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I've always grown up with country music, from listening to it at the barn while working on my livestock for county fair to being a part-time disc jockey at Dodge-Point Broadcasting Company - known as Outlaw Country D99.3. Being a disc jockey for D99.3 has been a dream come true and I enjoy the people I work with there! Country music has surrounded me my entire life, and it will continue without a doubt.
The Country Music Association (CMA) Awards are one of my favorite times of the year. I really enjoy the time when country artists can come together and celebrate the great passion that is country music. I was excited because many of my favorite country artists were up for multiple nominations.
There were many highlights from last Wednesday night's country music festivities. Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley celebrated their 10-year anniversary of cohosting together. Their entertainment never fails each year, and I hope they continue to host for many years to come.
This year was special for the CMAs as this year's focus centered on coming together in times of loss. This September, Troy Gentry, half of one of my favorite country bands Montgomery Gentry, was killed in a helicopter accident during his commute to a concert. It struck the nerve of millions, myself included. Rascall Flatts and Dierks Bentley all came together to sing Montgomery Gentry's smash hit, "My Town," one of my favorite songs growing up.
The performance became even stronger, when Ed Montgomery, came out and finished singing the song, in memory of his late partner. It was his first performance since Gentry's passing and there was not a dry eye in the house. Let me tell you one thing, I sure cried when that happened! What a great tribute to someone who lived, breathed, and ultimately died loving country music.
Also this year, another tragedy deeply affected country music when a deranged man opened fire on the Las Vegas community, killing 58 and injuring over 400 people. Country music artists came together during that time, showing support and love to all of their fans, as well as those lost during the shooting. During the CMAs, Carrie Underwood gave an iconic performance in dedication to the Las Vegas victims. Once again, tears flooded throughout the country.
Her song was also in memoriam to iconic country artists who have passed this year. Those artists included Glen Campbell, Troy Gentry, Don Williams and many more.
There was also some controversy with Garth Brooks being awarded as Entertainer of the Year. There were allegations that he lipsynched during his performance of "Ask Me How I Know." Brooks admitted to it during a Fox News briefing, disappointing many fans. This is my "key point" with the situation. He was feeling under the weather that night and had to prepare for more performances. Yes, it was disappointing that he made that choice. However, I think he made a good call in the end, making his health his number one priority. I find when country artists are on the road, they tend to forget about looking out for themselves at times, fearing they will lose the support of their fans. Well Garth, you sure didn't lose my support and my hat's off to you.
I understand that there are people that don't share my passion with country music. But I truly believe that country music is much like journalism. It is a reporter's purpose to convey a story to its readers. Country music is one of the only genres I know that never fails at telling a story, so I truly believe that there is a parallelism between journalism and country music.
Country music really has a way of making people think, which is why I will always remain a fan of it.