A Song For Blake Shelton

Shelton’s remark that shook Nashville was part of an update to his “Backstory” special on Great American Country.  Commenting on attitudes regarding whether today’s artists are playing genuine country music, Shelton, who won three CMA Awards in 2012, including Male Vocalist Of The Year, said “Nobody wants to listen to their grandpa’s music,” right before he made his now-famous remark about flatulent senior citizens.

“If I am ‘Male Vocalist Of The Year’ that must mean that I’m one of those people now that gets to decide if it moves forward and if it moves on,” Shelton said.  “Country music has to evolve in order to survive.  Nobody wants to listen to their grandpa’s music.  And I don’t care how many of these old farts around Nashville [are] going, “My God, that ain’t country!”  Well that’s because you don’t buy records anymore, jackass.  The kids do, and they don’t want to buy the music you were buying.”

As you might guess, Shelton’s comments didn’t sit right with a few people.  Country legend Ray Price slammed Shelton via Facebook, writing, “This guy sounds like in his own mind that his head is so large no hat ever made will fit him.  Stupidity Reigns Supreme!!!!!!!”

Now country artist Dale Watson has answered Shelton’s remarks.  Watson, an artist known for recording what is often referred to as “traditional country music” has a song he wants Shelton to hear.

As to Price’s Facebook remarks, Shelton responded via Twitter, calling the “For The Good Times” singer one of his favorite artists. However, he didn’t back down from what he said about gaseous octogenarians.

“The truth is my statement was and still is about how we as the new generation of country artists have to keep re-inventing country music to keep it popular.

“Just EXACTLY … the way Mr. Price did along his journey as a main stream country artist.. Pushing the boundaries with his records. ‘For The Goodtimes’ is a perfect example with the introduction of a bigger orchestrated sound in country music … It was new and awesome!!! I absolutely have no doubt I could have worded it better (as always ha!) and I apologize to Mr. Price and any other heroes of mine that it may offended …

 “I meant every word I said. Country music is my life and it’s future AND past is important to me. I’ll put my Love and respect and knowledge about it up against anybody out there … ANYBODY …”