Obamacare By Morning...

Jimmy Carter in his homebase Nashville.

Country music is at a level that I'm not sure was reached even in the heady Garth Brooks days.

Network TV shows, national talk shows and even political talk shows have guests, segments or even songs featuring Country stars..

You are not seeing hay bails at least anymore...

The day after this yea'rs CMA awards, one of the show's comedy bits made everything from the Rush Limbaugh show to Bill O'Reilly. Millions of ears and viewers but it didn't stop there. The Internet, YouTube all getting a look at a parody song born from a George Strait classic. Brad and Carrie have never been so talked about.

The awards this year were highly rated. Best numbers in four years.

The show reflected today's Country ... which is all over the road.. From the straight forward Jackson/Strait salute to George Jones to the Motley Crue'ish song from Eric Church. You had to like or conversely dislike something.

The first 90 minutes was for young Country and the second half the adults. I wanted to see more Darius Rucker!

It was the 47th time the CMA has given its awards. The growth reflects "Country" music's place in society. From a CMA banquet in year one to a giant hockey arena now with opened-armed downtown neighbors begging help.

Taylor Swift's Pinnacle Award was one of the show's highlights. Perfect year to salute her. It continues to be an amazing ride for this most creative talent!

There has always been a difference between TV and radio audiences. TV in prime time wants recognizable faces. Even folks with little Country leanings watch the one-time-a year event. P Diddy is a closet fan; you have to wonder who else?

When the CMA's meet next November, you wonder who will be taking the awards home. Will it then be Luke Bryan's turn? Kasey? The Band Perry? The stakes are high and the 7,100 voters unpredictable.

The pool of young talent forges ahead. Scotty is a star and so is Danielle Bradberry. Thomas Rhett and Kip Moore for sure.

You have to wonder where the next big thing will come from?

Who will be the new CMA leader? What will Garth end up doing? Many questions as we head into the holidays and year-end shut down ... hmmmmm....