I Love: Country Music

Lots happening (and not happening) in Nashville in 2020. Having spent most of life in Georgia, I have listened to many a country tune. I’ve got a soft spot for the genre — the personalities, the strong women, the rich songwriting. (I can do without the bro culture, the rah-rah patriotism and the racism in some parts of that world.) But the history of Music City — I’ve visited several times over the years — and the people and institutions that populate it always pull me in. The Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, the Bluebird Cafe, it’s all captivating. Anyone remember Nashville Star?

Anyway, I had a blast last night watching the Academy of Country Music’s awards show on CBS. Three hours of incredibly moving performances and majorly surprising results in the awards competition. Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Eric Church, Gabby Barrett (an American Idol alum), Miranda Lambert, Mickey Guyton, the Keith Urban/Pink duet, they delivered big time … I could keep going. Please find a way to watch them do what they do so well. You won’t regret it. In a first for the event, Carrie Underwood and Thomas Rhett tied for Entertainer of the Year. I’m not complaining. Luke Combs won Male Artist of the Year (expected); Maren Morris took Female Artist of the Year (definitely unexpected but totally deserving).

Moving on. Some excellent TV projects to check out when you have time:

• Nashville. The up-and-down ensemble drama ran for six seasons (124 episodes) on ABC and CMT. I’ve seen all of it. Standout performers include Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere, Chris Carmack and Jonathan Jackson, among others. The original music is great, too.
• PBS’ Country Music. The eight-part docuseries from Ken Burns is fantastic. It aired in 2019. I learned so much and savored every minute.
• Patsy & Loretta. Featuring lovely turns from Megan Hilty and Jessie Mueller, this TV movie (Lifetime, 2019) focuses on the superstars’ rocky relationship. It really should have received more Emmy love.

Here are a few offerings from country artists I’m loving right now:

• Maren Morris: The Bones (with Hozier) and The Middle. I really enjoy the acoustic versions.
• Gabby Barrett: I Hope. She does a version with Charlie Puth, which I like better. I’m thrilled she’s taken off.
• Miranda Lambert: Bluebird. Her Wildcard album is fire from start to finish.
• Dan + Shay: I Should Probably Go To Bed. They never fail to give me goosebumps.
• Morgan Wallen: Chasin’ You. Check out the video here.

Mark your calendars: The Country Music Association’s annual shindig is slated for Nov. 11 on ABC. I’ll be tuning in. And before that, there’s the fan-voted CMT Music Awards on Oct. 21. Don’t miss out!