Country Call 'Em: Committed to Classic

posted in: Country • Features

For years, it seems as though a silent debate has raged amongst country music lovers as to what true country music really is. Are genre-bending artists like Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood ruining what little distinction country music has left? Many believe the popped up country songs currently taking over radio waves are destroying the classic, down-home feeling country is known for. Some say it is selling out, some say its as simple as evolution. One thing is for sure, there are artists out there determined to preserve the traditions, both sound and story, of country music. And just like formaldehyde, they have all the ingredients to protect the skeleton of true country (just without the stink.)

One of the women who have been keepin’ it real in the country market is Gretchen Wilson. A woman who has adamantly denied the allure of Nashville’s frills, Gretchen is known as the 21^st century’s ultimate redneck woman, and she’s proud of it. Wilson says that when she first burst onto the country music scene, she heard a lot of pretty music, but nothing that was relevant to her life.  And in response to that discovery, Wilson thought, That sucks. Country music is supposed to be from your front porch or similar to early blues in its stripped-down honesty. When her record company tried to push her towards a poppier sound, Gretchen wouldn’t stand for it and left. She then began her very own label, Redneck Records,  so she could stay true to the music.

A newcomer that is also committed to the classic country sound is Mr. Jamey Johnson. His deep, rough sounding voice, and his ability to write one hell of a song in the tune of old-time country made him a unique addition to the Nashville community. His vintage sound and classic approach to music was widely renowned as a breath of fresh air. At the CMA Awards this past November, he walked away with Song of the Year for In Color, the track he wrote with Lee Thomas Miller and James Otto. Jamey’s rough exterior and gritty vocals give him the perfect look for a man who is all about the music, something we haven’t seen in Nashville for awhile.

If you’re one of the country lovers who have lost faith in the music makers of your generation, never fear. George Strait isn’t the only man consistently keeping it  classic. Wilson, Johnson and others are  joining him in the crusade and, boy, are they ready for battle.