What Ken Burns’ 16-Hour ‘Country Music’ Epic Leaves Out

THE WESTERNER ^ | 9/15/2019 | Frank DuBois

[SamAdams76]

I wouldn't say Garth Brooks KILLED country music but he definitely set it back. I usually refer to Garth Brooks as the Barry Manilow of country music.

Now his first three albums were pretty decent but as he attained superstar status, he turned into a total AC (adult contemporary) mediocrity. Even his lyrics got mostly politically correct. It was sad to see because he did have some talent.

There are some bright spots in modern country. Toby Keith was mentioned earlier but you also have artists like Luke Combs, Trace Adkins, Aaron Tippin and others who carry on the tradition just fine.

[CaliforniaCraftBeer]

Can we expect Producer Ken Burns to denigrate the contributions of Elvis Presley to this genre of popular music too?

[SharpRightTurn]

I wonder if Frank DuBois sometimes wrings his hands because some types of music are predominately black, in terms of both artists and fans. I’m sure if Frank ever cogitated on this he would come to the conclusion that some forms of black music are racist, now wouldn’t you, Frank?

[onyx]

Seriesly, folks, we need to start wrapping this baby up. Donate today. [FReepathon LXXVII]

[dfwgator]

Can we expect Producer Ken Burns to denigrate the contributions of Elvis Presley to this genre of popular music too?

I suspect a big part of this "documentary" is how Country music is a ripoff of black music.

[Hatteras]

"The problem with the “modern sound” in country music is that it has become indistinguishable from pop music."

That's why it is now referred to as "Hick Hop".

[TADSLOS]

Garth Brooks killed country music.

Absolutely.

[GrandJediMasterYoda]

You mean Ken Burns, the bizarre toupee wearing fauxcumentary film maker who made a fauxcumentary portraying 5 punks who attempted to kill 2 people in Central park as innocent which lead to a lunatic leftist Mayor awarding them millions? Yes! Bash in the skull of a man with a lead pipe, and then beat a woman within an inch of her life and you too can live large courtesy of a lesbian looking dip named Ken Burns.

[GreenLanternCorps]

Elwood Blues:
What kind of music do you usually have here?

Claire:
Oh, we got both kinds. We got country *and* western.

[GrandJediMasterYoda]

Garth Brooks is like the rodeo clown of country music.

[Uncle Lonny]

Aint been a good country song since “She’s a T Bone Talkin Woman But She Gots a Hot Dog Heart”

[ClearCase_guy]

How much time will Ken Burns devote to Ray Charles and Charlie Pride?

Yes. Ken Burns is a skilled film maker, but he always seems to see the racial aspect as a crucial aspect. He could make documentary about the game of dominoes but he'd tie it into slavery and Jim Crow.

[higgmeister]

"Another word for this, of course, is schizophrenic."

Actually the more proper descriptive word nowadays is synergistic.

schizophrenic of or relating to conflicting or inconsistent elements; characterized by unusual disparity

synergistic is relating to the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects

[uncbob]

Garth Brooks killed country music.

Him and all the idiots who imitated him Sure did

[cowpoke]

First, I seldom cogitate. And on those rare occasions that I do, it is not about black music. However, if I did, I would probably come to the conclusion suggested by you.

[uncbob]

Garth Brooks killed country music.

Him and all the idiots who imitated him Sure did

[Scrambler Bob]

He could make documentary about the game of dominoes
= =

Black, and White dots.

[Cvengr]

You forgot, when playin it backwards enuf, you also get your runaway dawg back.

[higgmeister]

That was my first thought and looked to find it here before I made myself a fool and posted it again.

[deport]

So just consider this as a reminder the series begins tonight on PBS.

*************

Yes on PBS beginning at 8pm EDT there are several hours
devoted to Country music.