Country Music Education

Jim Loessberg · From: Austin, Texas U.S.A

Warning: This Post Contains Content Not For Children And Those With Easily Offended Sensibilities! But it is the way I see it.

My good friend Mike Rutledge at KRXT radio in Rockdale, Texas was kind enough to let me spend three hours on his radio show tonight. I went to promote the albums Justin Trevino and I have made for our Startex label. Prior to the show I got to thinking about something specific I heard a couple of weeks ago and something I have been hearing generally for years.

While at a Pat Green concert where I had played the first show with the opening band, I heard Pat Green say, "I didn't go to Nashville for no record deal -- I'm a Texan, dadgummit, and I'm gonna stay a Texan." (He didn't mention that he signed with a New York label but I'll let someone else address that issue.)

Thinking about this statement and thinking about many "Texas Music" artists, whose well-known mantra is "Nashville Sucks" (apologies for the vulgarity) caused me to think of an idea for Mike Rutledge's radio show tonight. Instead of a purely promotional opportunity I thought I might make it an educational opportunity as well.

I decided to give away a Frenchie Burke or Dugg Collins CD to the first caller who could name any Jeannie C. Riley song and, bam, the phone rang with a caller who won a CD with the answer (of course) "Harper Valley P.T.A.". I then proceeded to play the flipside of that 45 called "Yesterday All Day Long Today", a pretty good shuffle with lots of steel. I wonder how many people, musicians included, have ever heard that record? I could have played any number of her Little Darlin' recordings featuring Lloyd Green with the same result.

Then I asked the next caller to name a Del Reeves song and, of course, the winning answer was "Girl On A Billboard". I then proceeded to play Del Reeves singing his shuffle version of "Talking To The Wall". I could have played many others as well.

Next was Johnny Carver. Winning answer: "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Around The Old Oak Tree". Response: Carver doing "With Every Heartbeat, a serious shuffle with Lloyd Green playing on it. Lots of other of his records would have served the same purpose.

Next, Barbara Fairchild. Winning answer: "Teddy Bear Song". My selection: "Someone Loves Him", a great Country waltz with Randy Reinhard playing steel. Again, I could have played others.

Next, Hank Williams, Jr. Winning answer: "All My Rowdy Friends". My response "(I've Got My) Future On Ice" a good solid Country waltz. "Eleven Roses", written by Darrell McCall, would have been good, too.

Next, Roger Miller. Answer: "King of the Road". Response: "Invitation to the Blues" from the LP "A Trip in the Country", with fiddles and Buddy Emmons. Anything from that LP would have given evidence to my point.

Next, Patsy Cline. Answer: "Walking After Midnight". Response: "Shoes" a great Decca shuffle with great steel.

Last, Cal Smith. Answer: "Country Bumpkin". Response: "To Save My Wife" another great Decca shuffle with fiddles and Weldon Myrick. As with all the other examples, this was just one of many I could have chosen.

I think I made a pretty good case that Nashville has never been the problem with Country music. Here were very specific examples of artists whose traditional Country music is virtually unknown but whose pop/rock/novelty-songs/Tony-Orlando-and-Dawn-remakes/etc. have made them famous -- and more importantly -- lots of money. I could have gone on for three more hours.

Nashville has put out album after album of good, solid, traditional fiddle and steel Country music only to see sales soar and win awards with records like "Harper Valley P.T.A." Don't get me wrong, I am not disparaging any of the signature songs but one really need look no further than the CMA Songs of the Year winners to see what music sells.

If you HAVE to blame someone or something for the current state of Country music, blame those who DON'T buy traditional Country records. Usually they are the ones complaining the loudest that, "There isn't any real Country music being put out these days."

Blame those who buy the pop/rock/blues masquerading as Country music.

Blame the music press who will not listen to, let alone write about, traditional Country CDs or return phone calls.

Blame record distributors who will return your independent label CD to you -- STILL IN THE SHRINK-WRAP! -- and who will not return phone calls.

Blame the voting members of the CMA who, year after year, tend to vote against traditional Country artists and songs. (How many times was Hank Williams, Jr. voted Entertainer of the Year when he was recording records like "Eleven Roses"? How many times have Buddy Emmons or Tommy Jackson been Instrumentalist of the Year? But let Charlie Daniels record "The Devil Went Down To Georgia" and the CMA gets glassy-eyed.)

Blame the voting membership of the Grammys who waited for "For The Good Times" to give Ray Price an award. (Yeah, "The Other Woman", "A Way To Survive", "Night Life", "Touch My Heart" -- all junk, right? But that Cam Mullins, now that's Country! Again, don't get me wrong, I love this record. I just think Ray Price should have been winning Grammys for 15 years before that.)

Blame the Opry for the recent firing of the old-school hands (some of my musical heroes, by the way) and replacing them with "new blood".

Blame the way music charts heavily weight points for urban radio stations.

Blame the current climate in this country that has led to music being marketed as sex. (Seen the video for "Breathe"?)

But don't blame Nashville.

The music industry exists to make money. Period. You may not like the music but they achieve their success in the marketplace and they achieve it without demagoguery.

If you want Country Music to sound traditional you have to buy the records and attend the dances and concerts.

You have to NOT buy records based solely on the fact that the singer looks good to you or comes close masturbating in a music video.

You have to turn on the radio stations that play what you like and support those who sponsor it.

You also have to turn off radio stations that don't play what you like and not support those sponsors.

You have to NOT listen to a radio station just because they are giving away money.

You have to call your radio stations and ask for traditional Country music and tell them when you don't like what they are playing.

As many of you do here, you have to write about good, traditional Country music and promote it at every opportunity. If your local papers don't write about traditional Country records when they are released you have to call them and ask them to. And ask them why they haven't been. Write a review of a good CD yourself and send it to your paper.

If you have a business and can afford it you have to buy ads on stations that play what you like. And, if you're serious about all this, you have to not buy ads on stations that won't play traditional Country.

Ask your local Hastings or Wal-Mart why they don't have independent label, traditional Country records. (They'll tell you it's because those records aren't getting much, if any, airplay, and that those records won't sell -- and they'll be right.)

You have to open your minds about traditional Country music. As I was driving home from Mike's radio show I was listening to a "Classics" program and at the break came a voice with the slogan "Songs You Know All The Words To." I thought, "That's like saying 'Turner Classics -- Movies You've Seen A Thousand Times.'" Ridiculous!

Unfortunately, participants of focus groups tell programmers and consultants that hits are what they want to hear and they (especially women) want to be able to sing along with the radio. How many of you have ever been part of a focus group?

As my radio lesson demonstrated there is much more good music than what was then and is now on the charts.

A more insidious point to consider: Radio stations do not want you to think when you listen. Playing the same songs over and over, with the listener mindlessly singing along serves the purpose of lulling the listener into a state of susceptibility to their advertising. Contrast the ads you hear on music radio with those you hear on talk radio.

Look where only griping has gotten us. Do you think traditional Country music will survive if all we continue to do is to blame Nashville? What record producer in his right mind would continue to put this stuff out and be guaranteed to lose money? There aren't many of us stupid ones left!

One last thing, your children and your non-musician friends need education in music. Think about it.

Best wishes,

Jim Loessberg
Startex Records
Austin, Texas

[This message was edited by Jim Loessberg on 17 November 2001 at 12:03 AM.]

Bobby Bowman · From: Cypress, Texas, USA, R.I.P.

Jim,
Well said and a "job" well done.
Your friend,
BB

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If you play 'em, play 'em good!
If you build 'em, build 'em good!

Jim Loessberg · From: Austin, Texas U.S.A

Bobby,

Sorry, hoss but I'm on a tear! You can see from my editing history that I kept adding to the post. Keep reading it over and over because I might add to it even more.

Love ya,

Jim

bob drawbaugh · From: scottsboro, al. usa

Tne Professor is in the house. You are 100% right Jim. When's the last time we bought a CD that was not Steel Guitar related? There are a lot of good records out there with lots of steel on them, Country, Gospel, ect. Spend a few buck and support the music you love. What's the old saying, "talk is cheap", well it is.

Walter Jones · From: Athens, Ohio USA

Jim, a very interesting post. I thought this might follow along in the same thoughts of what some might do to give someone an oppourtunity to hear some country music.

My son, Greg Jones , is the steel player at Renfro Valley, KY. He plays in 7 shows a week, more if it is required. Renfro Valley puts out a paper called The Renfro Valley Bugle, I will try to relate the article in letters to the editor.

A retired couple was coming to Renfro Valley for the shows as they have for many years and decided to bring their twin grandaughters along. Now Grandma was somewhat concerned as the girls are 11 years old and their music consists of NSYNK, Britney Spears and BA HA MEN, she was very pleasently surprised that the girls really enjoyed the shows. Singers ,comedy, cloggers and all. Now here comes the kicker.

The twins were absoutely amazed by the steel guitar(her quote), how does he make those sounds and where do they come from? The next visit we ( the twins) would like to talk to your steel guitar player. Now isn't that a twist, someone so young realized what we knew along, its a great instrument.

They reply from the editor;

How nice to hear that all generations enjoy the entertainment and hospitality in Renfro Valley. Our steel player, Greg Jones, was quite surprised when I shared the protion of your letter with him regarding the steel guitar.He would love the oppourtunity to talk about the steel guitar to you and your grandchildren. Thanks for letting us know and come back soon.

The entertainers have a meet and greet after each show at the country store but with only a short time between shows, sometimes the band doesn't have time to make it with changing clothes and maybe changing something on stage. They all make it after the last show but maybe the twins were gone by then .

The point of this is Grandpa and Grandma took them along an exposed them to the music that they love and found out that it still something that a much younger generation can and will enjoy if they are only given the oppourtunity to see and hear it.

I think that the key was to see the live shows and they related to all that was going on, much like the music videos we see on the tube today. My hat is off to the grandparents for what they did, you never know until you try. I remember a few years ago at St Louis I was having dinner with Bud Carter and he said people in Texas still teach their children how to dance, maybe a message is in there somewhere.

You can check out the website at;
www.renfrovalley.com

Ron Page · From: Penn Yan, NY USA

Great write-up, Jim; Great playing on Loud Music and Strong Wine.

I'm a steel player too -- a very poor one-- otherwise I might never have heard of Justin Travino or Dale Watson. Were it not for the Internet I probably wouldn't have a clue when Haggard or Gene Watson had a new release.

Radio is still the most convenient and effective way to expose listeners to music. The problem, as I see it, is the large media companies monopolizing markets. Here in Cincinnati there are primarily 2 country stations owned by the same company. Both of them play the EXACT same play list including those past hits. Equally loud and clear here in between are 2 "country" stations in Dayton, which gives me 4 identical choices. That makes no sense and the pop music world is not subjected to this sort of limitation; you have hard rock, soft rock, metal, hip-hop... as so on.

Back when I first came here Station A would introduce a song by saying, "Here's another song TOO COUNTRY for Station B to play". They were so effective at "out-countrying" the other guys that the other guys bought them, ruined them, and stuff a "young country" format in their place. F***ers!

I don't understand all the reasoning, but I sure as hell blame RADIO for limiting our choices. The big boys monopolize the market and force feed us what THEY want. I'm completely sick of it. Well F*** them! I'm buying what I learn of here and elsewhere online.

Whew! Sorry, I'm better now.

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HagFan

[This message was edited by Ron Page on 09 November 2001 at 02:47 PM.]

Doyle Mitchell · From: Loraine, Texas

Jim, I have a club in west Texas that is only open for a dance on Saturday night. We play nothing but traditional dance music. I invited my crowd to bring their teenage kids to the dance and some of them did and they loved it! They have never had a chance to hear it! They started telling their friends and in a few weeks the house was full of teenagers, all dancing to country and loving it! All of the old songs are new to them because they have never heard them! How long has it been since you heard of a twenty year old requesting " HEART OVER MIND" or "FRAULINE" ?? Probably about 20 years, right? Every dance I look up from my steel to see some kid standing there with a puzzled look on his or her face and they ask me what is that thing you are playing? Country Music is as much alive and loved as it has ever been but the young ones are not getting a chance to hear it, when they do they love it!! The younger generation are the ones spending the most money on recorded music, they will buy it! they will request it!! BUT FIRST THEY HAVE TO HEAR IT! I wish that every one who has teenage kids would take them to a country dance and give them a chance to hear and see what country is all about.Most of us grew up when country was cool, but our kids dont know what country is unless we show them. P.S. they're gonna love Frenchie's new album.

Walter Haynes · From: Bullard.Texas, R.I.P.

Jim,
Sure enjoyed your topic, you hit the nail right on the head! I was in Nashville for 40 years first as a session musician and later a producer for MCA Records. You can bet every record I produced with the exception of Bill Monroe had steel guitar on it. I used Lloyd and Weldon, Hal, John Hughey and Buddy when he wasn't on the road with somebody. I fought with radio stations around the clock about not playing great traditional songs. I had some friends around the country who did play most of our stuff. Now I am away from the corporate B.S, and getting to play again and enjoying it like never before. Since I moved to Texas I am getting to know quite a few of you guys and meeting some fine musicians, they aren't all in Nashville!!!! Hope to see you in Dallas this March. Take care------

Walter Haynes

Janice Brooks · From: Pleasant Gap Pa

//quote//One last thing, your children and your non-musician friends need musical educations. Think about it.
//quote//>

I had 4 years in a relationship that fell apart. But without knowing this guy I would never have been exposed to Hank Thompson or expanded my appriciation of other classic country acts.

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Janice "Busgal" Brooks
ICQ 44729047

Ron Page · From: Penn Yan, NY USA

Jim,

I was wondering what the names of the Justin Trevino albums are... I have Loud Music and Strong Wine. It's the real stuff!

Thanks.

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HagFan

Bob Farlow · From: Marietta,GA,

Great post Jim! Taking kids to country shows by well-known performers is great, but how about taking them to some of the steel shows? I don't know of a better way to get a youngster exposed to steel and country music. After several trys, I finally persuaded my son to go with me to a steel show which had many well-known players on the program. He loved it. Now he wants to go with me to every one. He still likes his rock music, but he also has much more respect for the country also. God bless all the great and not-so-great steel players who are doing these shows. Let us all support them 100%, and next time you go to one, take a kid along.

ajm · From: Los Angeles

To add and deviate a little from Bob Farlow's post......

I know we're talking steel here, but for those of us who grew up in the '60s and '70s on rock, you might also want to take a younger person to a concert by some "classic" rocker or similar performer coming through town sometime. And for those of you in California, make a trip up to the Crystal Palace.

Just because they (and we) have gotten older and are not as popular as they used to be DOES NOT mean that they (be it Robin Trower or John Hughey) have forgotten how to play.

I tell teens and recent college grads where I work all of the time that they'll never know what they missed out on in terms of the music of the '60s-'70s.

Allen · From: Littleton, CO USA

Jim,
What a great post. You brought back a lot of memories of music that influenced my love of the steel guitar.
Although I have only been playing (learning) for one year, I have had the pleasure of showing this wonderful sounding instrument to some of my 10 grandkids and a couple of my 5 children. Also have seen a lot of interest from neighbors and some friends that are in the music business. Not a one had anything negative to say about the instrument and all wanted to hear some real good playing. Fortunatly I have many CD's so did not hesitate to play a few.
Survival is based on education and introduction on the sounds of traditional country music. Hopefully that will lead to spending a few dollars at a concert or on CD's.
Great post, great thread.

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Allen Harry
Mullen D-10, 8 & 6
Nashville 1000

Don Walters · From: Saskatchewan Canada

Well, I'm going to see The Hag Wed night in Calgary and I'd love to take my grandson. However, since he's only 5 months old, his mom probably wouldn't agree. But just wait....

Oh, yeah.. excellent posting, Jim!!

[This message was edited by Don Walters on 10 November 2001 at 02:21 PM.]

Janice Brooks · From: Pleasant Gap Pa

Bumping up as this article has been referenced on another forum

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Janice "Busgal" Brooks
ICQ 44729047

Dave Birkett · From: Oxnard, CA, USA

Chas Smith posted the link to this article. It shows what forces are at work: [url=http://www.calendarlive.com/top/1,1419,L-LATimes-Calendar-X!ArticleDetail-52954,00.html]http://www.calendarlive.com/top/1,1419,L-LATimes-Calendar-X!ArticleDetail-52954,00.html[/url]

Martin Weenick · From: Lecanto, FL, USA

Jim, what a great bit of writing. I believe things will go full circle and traditional country will be very popular again. People are bound to get tired of the junk you hear on the radio today. And Walter, your story about the twins really started my day off right. I can imagine how good that made you feel.

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Martin W. Emmons LG III 3/5 Peavy 1000

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

Well said, or rather typed, Jim. Kinda like many of the great Jazz players who have been going thru this forever, most of which never had a chance at commercial airplay.
tp

[This message was edited by Tony Prior on 14 April 2002 at 04:17 AM.]

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