certainly don’t attack Taylor personally (like you do Carrie - you she was a slut). I like the girl and thinks she deserves her success. I don’t like the voice or the songs (again, that’s my opinion).
In the end, the actual “pop” country audience (not the radio Disney audience) will determine what has longevity in the “pop” country industry. Consumers (as a whole) of the “pop” rock industry will determine who is successful in that industry.
It’s okay to discuss it and disagree. You take other people’s opinions too personally and cross the line at attacking artists personally (as I pointed out above), you loose credibility. I certainly know that there were people calling Taylor the same thing you called Carrie. That is all silly, pointless, mean spirited, not about the music and their favorite artist would be horrified to find those fans defending them in that way.
While I find no problem confronting the bad behavior of artists and calling them on it. This is not that.
2ponies says:
Robin, so thats great that Toby and Brad and whoever else, had at least 2 other writers with them as you say..but, they were not 19 years old, and thats how old Taylor is now , it was a was a couple years ago when she wrote those songs,makes her not even out out high school..cant take that from her..she is a huge success story no matter what way you try to color it…
Christine Simmons says:
You are a great country singer, Mr. Jones. But do you have the right to throw stones?
Most of what passes for country music these days is not. It’s overproduced pop. Give me a Lefty Frizzell/Sanger D. Shafer song and I’m a happy camper. But to my mind, real country music singers don’t pull no-shows and leave their fans hanging. Maybe some folks think the nickname, “No-show Jones,” is funny. It wasn’t funny to us. It hurt us in the pocketbook, and more, it hurt us in the heart.
I don’t expect Mr. Jones will ever see this and we sure don’t want his money. But it’s been bothering me for almost 30 years now. So here goes:
I’ve loved country music all my life. I sent out my $2.00 twice to buy the records to build the Country Music Hall of Fame. To my mind, real country singers take care of their fans. It was a long time ago, in the early 80s, I believe, that you, Mr. Jones, blew off a scheduled concert in Charlottesville, VA. I remember, because the money came real hard at that time. We bought the tickets at Back Alley Disc (long out of business), and, to tell you the truth, I can’t remember if the tickets were $12.00 each with a $1.00 service charge or $15.00 each with a $2.00 service charge. We excitedly bought two tickets. You didn’t show and we never got our money back. The promoters were some fly-by-night company out of Bristol (probably TN, but it could have been VA), with a name like L & L, or H & H, or L & M, or something like that. We tried to contact them and we tried to contact you. We were nice about it. But we were out of luck. Maybe you and the promoters didn’t understand nice.
Real country music singers don’t stiff their fans. So I’m not sure you’ve got any call to be pointing fingers, Mr. Jones.
I like the song, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes?” I like all your songs. And maybe no one will be able to fill your shoes, Mr. Jones. It makes me sad. But the “no show” part, I hope nobody fills that.
Here’s a partial list of the country and country-related performers we’ve seen in person over the years, in no particular order, and they all showed up, Mr. Jones:
Bill Monroe
Earl Scruggs
Statlers
Vern Gosdin
Willie Nelson
Merle Haggard (twice)
Emmylou Harris (twice)
Charley Pride
Ricky Skaggs
George Strait
Nanci Griffith
Dwight Yoakam
Vince Gill
Jerry Lee Lewis
Mickey Gilley
Don Williams
Loretta Lynn
Reba McEntire
Waylon Jennings
Hank Williams, Jr.
David Allan Coe
Conway Twitty
Guy Clark
Delbert McClinton
Jerry Jeff Walker
Lyle Lovett
Randy Travis
Brooks & Dunn
Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
Gatlins
Oak Ridge Boys
Kris Kristofferson (He was still drinking at the time, but he showed up and, for someone who really can’t sing, who doesn’t have the God-given voice that you have, Mr. Jones, he did a good job.)
Rodney Crowell
John David Anderson
Larry Franklin (great fiddle player)
David Gunderson says:
George is right, the way the good old tavern song’s have gone is Everything is electric sex and funky monkey suff and it’s got nothing to do with music its portraying call it contemporary or hwat eevr you want . I don’t call it country Roots of the country dont start by having sex in the back of PU truck,in the woods ect.. Todays music is based on sex nothing else. Goerge Jones, Alan jackson George straight and other vetran artist’s are right on track, 10 million fans or better can’t be wrong.
Shirley Beverly says:
ok First i prefer traditional country music George is right i will not go see someone who shows up dressed like they have no respect for the people that come to see them
if these new singers had the talent they think they do they would not need a huge light show and endless backup group. and i have been to 18 George Jones concerts and guess what he showed up at everyone of them. his concerts are always sold out . i love a fiddle and a steel guitar my feeling is a lot of the new country cant fit in the pop rock stuff so they try to con people into thinking they are country,
JAMES says:
GEORGE JONES YOUR JUST JEALOUS BECAUSE CARRIE UNDERWOOD AND TAYLOR SWIFT ARE TWO BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LADY’S WHO ARE GETTING MORE MEDIA ATTINTION THAN YOU.
THESE LADY’S ARE WHAT COUNTRY MUSC IS ABOUT AND THIS THING ABOUT YOU GETTING ROBBED JUST GROW UP
David Gunderson says:
2Ponies
double edge sword! catch 22! where would these newbies be with out George and all the great and the late veteran artist’s, sorry there the foundation of the mother church of country music, the mewbies are walking all over them to gain fame and there own aclaim to the vetrans Music, they have no entitlements to lay claims too.
Bullride says:
Yep, gotta go with Redmaz ans T4Tex on this. They are absolutely right. There is plenty of new traditional or roots country music today. You two are spot on. Unlike Robin and Karen. You two should be embarrassed to no end. Robin wants to be the board know it all, and Karen is living in the past. Snap out of it!
Pecos Pete says:
HAHAHAHA!!!! I see Robin is still being served by Redmaz. Give it up girl! “Served!”.
Dan says:
As a singer/songwriter and longtime Possum fan, I see a lot of disrespect for George in this thread. He is entitled to his own opinion and I believe he deserves respect because it it weren’t for him, Tammy, Loretta, Patsy, Conway, Merle, Cash, Waylon, Willie, Kris, Dolly, and many others…there wouldn’t be any Keith, Taylor, Carrie, etc. and I’m sure they’d be the first to tell you that! Never forget your roots!
hotelmotel says:
Dan - George is entitled to his opinion, and he deserves respect for the music he made. But some of the things he is saying just don’t sound that smart. And the comments about rap, combined with the Charles and Benton remarks, and the idea that rap isn’t even music start to take on a racial undertone.
I respect George Jones and his accomplishments. But he has given people a lot of reason to dislike him (and not just these comments, but the no show stuff, et cetera)
emma robertson says:
i think George is right, move Carrie and Taylor to pop,a lot of the newcomers to country music dont even know what country music is,im only in to traditional country music and the new ones that keep it traditional,george has every right to speak his mind
Redmaz says:
Thanks for your support, but Robin is an easy handle. To emma, you say you are only into Traditional Country? Who are some of today’s NEW Roots Country artists that are singing Traditional Country you are listening too? I’d like to check them out. Also CU and TS have ALWAYS been Pop acts. Pop is not an induvidual genre of music, It is an industry consisting of MANY genres of music, including Country. That’s what Jones is complaining about…Pop Country.
Jones is way off base. he said that CU and TS had to use something that was established already and that was Traditional Country. Sorry but that’s wrong George. Swift and Underwood have never claimed to be traditional Country singers. However, CU, and TS DID use something that was already established, and that was the Pop Music industry. Bottom line is Jones is complaining about 10% of today’s Country while as far as I can tell ignoring the other 90%. You’re right T4Tex. Maybe Jones needs to hang around Austin for a month or so. I’d bet he’d change his tune. I’m beginning to wonder if Jones even knows who Dale Watson, Roger Wallace, Miss Leslie, and Wayne Hancock are.
Robin says:
David Gunderson - these young artists have great respect for the country music that came before them. Taylor did a great job singing “Drive” for Alan Jackson and Carrie’s version of “I Told You So” showed great respect for Randy Travis and their duet of that song was incredible.
Carrie’s membership to the Grand Ole Opry came after gaining a great deal of respect (by showing it) to the older members. Loretta Lynn has nothing but good words for Carrie. So, put all the stock in the world you want in George, but that disrespects the words of alot of other greats such as Loretta (and many others).
Robin says:
Bullride - I offer my opinions just as that “opinions”. Redmaz thinks his opinions are “facts” and try’s to sell it as such. They aren’t no matter how many times he repeats himself.
Robin says:
Pecos Pete - because Redmaz doesn’t like being “called” on his own words isn’t serving anything. But, feel free since you live in the same dillusional word he does.
Robin says:
Dan - these artists haven’t forgotten their roots. There are other greats out there other than George with the exact opposite opinion he has.
I certainly didn’t say he didn’t have the right to his opinion, but his opinion is misguided. There is certainly plenty of “traditional” country still in the pop country industry and there is plenty of the current Nashville Sount (aka Contemporary country) in the poop country industry. Both sub-genres of country are still country. One sub-genre of country does not own the genre over another. So, he’s saying “my brand of country is better than yours”. While it is his opinion, it is not disrespectful to have another opinion.
David G says:
let see 10,000 fans in one show alone in canada sold out shows one after another, Kenedy center award this year,yeah he is washed up NOT!
stick to facts not bashing, other wise there is nothing to add that’s intellegent to say to this issue.
Robin says:
David - who said he is “washed up”? What post are you replying to?
Willow says:
Actions speak a lot louder than words, and today’s country music fans happen to enjoy new country artists. Who is the future of country music? A 70 something or the new stock of entertainers in their 20’s & 30’s? Times change, music changes, and Karen’s right….you either accept it or move out of the way. It’s gonna happen because peoples taste change and what is popular goes with the trends of that generation.
Country music is not just “traditional” and what does that mean anyway? Just as this article means something to one person, it means something totally different to another. (or we wouldn’t be having this blog) Why does there have to be a carved in stone standard of what defines country music?
It a new dawn, it’s a new day and today’s youth are just putting their spin on what they love to do, and that bring country music to ALL it’s fans…..not just the ones that are stuck in the past and the sounds of yester-year.
Old Country says:
I think some people on this blog have misunderstood
2ponies says:
Willow, loved your blog you are right on, there is a place for everyone who likes country music.. as i have over the years,but there has been a change and for the better..i have had many people tell me through the years they dont like country because of the twangy sounds….when they listen to new country they often change their opinions…there is plenty of room for the different types of country ..its just too bad Mr Jones couldnt have been more supportive of the newer people..like i said before ,what is this pick on the 19 year old superstar year?????
Robin says:
2ponies (you said) - “by the way are you all aware that Taylor is the ONLY COUNTRY ARTIST ever to write or co-write ALL of the songs on a platinum selling album”
By saying that you are disrespecting other artist that did exactly what you just said she was the only one to do. It is not taking anything away from Taylor to insists that records that are stated about her are true. This was not a true record or achievement. That doesn’t mean what is true isn’t great. But, be happy for what is true. She wrote or co-wrote all the songs on her platinum (or more) selling CD. That’s a great thing that you can be happy with. You don’t have to disrespect other artists by claiming she’s the only one to do that when she isn’t.
Old Country says:
I think some people on this blog have
misunderstood what George said. He simply said
that what has been historically known as country
music is now something different. Times may change
but old traditional country music remains the same. Let
the younger fans enjoy their music just don’t
include it with George’s brand-he doesn’t want old
country to fade away and it won’t, just listen to some
old country as sung by George, Hank Sr., and Tammy
Wynette and you’ll understand why it’s here to
stay.
hotelmotel says:
Old Country - Jones is saying more than that what is now known as country “is now something different.”
His comments are in a rant that includes claims that rap isn’t music and that newer stars are somehow stealing his “identity.” He isn’t taking a “i like this you like that, there’s room for both of us” stance. When he includes this talk about newer stars in this kind of a rant he can’t expect people to interpret this as a simple matter of Jones having different tastes than a newer generation.
And he is dishonest too if he is suggesting that Carrie and Taylor are marketing themselves as “traditional country,” because they don’t seem to be. But at one point Jones insinuates - though doesn’t explicitly state - that this is what they are doing. Its just misleading of Jones.
The statement “let the younger fans enjoy their music just don’t include it with George’s brand” isn’t fair. First off, few fans of the younger generation seem to be somehow claiming that they are including their music with Georges. Second, why should the younger Generation have to find a new name for its music? Why shouldn’t George have to find a new name for his? Its not as if George Jones has some kind of moral or legal right to determine what kind of music can rightfully present itself as “country.” George has no copyright or trademark here. He has no more right to dictate the way we use words than anyone else.
I’m sorry; I like the music of Jones but his comments are off putting.
Old Country says:
hotelmotel_ I don’t think George was ranting, he is
just frustrated with the industry using the same
name for his kind of music and something that
is qualitatively different from traditional
country music. He does state that he
likes many different kinds of music, it is his
right, like everyone else, to express their opinion
on what constitutes music. I reiterate–unless
you can come up with an objective way to
sub-classify what is called country today within
traditional or old country music, continuing to
use the country label is meaningless. I think we
need to honor historical precedence here and
dub the current “country” something else, otherwise
it’s misleading and disingenuous.
Sharon Mitcheslon says:
I agree 100% with “Old Country”. You pretty much summed up what I was going to say. I believe that is the point George was trying to make. I can understand his frustration with the current “country” music. I prefer “Traditional” myself. I have attended many George Jones concerts. He does an excellent job on stage. Gives 110% of himself during each concert. As long as George is singing I will keep on going!!!! I don’t believe he meant anything disrepectful… just an opinion on the “new” country music.
Redmaz says:
If that’s a challenge Robin, I accept. Point out something I said you consider my opinion, and we’ll discuss/debate it. I’ve proved my “opinions” before, and I can do it again. Anytime you’re ready.
Snookie Lanson says:
These are the blogs that crack me up the most. People crucifying George for doing the exact same thing everyone else is doing here…. stating an opinion. It does make me sad, though, to find out I must be a bigot too, since I don’t like what Rap music has turned into either…sure is different from the roots of Rap of 100 years ago.
Now I wonder what kind of NEW Country music I’ll feel like listening to tonight? A little Western Swing? Some Bluegrass? Maybe I’ll dabble in some Texas or Red Dirt Country. Some Cajun Country might sound good, too. Anybody here like Country Rap? Just be aware, if you say no, someone might call you a bigot.
So many choices… makes me wonder why some think all that’s out there is what is heard on commercial radio… and should only have the moniker “country” music.
Terry Woodworth says:
If they only played good country music on the “So called country music stations”, we would hear George Jones, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, George Strait,Johnny Cash, some old Clint Black, Etc. Why do they call what Jason Aldean does, Country? Not even close. Bring back the true country sound.
I’m not saying what the others are doing is not music, it’s just not real “Country” Come on real country fans, stand your ground!
Redmaz says:
Good post Snookie Lanson,, but these mainstreamers have no idea what you are talking about. Terry, Sharon, Old Country, Willow, and a couple others should pay attention and learn something about ALL of today’s Country music scene. They have no idea what today’s Roots Country, Red Dirt Alt.Country, or Western Swing music is. I don’t appreciate them disrespecting music with their lack of knowledge, especially Country Music.
solongsowrong says:
Here we go again. Terry looking for True Country. That would be yet another genre of Country music. Artists currently charting and being played on True Country radio are Dale Watson, Tommy Alverson, Sean Austin, Long Gone Lonesome Boys, Gene Watson, Larry Jackson, Bird & Tines, Bill Hearne’s Roadhouse Revue, just to name a few.
Ever venture out to listen to any of these artists, Terry?
Christine says:
Jealousy does not look good on you George!
Willow says:
Well Redmaz, saying I have a “lack of knowledge” about country music is a bit presumptous of you, don’t you think? I’m 50 years old and know plenty about “country music”, and I don’t like “traditional” country music, if that’s what you want to call it. I turn it off when a Conway Twitty or George Jones tune comes on the radio. I don’t like it and that’s just my opinion. I’d rather listen to Keith Urban playing a rift on the guitar or Brad Paisley singing about technology or internet dating. I really enjoy more current music, whether it Gwen Steffani or Green Day or Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood. I enjoy some older music, but just as the days on the calendar roll by, so does my taste in music. Heck, I even listen to opera on a regular basis. It’s funny that in Rock and Roll, all kinds of music are played side by side, and nobody takes such a snobby attitude about “traditional” rock and roll versus “new” rock and roll. Old time rock gets played right next to the new stuff and I don’t hear anyone whining about new artist stealing real rock and rolls identity. It’s music.
I guess if “traditional” country was popular, there might actually be a radio station exclusively for that music. But you know what, they’ve tried that before and the format only last for a while, because nobodys listening in the numbers that people are listening to “new” country. They have old rock and roll stations that play older rock from the 60’s and those are quite popular. They have radio stations exclusive to certain decades, like the 70’s & 80’s, or just 90’s and all of them thrive. Would you prefer to have your own exclusive air waves just for what you consider traditional country? Go for it and more power to you. I don’t have any problem with that, in fact if a station with just that kind of music could survive, that would be down right awesome. However, there’s power in numbers and I don’t think many people listen, with the same volume as they listen to the Urbans, Keiths, Chesneys and Underwoods of this world. It’s just not popular. I’m sorry, and sometimes the truth hurts. I feel bad that Jones feels the need to single out people in his rant, and I feel even worse that he can’t embrace the future of country music and accept that what was popular during his hayday, is not as popular today. I just found out that Vince Gill did more backup vocals on Carrie’s new Play On CD, and that’s awesome. Country music artist appreciating other country music artists and embracing the new generation. At the same time I also feel that if there are new artists that want to keep that tradition alive, that’s fantastic, because I feel there’s room for more than just that form of sound in country music today. If people liked it, and requested it in large numbers, it would get air play. I hear plenty of Clint Black, Dwight Yokum & George Strait on the airwave, so I think there are certain artist who have appeal to those that love a good country song sung by a season veteren.
It’s sad that lines have to be drawn and distinctions have be made, when it’s all just about people doing what the love to do. Listen to your older country music and enjoy it, as I listen to the new country music and enjoy it with just as much passion as you. But at the same time recognize that not everyone likes the same thing (as is pretty obvious by this blog) and there’s nothing wrong with it. I don’t like George Jone’s music, but I would never call him out in an article and say he doesn’t belong in country music, just because I don’t like his music.
I think there’s enough room for everyone…..and oh, by the way, I love Daris Rucker as a country star. And for those of you who don’t venture into other forms of music, he’s the former lead singer of Hooty & the Blowfish. I think country suits his style. But to “the purest of traditional country music” this must really offend you. How dare a new edge soft rock singer dare crossover to your territory and call himself country. Oh no, what is the world coming too? The sky is falling, the sky is falling. Get over it, peeps and just accept change…..
Let the rant begin……
merlefan49 says:
I’m nearly 50 years old too and I don’t listen to mainstream radio and haven’t in over a decade I listen to a station on the web where I won’t hear Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift etc.
merlefan49 says:
George has one honor very few country singers get. The Kennedy Center honors. Wonder if Carrie or Taylor ever will.
Old Country says:
Many of you are still misinterpreting what George
said. He wasn’t coming down on new artists he was
standing up for what has historically been called
country music. He just doesn’t want the so-called
“new country” confused with the old or traditional
country music. If you call a song country it should
have some basis in reality, else you are saying
it’s OK for George’s old country to become extinct.
That will never happen.
David G says:
old country you and I are on the same page, sharon you too right with you there.
robin no reply tou your post.LOL just that, I stated facts and sticking to it for those who don’t know George and his history in music.
Willow says:
It’s very possible and here’s a list of what Carrie’s won in just 4 short years:
Academy of Country Music Awards:
2009
Won Academy of Country Music Award
category Entertainer of the Year
Won Academy of Country Music Award
category Top Female Vocalist
2008
Won Academy of Country Music Award
category Top Female Vocalist
2007
Won Academy of Country Music Award
category Top Female Vocalist
Won Academy of Country Music Award
category Album of the Year for “Some Hearts”
Won Academy of Country Music Award
category Video of the Year for “Before He Cheats”
2006
Won Academy of Country Music Award
category Single Record of the Year for “Jesus Take the Wheel”
Won Academy of Country Music Award
category Top New Female Vocalist
American Music Awards
2008
Won American Music Award
category Favorite Country Album for “Carnival Ride”
2007
Won American Music Award
category Favorite Country Female Artist
Won American Music Award
category Favorite Country Album for “Some Hearts”
Won AMA T-Mobile Text-In Award
2006
Won American Music Award
category Favorite Breakthrough New Artist
Billboard Music Awards
2006
Won Billboard Music Award
category Album of the Year for “Some Hearts”
Won Billboard Music Award
category Female Country Artist of the Year
Won Billboard Music Award
category Country Album of the Year for “Some Hearts”
Won Billboard Music Award
category Female Billboard 200 Album Artist of the Year
Won Billboard Music Award
category New Country Artist of the Year
2005
Won Billboard Music Award
category Top-Selling Hot 100 Song of the Year for “Inside Your Heaven”
Won Billboard Music Award
category Country Single Sales Artist of the Year
Won Billboard Music Award
category Top-Selling Country Single of the Year for “Inside Your Heaven”
CMT Music Awards
2007
Won CMT Music Award
category Video of the Year for “Before He Cheats”
Won CMT Music Award
category Female Video of the Year for “Before He Cheats”
2006
Won CMT Music Award
category Female Video of the Year for “Jesus, Take the Wheel”
Won CMT Music Award
category Breakthrough Video of the Year for “Jesus, Take the Wheel”
Country Music Association Awards
2008
Won Country Music Association Award
category Female Vocalist of the Year
2007
Won Country Music Association Award
category Single of the Year for “Before He Cheats”
Won Country Music Association Award
category Female Vocalist of the Year
2006
Won Horizon Award
Won Country Music Association Award
category Female Vocalist of the Year
Dove Awards
2006
Won Dove Award
category Country Recorded Song of the Year for “Jesus, Take the Wheel”
Grammy Awards
2009
Won Grammy Award
category Best Female Country Vocal Performance for “Last Name”
2008
Won Grammy Award
category Best Female Country Vocal Performance for “Before He Cheats”
2007
Won Grammy Award
category Best New Artist
2007
Won Grammy Award
category Best Country Vocal Performance - Female for “Jesus, Take the Wheel”
Inspirational Country Music Awards
2006
Won Inspirational Country Music Award
category Mainstream Country Artist
People’s Choice Awards, USA
2009
Won People’s Choice Award
category Favorite Country Song for “Last Name”
Won People’s Choice Award
category Favorite Female Singer
2007
Won People’s Choice Award
category Favorite Female Singer
Won People’s Choice Award
category Favorite Country Song for “Before He Cheats”
Teen Choice Awards
2008
Won Teen Choice Award
category Choice Red Carpet Fashion Icon Female
2005
Won Teen Choice Award
category Choice TV Reality/Variety Star - Female for American Idol: The Search for a Superstar (2002)
Willow says:
I don’t think George has to worry about his style of country music ever being confused with today’s new country music. I think I can safely say that, but if you’re looking for young stars to sing the songs of Porter Wagner, Conway Twitty, Merle Haggard and the other legends of the past, it’s not going to happen. There are some newcomers that do envoke a glimmer of that older style music, but it’s not what’s popular with the buying public, so they aren’t going to embrace it, plain and simple.
K says:
The comments made by George are so rude and uncalled for. Why couldn’t he have just said “I don’t care for today’s country music” and moved on? Instead he chose to disrespect an entire genre of diverse, talented arists that are trying to make a living doing what they love.
Artists like Kellie,Carrie, Toby, Rascal Flatts, Keith and amny others are very vocal about the respect and admiration they share for their influences. To my knowlege none of these artists have called thenselves tarditional country by any strech- they are all very open about having many influences from different generes.
It’s extremely bothersome that Jones thinks he has the right to say these artists need to find another genre. Does he think he owns it? Does he think “his” brand of country is the only valid one?
There were many country artists now considdered hard-core tarditionalists that couldn’t even be called country 50 some years ago; it’s the same way with these newer artists.
George and company never broke the records that these new folks are making, and it’s because of this new expanded audience.
merlefan49 says:
The Kennedy Center honor’s aren’t bestowed for record sales etc. It is for the overall accomplishments for a life time of achievements. Look them up. Let’s see in 50 plus years if Carrie and Taylor are still around
Willow have your ever heard of Dale Watson, You can hear the influence of all the legends Wayne Hancock (boy can he can channel Hank Sr music) Sunny Sweeny, Miss Leslie.
merlefan49 says:
George and the other legends have something else decades of long careers. George put a cd a few years back with 50 years of hits on it. Although this is a different genre the bluegrass legends have them too. Del McCoury just put out a 50 years of music cd too.
merlefan49 says:
The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual honor given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture. The Honors have been presented annually since 1978 in Washington, D.C., during gala weekend-long events which culminate in a performance for—and honoring—the Honorees at the Kennedy Center Opera House.[1]
The Honors were created by George Stevens, Jr. and the late Nick Vanoff; as of 2009, Stevens remains involved as producer and co-writer for the Honors Gala. From 1978 until 2002, the ceremony was hosted by Walter Cronkite;[2] since 2003, it has been hosted by Caroline Kennedy
Robin says:
merlefan49 - George is 79. Carrie is 26 and Taylor is 19. It takes a while to get a Kennedy Center Honor. I don’t think they really want to be at the end of their career yet - like he is.
Redmaz says:
Willow, when I have more time I would like to discuss several issues you brought up. But for now my first question would be for you is, I noticed you said nothing about today’s Americana/Roots Music which makes up in my opinion about 90% of todays music scene. So in your lenthy post that goes into many styles of music, why is there no mention of today’s cutting edge Americana/Roots music? I’ll check back later for you reply. Thanks.
Willow says:
Redmaz, in answer to your question, probably because I don’t listen to it, and I mentioned what I do listen to, that’s why.
But let me pose this. I’m sure when George came into the business as a young up and comer, that he was embraced by country music, don’t you think. Isn’t it duty to pay it forward. I know these young kids are liked and being nurtured by the likes of Randy Travis and Vince Gill. Why does George have to so flippantly just cast them aside as some alien to “his” kind of country music. Who knows, if he was a bit kinder and more open minded, perhaps some of today’s youth might look to him for guidance, but with an attitude like he’s got, if I were anyone that he mentioned in his interview, I wouldn’t give the old, grumpy man the time of day.
Lighten up George and pay it forward to the new generation. Don’t you think you owe it to the country music that you profess to love so much?
hotelmotel says:
I don’t think Jones has any duty to “pay it forward” or be nice to newcomers. He doesn’t owe them anything. And today’s stars don’t owe Jones anything, either.
But I do think he comes off poorly claiming that they have stolen his “identity.” George doesn’t “own” the right to control this identity; it can’t be stolen from him. It belongs to everyone.
I don’t remember Jones complaining about pop acts being played alongside his “traditional” music on the top 40 country stations in 1980. I believe he even lent his voice to songs such as “I was country When Country Wasn’t Cool.”
Somehow I suspect that Jones wouldn’t be complaining that Swift or Underwood or whomever call themselves “country” if he too was still being played on the top 40 stations that play Strait and Alan Jackson.
solongsowrong says:
merlefan: Although I think some of George’s comments are way off base, I get what you’re saying about his long career and accomplishments, even if it appears to have gone over the heads of some others here. His honors, as you have indicated, are for his lifetime of contributions to American culture. Lifetime meaning, it took a long time to get there. Unless someone has a crystal ball, I don’t think they can say for sure that current Pop Country stars like Swift and Underwood, will be around for 50 more years still making music, let alone having anyone care about what they have to say in an interview.
Redmaz says:
Willow you don’t listen to today’s Americana/Roots Music? You know what Americana/Roots Music is don’t you? Do you see it as a driving force in today’s overall music scene? I was wondering, who are some Americana/Roots Music artists…singer/songwrters/bands you’ve listen to, that made you decide you didn’t like today’s Americana/Roots Music. I’m curious to know what you’ve been listening to that formed your opinion
Redmaz says:
I was hoping you’d reply back by now Willow. I hope you do soon. We have a lot of issues to cover in your post to get to the facts. I’ll check back here a couple more times. And to Robin…the challenge acceptance still stands. I think it would be great to separate fact from opinion.
hotelmotel says:
Jones had a good run as an entertainer but he was a pretty detestable person. I respect the music he made, but I don’t respect George Jones the person.
Willow says:
Redmaz,
Sorry I didn’t respond today, I had an all day seminar. During a break I’d answered you, but for some reason it didn’t post. I hate when that happens. I’m feeling a bit under the weather this evening with a cold, so I’ll write a response to you tomorrow. Have a great evening, and thanks for keeping tabs on me…….
LondonTown says:
Has anyone here got any other hobbies apart from arguing!
emma robertson says:
the people who are saying nasty things about george quit it, why are you posting if your gonna slag him off,whats george ever done to you,hes made music to entertain us and all you idiots do is slag him off, i love george jones and i also love his wife nancy,who is upset cause of yourslagging off her husband, say something nice or dont post at all
PJF says:
If you don’t like it, start your own Classic Country radio station. Good luck selling it. I sure hope you have a “pop country” station to pay it’s bills! That said, I LOVE classic country, but it doesn’t sell anymore. In this economy radio stations have to make money too.
irishvikingfan says:
George Jones is wonderful. I love his music, but I couldn’t disagree with him more on this. Country has lost it’s traditional sound? Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry, Josh Thompson, Chris Young, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner and Reba has a top 10 right now. Ok, so they don’t all sound like Randy Travis & The Oak Ridge Boys (who are awesome by the way), but they sure sound traditional to me! Today’s Top 40 music doesn’t sound like the Beatles today either. The Beatles had a few top 40 hits if I recall.
music lover says:
I notice George doesn’t blast Alabama, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Lee, The Eagles, Charlie Daniels and the Bellamy Bros. He would’t dare slam them, but these artists are country rock plain and simple. Their music isn’t even close to being as twangy as George Jones. Those artists brought country music to a new level as well and brought country music closer to the mainstream. They were the Garth Brooks artists of their time just as Kenny Chesney is today. The posters just above are right on. The Beatles now play on classic Hits/rock stations. Their style doesn’t cut it on today’s top 40 radio. That’s why Satellite radio is broken down into different categories. There might be 4 different versions of ONE music genre. It’s just the way it is. You can’t be everything to everybody. Deal with it.
hotelmotel says:
emma robertson - You say “say something nice or don’t post at all” and that Nancy, George’s husband, is upset because people are “slagging off her husband.”
Well, George Jones said some things that some interpret as being not so “nice,” and if “say something nice or don’t post” applies to fans here, fairness says it should also apply to Jones.
George Jones made comments that he either knew or should have known were going to anger some people. George has every right to make controversial comments, but he has no right to tell people who disagree to stop posting. Nobody has that right.
Music Lover - Its interesting that Jones didn’t blast Alabama, Jennings, Eagles, et cetera. For me, I’ve always suspected that Jones’s real complaint isn’t that top 40 country stations play Underwood or Swift or Urban (or 10 years ago, Shania and Bryan White) but rather that they don’t play George Jones anymore. I suspect that if Jones was being played right alongside with those singers, Jones wouldn’t be making these complaints.
thisisme says:
100% correct. No argument country music is not evolving, it is devolving. This modern country stinks. Until ’stars’ like Underwood are purged from country radio. I will continue to listen to satellite radio where I can bypass the flotsum that is currently played on modern radio.
Redmaz says:
PJF, did you know there is a difference between Classic Country and today’s Roots Country? There is, and I’m not sure why anyone is bringing up “Radio”. What does radio have to do with ALL the great country music being recorded today? Just because radio stations play music does not mean anything really when it comes to music. I find radio obsolete, especially Pop Country radio(All Pop radio). You say you LOVE classic country but it doesn’t sell anymore. That’s true, but what difference does it make? How do you feel about today’s Americana/Roots music? You didn’t bring that up and I was wondering why?
irishvikingfan, I see you mentioned a lot of Pop Country acts, who you feel have a traditional sound. I disagree of course, and you are entitled to your opinion, but what is it based on? Do you think they have a traditional sound based on Pop Country or Roots Country? Also if you noticed Jones mentions Strait and Jackson as having a tradtitional sound, but it’s still all Pop Music. Since I can’t seem to find anything on how jones feels about today’s Americana/Roots music, maybe you can tell me how you feel about it. Thanks
musiclover, Country Music was brought closer to the mainstream long before the people you listed. You may want to do some reasearch on…”The Nashville Sound” and “Countrypolitan” era of Country Music. It’s part of history.
thisisme, you say “this modern country stinks” are you talking about today’s Pop Country or Roots Country? You think Underwood should be purged from country radio? Once again I can’t figure out what radio has to do with today’s music scene, but you wanting her off Pop Country radio makes no sense. Underwood is a Pop star. Where else should she be played? You’re certainly not suggesting she should be recognized in today’s Americana/Roots music scene are you?
merlefan49 says:
There are two videos on you tube that George did that will out shine anything any artist will ever do. I invite you all to go to youtube and look up “50,000 Names” (George Jones)
George Jones - Wild Irish Rose, George is also a veteran
vanyogan says:
Well George, I like some of your music but I like a lot of music.
I listen to mostly country, all different genres. As far as recordings go, I have some legal downloaded live songs from Norah Jones’ original website before she became the it girl. It was free and it’s some of the best I have. People in Jazz were bitching because she wasn’t Jazz. No she was better, Jazz/Country/blues, what’s so bad about that?
My all time cherished CD is a remastered copy, high quality of Frank Sinatra. What genre is he, is he traditional big a*s star, or just big a*s star?
The Baron Rothschild was once asked his opinion on fine wines. He said there are only two kinds of wine, the kind you like and the kind you don’t.
One thing is for sure about what Jones said is I’m sure he is already regretting what he said. Taylor and Carrie have one thing in common, they are loyal to Nashville and country music as an industry, so no matter what kind of music they make, there are a lot of country music folks, and just plain folks in Nashville that are glad they stole their identity from country.
No matter what music Swift makes, at this particular moment she is the biggest thing in the music business.
Shaking the money tree is a bad idea George, don’t believe me give Kanye a call, he’ll set ya Strait on that one.
Darlene Gruetzenbach says:
Thank you, George!! I agree 100%. George is not putting down the younger singers, just saying it should not be called “country”. How about”new noise”
Redmaz says:
Still waiting Willow. Darlene, George, like you seem to not know what you are talking about. George is talking about something that already has a name that separates it from the rest of today’s Country music. He is talking about “Pop Country” whether he knows it or not. There are many new younger singers today singing “Roots Country” too.
countygirl says:
I agree with George Jones and have been hating the way todays country is going for some time now.Its sad to me that everyone in country music now are just trying to sell albums and dont really care what they sing or how it sounds just as long as it sells…I would consider the new genre of country to be pop with just a little bit of country lingo in it.There will never be anyone like the greats..George Jones,George Strait,John Anderson,Brooks and Dunn…just a few of my favorites that arent afraid to be themselves and sing their hearts out.The only one that is in the new country today that has me buying his albums is Jamey Johnson and as long as he keeps singing and writing music the way hes going maybe there is a little hope for more greats in the future.
jerryopry says:
I support George’s thoughts and opinions. In my opinion he wasn’t putting down anybody, simply suggesting that the kinds of music being made and called country music is way more driven and beat-oriented which I always felt was indicative of a pop or rock song, not a country song…but that’s my opinion.
To all those who want to suggest that George is only complaining because “he’s not on the radio anymore” need to do some research. I’ve been a fan of his for as long as I can remember and I learned that in the 1970’s he was part of a group wanting to rid the pop influences that were taking place in country music at the time with pop acts crossing over to country music: John Denver, Olivia Newton John, and the Eagles had big followings thanks to their airplay on country radio stations. George was on the radio as well. This proves how passionate he is about the subject matter…he was willing to stick his neck out there back in the 1970’s when he was getting a lot of airplay. So, no, this isn’t some sort of “attention grabbing” gimmick or the complaints of a “has-been” as he’s been called.
For those like myself who’ve followed George for awhile we’re rather familiar with his feelings about country music and what he prefers to hear in a country song or how he feels it should sound like, etc etc. Those are all his opinions and he can speak them if he wants to. The problem is when you have people who only catch part of something or they mis-interpret his words when reading something it causes people to fly off the handle and get defensive over someone’s opinion. What, in all fairness, created this mini war of words between the various fan bases? George thinks the way he does and others disagree…fine…but there’s no need for the kind of over-the-top name calling and belittling of a legend who simply voiced his opinions. He didn’t resort to name calling during his complaints now did he? Often I’ve noticed when people really don’t have much to go with they resort to name calling and cutting down someone’s character.
jerryopry says:
To clarify one of the points I was making when it came to fans of George’s being familiar with his opinions…the reason why I said that is because George has complained for years about country radio turning their back on him and his peers and lamenting on what country music has become. Why suddenly NOW is his gripe “big news” or “shocking news”. Is it simply because Carrie and Taylor’s names are attached to it? If so, that sort of thing is unfair and cheap.
I don’t feel George regrets saying what he did as one commenter suggested. Why would someone regret being honest? He has nothing to lose. I’m still a fan of his music and hundreds of thousands of others, much like myself, typically are like-minded when it comes to certain issues and topics. So, no, he hasn’t “let me down” or “surprised” me since I’m a fan of his already. His thoughts and feelings aren’t anything new or shocking. Those who are surprised or shocked weren’t fans of his to begin with so it’s no big loss.
jerryopry says:
Before anyone can speculate I’ll simply say that I’m not “some old man who’s bitter” as I’m sure my comments may suggest to some. I happen to like most of the songs Taylor Swift has issued as singles. I’m not a die-hard fan of hers that buys her songs or her CD’s but I listen to her if I catch one of her songs on the radio. Now, how can this be? How can I say all of what I did about how great George Jones is and yet say I don’t mind hearing Taylor Swift? I happen to have peculiar/eccentric/eclectic music tastes. I don’t dislike Carrie Underwood, either, I just don’t like her style. Nearly every song I’ve heard she feels she has to belt out sentences in such a way that I can’t understand what she’s saying. I don’t mind belters like Martina McBride or the way the late, great Conway Twitty used to perform…that’s because I could understand what they were saying during their emotional-style of singing.
I also happen to like the songs that I’ve heard of Frank Sinatra…I have several CD’s of his classic songs. Big shocker here is I also like Barry Manilow as well. Ray Stevens is someone I’m a huge fan of…let’s see…oh, there’s too many to mention. But yet at the same time I like George Jones as well…and the key is understanding. If you understand or at least try to see where George is coming from you won’t be all shocked or surprised by his comments. His feelings would make perfect sense if you understand them.
Lastly, I’m also not a fan of rap or hip-hop or whatever anyone wants to call it. I’m sick and tired of people playing the race card every time someone says that they don’t like rap music. The artist could be as white as newly fallen snow but if they start doing that silly “mumbo-jumbo who wants to mate with my big wife I call dumbo” crap I can’t take it and I start looking for a pillow to hit. Also, rappers tend to have a habit of either encouraging impressionable listeners to feel like “victims” or they spew hatred within the lyrics and attempt to make people dependent on the Government to fix their problems. It’s a political tie-in…but no, no matter what race they are, rap is just something I can’t stomach. So whoever says those who hate rap music are racists need to grow up and educate themselves.
Redmaz says:
countygirl and jerryopry. I noticed neither one of you mentioned today’s Americana/Roots music in your blog reply, and I was wondering why? I’m trying to figure out how anyone can talk about today’s music scene(especially on this topic)without including today’s Americana/Roots music. Can you explain this to me? Thanks
Robin says:
jerryopry - hip hop and rap are two different things. You should research. Hip hop is “club” music that can be danced to. Also, George didn’t just say “he didn’t like rap”, he said “it wasn’t music”. I think country fans should understand the destain in that lack of respect since they’ve been shown it by so many others.
Robin says:
jerryopry - Eddie Arnold was singing (and raking in #1’s)contemporary (”pop”) country since the 40’s on country radio. Maybe George’s style stole “country” from Eddie. While Eddie had over 40 #1’s, George had only 9. So, country radio has been playing contemporary country all along. And, it’s been sitting quit nicely along side other sub-genres of country music - all along.
Traditional hasn’t died and contemporary has always been more popular than traditional. There are a ton of other sub-genres that aren’t represented in this conversation and those are also in some part represented on country radio.
hotelmotel says:
jerryopry - I did not know George was part of “of a group wanting to rid the pop influences that were taking place in country music at the time with pop acts crossing over to country music” during the 1970s.
That said, he has recorded with Barbara Mandrell, and his recordings produced by Billy Sherrill often had a “countrypolitain” sound that seemed a lot more similar to middle of the road pop music than to “traditionalism.”
I do believe Jones is sincere in his love for certain kinds of music, but he sure seemed willing to veer from it and into countrypolitan territory when that would help keep him a star. And now he complains about today’s generation of pop country artists, who incorporate elements from other pop genres. I don’t find Jones sympathetic here.
As for “the race card.” I don’t think people are calling him a racist for not liking rap. Many non-racists don’t like rap. The problem is he goes further, saying it isn’t even music (why? because its spoken? Then are the recitations in country music not music? Or because there is no singing? Then are instrumental only productions, not music?)
And worse, then Jones says, “I’m open minded: I like Benton and Charles.” This sounds an awful lot like the claim “I’m not a racist. I have a black friend,” inevitably uttered by someone about to say something racist.
The problem isn’t a dislike for rap. Its how he expresses his dislike that suggests a racial tinge. Now, that said, I don’t think the comments show that George is racist. Far from it. They may have come out the wrong way. The problem is that its hard to tell if these comments are “code” for some sort of racial bigotry or if they are merely poorly phrased utterances.
hotelmotel says:
Jerryopry - one of your biggest reasons for your dislike of rap is that it encourages socially bad outcomes (spewing hatred, encouraging people to feel like victims or rely on government).
But if you dislike rap because it encoruages such bad things, shouldn’t you also dislike country? After all, some top 40 country seems to celebrate a lack of ambition (”It Ain’t No Crime” by Joe Nichols; make violence into a joke “Before He Cheats; Goodbye Earl; Papa Loved Mama” celebrate drunkenness “Sideways” by Dierks Bentley, casual sex “I’m Just Looking For a Good Time” by L. Antebellum.) And that isn’t just the current generation - older generations of mainstream coutry radio stars did similar things.
And if you dislike rap for singing about bad life choices, why do you like George Jones, who has behaved pretty badly in his life? Rappers sing it, George does it! (some rapper live it too, sadly). And Jones sometimes acts as this is no big deal: his 1996 album, I live to tell it all, has a song, “Honky Tonk Song” which makes light of his drunkenness and treats as funny an incident in which he drunkenly drives a riding mower to a bar.
If you dislike rap because it too often promotes backward values, you should dislike country too.
merlefan49 says:
One thing with George that hasn’t been mentioned is he is a recovering alcoholic. Which may have led to his bad behavior.
country fan says:
Did any tell George Jones that the music genre changed it’s name to COUNTRY? Country Western was more traditional and I love it too but times change. George needs to realize that change is good. Enjoy life as it is a ride!!!! You can have it all!
jrwcda says:
After watching the CMA’s tonight I agree with you George! Taylor Swift as Entertainer of the Year…it was and is a joke! There’s a lot of wonderful new stuff out there, but this little gal isn’t it.
Old Country says:
No way– country fan, change for change sake only leads nowhere good. If you’re gonna change the music be honest with what it is. To do something just because you can is
probably the worse reason in the world to do so.
If you want to be creative work at it and if you
manage to develop a following label it as such.
If it sounds like “pop”, walks like “pop”
and looks like “pop” then it’s probably “pop”.
Stephanie says:
I Agree with you Robin 100%!Quick match up vocally Miranda or Taylor? Easy Miranda!! Guitar playing Brad or Taylor? Easy Brad Paisley his guitar album enough said with just that! Songwriting abilities Taylor or Brad? Easy again Brad look at the range of topics he writes about! these are just HITS, his topics include: love,step father tribute, humorous, heart breaking, drinking, self reflection , wedding, death, celebs, world changes etc. Taylor can do love, heart break/high school type of songs only no real depth in her music??? Brad easily appeals to the guitar world, Traditional and pop country world hell even metal,blues,western, bluegrass,surf rock DAMN AN Artist that can play more than 3 genres of music NOW THAT’S TRUE TALENT. Taylor swift has main stream MTV and the pop world! Anyone that argues her sells are proof of talent are retarded Britney Spears sold millions don’t mean she talented duh! Britney sold that much cuz of pop over hype and MTV guess what Taylor Swift is being hyped by? Keywords MTV and POP-(country). COMMON SENSE PPL! Bring COUNTRY BACK!!!