Country Call 'Em: How 2009 Changed Country Music
posted in: Country • Features
When you look back on 2009, there are many things to remember. Whether it be the historical inauguration of Barack Obama or the death of musical icon Michael Jackson, 2009 offered our world a plethora of moments to appreciate. In country music, 2009 was a year that not many of us can forget. Nashville may never fully recover from Kanyegate, never mind a few other choice events that will shape country music in the upcoming year.
"Taylah, Im'ma let you finish.." Excuse me, what?
Storming the stage like the beaches of Normandy, Kanye West rocked the country community back in September when he stole the mic (and spotlight) from our little princess, Taylor Swift who was humbly accepting her win for Best Female Video at MTV’s Video Music Awards. The aftermath that followed truly exemplified the unity of country music lovers. Not that Taylor-mania needed any more oomph, but this event thrust Swift, and all of country music into the mainstream spot light for about 5 whole minutes of LA time, which is a miracle in itself. With the year’s highest selling album in any genre, Entertainer of the Year and countless other awards across all genres, Taylor Swift can easily be called the biggest name of 2009. Everything she touches turns to gold, even her controversies (take note Kanye). Country music can thank its lucky stars for this lucky star, because she helped the world see country music for the amazing genre that it is.
Goodbye? or See ya later?
After stealing Kenny Chesney’s Entertainer of the Year title, it may seem only fitting that Taylor also takes over his job as Gillette Stadium’s superstar this summer. Which brings me to the next big happening of 2009. Breaking the hearts of millions of fans nationwide, Kenny Chesney announced that he was taking a break from touring for the 2010 summer season. With the American Country Music award going to Carrie Underwood, and the Country Music Associations honor going to aforementioned T. Swift, Kenny’s reign came to an end. Kenny’s spirits may have been dampened, but he still rocked on with his Sun City Carnival tour, making his announcement regarding 2010 such a shocker. Unfortunately, with the rise of Taylor Swift, someone must falter.
"The Foundation" for 2010?
The year also brought us a slew of potential new stars who made quite the impression on country music. Darius Rucker, CMA’s Best New Artist used 2009 to break both barriers and records. His first 3 singles went to Number 1, and his album Learn to Live was certified platinum. As the first black country artist to win a CMA since the 80s, Daruis’s 2009 win was a historical country music event. Then there’s the Zac Brown Band. Zac and the boys won the ACM Award for Top New Duo of Group and released two Number 1 singles off of their album The Foundation (their single Whatever It Is barely missed the top spot, peaking at Number 2 on the US country charts). Other new 2009 artists who showed us their potential include Jake Owen, David Nail and Gloriana, all of which heard their debut singles in steady rotation on country radio. I, for one, am more than excited to see what kind of success these great new artists will acheive in 2010 because with experience comes wisdom not to mention a couple thousand more screaming fans.
It’s hard to say which event had more of an effect on 2009, or if country music could be any greater than it already was. What is easy to say is that after this year, Nashville’s many stars have given fans plenty to look forward to in the coming year.