The Snowman and Respect for your Elders

Jimmy Carter in his homebase Nashville

Before we go anywhere ... It was very sad that Country radio, for the most part, had no relationship in present day to the music of Jerry Reed.

One of the great things that interested me in Country years ago was the genre's respect for the people who came before. Like Hollywood, Country music treasured the stars that were the equivalents of the Gables, Brandos, Bogarts and Waynes. The respect for the Acuffs, ETs, Tex Ritter, Bob Wills, etc. made the format strong and lasting, like a great family.

Now with the flavors of the day replacing even the flavors of the month, Jerry Reed was best remembered by too many in radio positions of power as a co-star in "The Waterboy" with Adam Sandler. That is sad.

Has contemporary Country radio become just another '60s-era Top 40 format? If so, I'm not so sure the format will not end up like Top 40 radio. Maybe the XMs and HDs are the future already. The niche is the now. Broad appeal is already gone. Sure looks like that in the TV world. It's all about CNN, ESPN or The Weather Channel. Niche.

The format does seem to still be interested in the stars and not just the titles. That part is promising. Hopefully that will not change. Still, somehow a respect for the foundation will provide some continuity long after Kid Rock's summer song fades into chart history.

Advertising-smart folks tell us that you must know your BRAND -- what people can expect when they buy your product or see your name. I hope that advice never gets lost totally. Can we all really know what to expect to come out of those speakers today?

Remember the mission of a radio station and a record company is not completely the same. The recorded music has always been about kids and young people spending their money on the hot music of the day -- Elvis, The Beatles, Backstreet Boys.... Country used to be about adults and lyrics that related to that group. A bow toward the middle is probably a good thing, but a dangerous one for radio. Loyalty and fads. Remember those two words. Which one do you want?

I'm sad that Jerry Reed was not as widely recognized as he should have been. The guy unknowingly pretty much saved Elvis' career

With "Guitar Man." Check that section of Elvis history and see what role that song played in his comeback. Reed's picking style is embedded in the playing of, say, Brad Paisley today. He was what so many present-day artists would love to be but can't -- a movie star, a great musician, noted songwriter, a true entertainer with a personality. He had it all. Most radio folks today can't find any songs in their computer library for Reed and know the man as an actor in "Waterboy" ... Oh yeah, that guy. That ought to make anyone who really cares about Country music sick.

Jessica Simpson on the Opry this week. Perry Mason or Matlock could take either side of that case and argue it.

Taylor Swift on the MTV Video awards this week. I can bet the house there will be plenty of BLEEPSSSSSSSSSS. Another case for Perry Mason and Matlock to argue the merits of appearing in that environment. Do I let my 11-year-old watch? That's a tough call, really. The host is a real potty-mouth. You will see.

CMA's announced on ABC this week ahead. Sure makes it hard for the non-ABC people to get excited and cross-promote ... oh, well. The Oscars are a neutral site so everyone can get a piece. ABC buys in and they get it all. Movies would never agree to the deals Nashville has to take.

Great reviews for all the big acts on the road late summer. Google and check. Toby gets great write-ups; Brad for sure. Rascal Flatts, Chesney ... everyone. Not all sell-outs but close. Despite the economy. Despite weak CD sales, the tour stuff is strong.

Fall CD releases coming: Taylor, Paisley, several greatest hits. CMA show, Christmas CDs, football, cooler weather. Fall is great.

Jerry Reed said before he died that everything he had ever dreamed had come true. What a lucky man. What a lucky audience ... wake up, industry people, and respect the people who gave you jobs. The "flavor of the day" philosophy is going to come around and bite you on the ASS!