Let’s be honest here. Growing up in the Eastern Townships, in Quebec, Country Music wasn’t very predominant and at the forefront in the 70’s and early 80’s. For us back then, country related more to French Canadian artists in La Belle Province, such as Marcel Martel, Paul Brunelle, Willie Lamothe and Roland Lebrun (Le Soldat Lebrun). It was far from your traditional American Country and the Tammy Wynette, Merle Haggard, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Kenny Rogers and Willie Nelson.
In my teenage years and young adulthood, I was a rocker. Sporting the mullet for a while, longer hair, leather jacket, my taste in music was more along what is considered today as Classic Rock. Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Scorpions, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Bryan Adams and even Pink Floyd were some of my favourites to listen to. I was also a big fan of Quebec Rock band Offenbach.
But even then, I will admit, there were a few country artists that I enjoyed. Kenny Rogers was at the top of my list for that genre of music, and some of Barbara Mandrell’s work, I was humming to. As a matter of fact, in my high school graduation book, I was described as a Country Music lover, just because I liked a few country artists. But rest assured, my taste for Country Music was very, very limited.
Truthfully, I have expanded my taste for Country Music more due to circumstances than anything else. I moved from Quebec to Penticton, BC, back in 1992, and lived in that City for over 30 years. A few years later, the City had built an Event Centre (SOEC) and most – if not all – of the big acts they were bringing into town were country artists. Here are some of the country acts that swung by Penticton:
Very few big name rock bands were brought in so I felt like if I was going to see top-end concerts in my town, I had better learn some of the top country artists and their music. Back then, I had Sirius XM in my vehicle so I started listening to “The Highway”. And by doing so, I discovered a world that I didn’t imagine. For one thing, I realized how down to earth these artists are, for the most part.
Being a redneck and outdoorsman at heart, I found that Country Music was touching me closer than any other genre. I’m as far as it gets from a “city boy” and I found that country was closer to my roots. Also, I discovered that the lyrics were some of the best I had heard, particularly when comparing with some of the crap that’s being written in pop and rap now days. I particularly became a huge, huge fan of none other than Mr. Garth Brooks.
My transformation to becoming a full-out Country Music fan started in the mid to late 90’s and I am still a huge fan today. In fact, I have expanded my taste in Country Music by listening and appreciating its history. But as you are well aware I’m sure, that genre of music has reached new heights in the past few decades. Some of the records sales are the highest not only in Country Music, but in the entire music industry!
If you’re a fan of the TV show “The Voice”, you will know who Blake Shelton is and the influence he’s had not only on Country Music, but in the music industry all around. To the point where he caught the eye and has since married pop artist Gwen Stefani. Country Music is now right up there as one of the most popular and listened to genres of music in the world. And I am a fan… forever.
For the new Country Music fans out there, allow me to share with you some of my favourite tunes. Who knows? You may know some of them or discover them as I did.
Let your love flow – Bellamy Brothers
King of the road – Roger Miller
Good hearted woman – Waylon Jennings
Hello Darlin’ – Conway Twitty
Pickup Man – Joe Diffie
Fishing’ in the dark – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Rhinestone cowboy – Glen Campbell
Take me home, country road – John Denver
Louisiana Saturday night – Mel McDaniel
On the road again – Willie Nelson
The thunder rolls – Garth Brooks
Two of a kind (working on a new house) – Garth Brooks
Friends in low places – Garth Brooks
Your man – Josh Turner
Tennessee whiskey – Chris Stapleton
Picture – Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow
Don’t rock the jukebox – Alan Jackson
I like it, I love it – Tim McGraw
Beer for my horses – Toby Keith and Willie Nelson
I’m from the country – Tracy Byrd
Roll on – Alabama
Sold – John Michael Montgomery
Chattahoochee – Alan Jackson
If you’re gonna play in Texas – Alabama
Thank God I’m a country boy – John Denver
Boot Scootin’ Boogie – Brooks & Dunn
As good as I once was – Toby Keith
She thinks my tractor’s sexy – Kenny Chesney
God’s country – Blake Shelton
Huntin’, fishing’ and lovin’ every day – Luke Bryan
As mentioned, some of the best lyrics have been written for or by Country Music artists. Here are some of them for which I am particularly found of the lyrical content.
Forever and ever, Amen – Randy Travis
Keeper of the stars – Tracy Byrd
When you say nothing at all – Keith Whitley
The Dance – Garth Brooks
Unanswered prayers – Garth Brooks
Mom – Garth Brooks
If tomorrow never comes – Garth Brooks
I cross my heart – George Strait
Love without end, Amen – George Strait
Three wooden crosses – Randy Travis
My eyes – Blake Shelton
Those are just a few, in both categories, trust me. As it stands right now, I have well over 200 songs on my Country Classics playlist, and it’s continuously growing.
This is my playlist on Spotify
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