Ray Price, Ray Stevens, Martina McBride weigh in on Blake Shelton's controversial comments about country music
Oklahoma country music star Blake Shelton has stirred up controversy with comments he made during an updated episode of Great American Country’s “Backstory: Blake Shelton.” In the special, the Tishomingo resident discussed his 2010 Country Music Association award for Male Vocalist of the Year and what it meant to him in the context of country music’s evolution:
“If I am “Male Vocalist of the Year” that must mean that I’m one of those people now that gets to decide if it moves forward and if it moves on,” Shelton said, according to GAC.com. “Country music has to evolve in order to survive. Nobody wants to listen to their grandpa’s music. And I don’t care how many of these old farts around Nashville going, “My God, that ain’t country!” Well that’s because you don’t buy records anymore, jackass. The kids do, and they don’t want to buy the music you were buying.”
When various websites began posting that portion of Blake’s interview, some country fans and artists were offended by Blake’s comments. Country legend Ray Price in particular took Shelton to task on his Facebook page:
“It’s a shame that I have spend [sic] 63 years in this business trying to introduce music to a larger audience and to make it easier for the younger artists who are coming behind me. Every now and then some young artist will record a rock and roll type song, have a hit first time out with kids only. This is why you see stars come with a few hits only and then just fade away believing they are God’s answer to the world. This guy sounds like in his own mind that his head is so large no hat ever made will fit him. Stupidity Reigns Supreme!!!!!!! Ray Price (CHIEF “OLD FART” & JACKASS”) ” P.S. YOU SHOULD BE SO LUCKY AS US OLD-TIMERS. CHECK BACK IN 63 YEARS (THE YEAR 2075) AND LET US KNOW HOW YOUR NAME AND YOUR MUSIC WILL BE REMEMBERED.”
Shelton soon responded to Price’s comments through a series of tweets @blakeshelton:
“Whoa!!! I heard I offended one of my all time favorite artists Ray Price by my statement “Nobody wants to listen to their grandpas music.” And probably some other things from that same interview on GAC Backstory. I hate that I upset him. The truth is my statement was and STILL is about how we as the new generation of country artists have to keep re-inventing country music to keep it popular. Just EXACTLY the way Mr. Price did along hid [sic] journey as a main stream country artist. Pushing the boundaries with his records. “For The Goodtimes” is a perfect example with the introduction of a bigger orchestrated sound in country music. It was new and awesome!!! I absolutely have no doubt I could have worded it better(as always ha!) and I apologize to Mr. Price and any other heroes of mine that it may offended. I meant every word I said. Country music is my life and it’s [sic] future AND past is important to me. I’ll put my [love] and respect and knowledge about it up against anybody out there. ANYBODY.”
Martina McBride is among the country artists who have voiced their support of Shelton, writing to him on Twitter @martinamcbride: “Just catching up on this. We all know where your heart is Blake. Love you.” He responded: “Thanks sis… It’s so dumb. I love you!!”
My favorite response so far comes from country comedian Ray Stevens’ via his representative:
“I just heard Blake Shelton’s remarks about ‘old farts and jackasses’ and all I want to know is how he found out the title to my next single because it’s been a closely guarded secret here at the ‘Home.’ It will be available on vinyl or 8-Track at your nearest Tower Records store.”
-BAM
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