The Real Thing

Just finished over a week of television stories on The Grand Ole Opry's 80th birthday. I covered everything from Patsy Cline and Minnie Pearl to Garth Brooks and Opry fan/guest announcer Willard Scott of The Today Show.

Every once in a while, everyone associated with The Row needs a remedial course about this American cultural phenomenon known as Country music.

Sometimes, in the world of corporate radio, I am sure many people don't even want to be in Country and would rather be played something pop. Deana Carter just told the Battle Creek, MI newspaper she was never really into Country anyway. I don't think she meant it, but she has ridden the roller coaster ride and may be a bit bitter out the outcome. We still love you Deana.

Some days I don't like Country. Then I go back to the reason I thought it was fascinating in the first place. Johnny, Little Jimmy, Dolly, George J. and S., Loretta, Tammy, Ernest, Chet, Minnie, Marty, Porter, The Ryman, Acuff's yo-yo, Ray Charles (yes, that Ray Charles), The Oak Ridge Boys, and Garth. Garth proved to me again this weekend after watching him up close backstage for 5 or so hours that he is the best star EVER with fans and knowing HOW to be a star. He is not flawless, but he is an ICON. You fans of others can say what you want, but he's the 3rd best selling artist in North America. He's played to places BIGGER than Michael Jackson (Central Park). He's not perfect (and he would be the first to say that), but the fact remains that NO one is better at dealing with fans and handling the stage. It's a combination NO one has had before or since.

I see that most stations have now added his song. Duh. But the slowpokes missed the point. There are so many people who just don't get it.

If you ever lose your Country feeling, go take some vitamins like Patsy Cline's Greatest Hits. And go from there.

Visit the Ryman. Stand up on that stage like Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello and Neil Young have done and imagine. Dream. Think. Hear the beginnings and try to

find your soul again. I have and it feels good.

I very much like the current stars of Country music. I had a GREAT time at the Rascal Flatts concert the other night. Keith Urban is an amazing guitar player and talent. Big & Rich are fantastic. Gretchen can really sing!

But I hope those folks, for the most part, respect the tradition and the stars who came before them. I wonder if a lot of these flop rock jocks doing Country and their "too good for this format" programmers have that respect. Or if they're even talented enough to play the songs of the legends (or even the not-quite-legends).

I love radio and I love tradition, from my University of Alabama and Bear Bryant to Johnny Cash and The Grand Ole Opry. If you are a manager, get your people on the page.

Sometimes you have to go back to get ahead.