Great points, Andy. Isn’t it interesting that in a political world that is so polarized, the arts are a place where everything crosses over and influences everything else, ignoring those so-called divisions?
Thanks,
Tony

Connie,
Thanks for your thoughtful comments and open mind. Keep reading and commenting!
Best wishes,
Tony

Got me to thinking… it’s funny how artistic “freedom” & artistic “conformity” are two sides of the same coin. Possibly depending on who’s listening, who’s judging & what’s “selling”.

Similar to other creative industries, trends are SO important to future sales… always ready to be new, contemporary, fresh and very salable.

You really are right on when you write! I have noticed hip-hop’s effect on country and all music, really. For a minute, it seemed we even lost R & B and I started to feel old, even when I was young because I could not relate to the music. Heck, I could not even discern the words as they were so rapidly flowing. Somehow, it tipped up on me and though I do not write songs about sipping on gin and juice, (hmm…red solo cup!) I can see the influence of rap/hip-hop on the songs I write, even gospel and yes, country. Glad you mentioned the “white” reference as often I feel that my songs are perceived as being black because I am but they are as country as Luke Bryan or Taylor Swift…oh, yeah, I forgot…she’s pop now! Anyway, music may one day just be music but no one tells a story like a country song! It is truly poetry in motion!

Keep sharing. I will keep reading and hopefully learning! Thanks!