Country Music Essay -- Entertainment

The debate whether commercialism has stripped country music of its authenticity is one that requires further examination into who ultimately holds the power. The sometimes-drastic changes do in music leaves people questioning the tastes of consumers when in fact they are the bystanders of an overpowering industry. Fans are people who buy the albums, go to concerts, and request songs on the radio, non the execs that market the music, and yet their opinions/tastes arent taken into consideration. Fans carry a lot of clout in regards to what they define as commercialism gone wrong and acceptable country music. Despite what may seem fair, those who are financially invested in its success drive the commercialization of music. According to The Nashville Sound, markers that include rural origins, conventionalised sets, seemingly spontaneous performance, accessible performers, and heartfelt songs can characterize country musics authenticity (13). The foundations of what country music has originated from are incorporated inside these markers and are used to separate the real from the fake. Early country music was a means of coping with a life of work and worries it also brought communities of the poverty-stricken together in fellowship. The establishment of these markers glimpses into the culture and realities of many country music artists before their fame. Take for instance a family sitting huddled together on a porch on a cool summer evening listening to a family member play the banjo while another sings along. Everyone is enjoying and living in that flash and all worries are far from mind. Country music made people feel at ease and comfortable, it brought people back to their memories of the good old days. This is the port country music sh... ...ue. Consumers shouldnt have to settle with music instead they should be enjoying it. In order to get the authenticity back within commercialised music it go away only happen if people begin to realize the power that they hold. Once people start to realize that then the music that is produced, and call will have a more significant affect on its listeners music then can continue to be inspiring. Quality music is and will always be cherished more than mass-produced commercialized cacophony. Works CitedJensen, Joli. The Nashville Sound Authenticity, Commercialization, and Country Music.Tennessee Vanderbilt University Press/ Country Music Foundation Press, 1998. yarn-dyeMalone, Bill C. Country Music, U.S.A. Texas University of Texas Press, 1985. PrintMarcus, Greil. Mystery Train Images of America in Rock n Roll. New York PenguinGroup, 1985. Print