Thought for the Day (Sept 24)

Subject: Thought for the Day (Sept 24)
From: Peter T.
Date: 24 Sep 99 - 10:10 AM

And You Thought "What Do We Mean By 'Folk' Was Controversial:

At Wednesday night's 33rd annual Country Music Association Awards in Nashville, the great George Jones was asked to cut down his nominated song, "Choices", refused, and the show went on without him. Meanwhile, current superstar Faith Hill refused to sing her recent hit single, wishing to substitute her unreleased new number, "Breathe". CBS executives intervened again, ordering the association to let her sing what she wanted. She did.
A little later in the show, Alan Jackson, a superstar, but something of a traditionalist, deviated from a scheduled performance, and included a chunk of George Jones' "Choices" into another song! When interviewed about this afterwards, Jackson said: "They wouldn't give him an extra two minutes when he is alive, but if George had died in the car crash in March, they would have given him a ten minute tribute".
Meanwhile, back at the show, Merle Haggard was allowed on the show, only if he sang in a duet with pop star Jewel, triggering further debate. And to cap all this was the fact that Ms. Shania Twain, Canadian songstress, won the premier award as "Entertainer of the Year" followed closely by the other awards-scooper-upper, The Dixie Chicks, a group that looks like pop stars, but can actually plan their swing and bluegrass style music.
yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Sept 24)
From: Peter T.
Date: 24 Sep 99 - 10:24 AM

Sorry, should be "play" not "plan" their music. Probably they do both.
yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Sept 24)
From: Allan C.
Date: 24 Sep 99 - 11:01 AM

I guess the disdain I share with the late George C. Scott for the Academy Awards trickles down into most of the other awards programs. You have pointed out even more reasons why they are hardly (read NOT) worth the time allotted them on the tube. (IMHO)

It seems to me that in "the business" your success is measured by the devotion of the public. This translates into box office sales, video and recording sales, etc.. In my mind, that should be enough evidence of adulation for anyone. Not that I don't appreciate an occasional pat on the back from my peers. But such a thing would mean a whole lot more to me if it were done in a one-on-one situation rather than as a public spectacle. Maybe its just me.

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Sept 24)
From: Liam Devlin
Date: 24 Sep 99 - 11:02 AM

Once again, it seems, art vs. marketing produces conflict. Jones's marketig people had nothing to gain apparently, so he lost - Faith Hill, on the other hand had her artistic interests aligned with marketing's interest, so she won.

When it comes to artistic judgement, in the world of the popular music business, the golden rule applies: "He who has the gold rules!"

Thankfully, the world of Folk Music is free from these bitter conflicts {wink}!

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Sept 24)
From: MMario
Date: 24 Sep 99 - 11:03 AM

I wondered why the standing ovation when Alan included "Choices"