It is well known by now that most know that Blake Shelton made some controversial remarks in regards to traditional country music. (Click here to read the complete story.) Several country music singers issued their own responses to Blake Shelton.
During the Friday night edition of the Grand Ole Opry, Jean Shepherd spoke up during her segment. "We've got a young man in country music who has made some pretty dumb statements lately. What did he say? That traditional country music is for old farts and jack-you-know-whats. Well, I guess that makes me an old fart. I love country music. I won't tell you what his name is, but his initials are B.S. and he's full of it!"
Country comedian Ray Stevens issued his own statement, "I just heard Blake Shelton’s remarks about ‘old farts and jacka–es’ 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.”
Several country artists came to the defense of Blake Shelton with their own set of tweets, including Martina McBride and Chris Young. Chris Young stated, “Love what you meant by your quote buddy. Know how much you love country music history. Love your music brother and who you are.”
Blake Shelton finally responded to the uproar that he caused by his statement. His first tweet response was directed towards Ray Price.
"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”. 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 his journey as a mainstream country artist. Pushing the boundaries with his records. ‘For The Good Times’ 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 its future AND past is important to me. I’ll put my love and respect and knowledge about it up against anybody out there. ANYBODY.”
Shelton's second response was on the overall situation. Shelton tweeted, "“What an interesting day. Turns out I have a lot of friends in this industry that refuse to jump on any band wagon and turn their back on me. And a handful that have no problem doing it. Publicity can make people do and say anything I guess. Oh well. Good news for me is. I don’t forget and won’t forget.”
In the end, country music fans are passionate about what they believe in. Several have even suggested that Blake Shelton should no longer be a Grand Ole Opry member since he insulted the very ones on the weekly broadcast. If traditional country music is not selling, then why are fans still going out to see Willie Nelson, George Jones, Merle Haggard in concert and buying their records?
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