Gay Musicians Want to Break Country Music Barrier

Reuters ^ | August 7, 2003

[sarcasm]

NEW YORK (Reuters) - America's country music scene isn't exactly known for its gay artists, but a colorful pack of wanna-be stars pulled out their best rustic twangs and wailing guitars on Thursday to try to change all that.

Scores of country music hopefuls auditioned in New York for what is being billed as a television show to pick an openly gay country music star from about 50 contestants.

The musicians -- most of whom wore jeans and spit-polished boots -- wailed through Willie Nelson songs, crooned like Lyle Lovett and belted out ballads like Garth Brooks.

Livening up the day was The Dixie Chicks with Dicks -- singing drag queens in frilly petticoats and wigs big enough to make Dolly Parton envious.

Despite the gags and quips, most were serious musicians looking for a break, said Darren McDonnell of Baltimore.

``I hope it's not some kind of a joke. It could open up a lot of doors,'' he said, waiting on line.

``At the same time, it's a risk for everyone here,'' he added, calling the country music industry ``homophobic.''

Mark Taylor, who works in the design industry in Philadelphia but auditioned in cowboy regalia, said appearing on the show could be a bigger risk when it comes to facing his conservative family.

``If I make it onto the show, this will be the most silent Christmas we've ever had,'' he joked.

Producer Larry Dvoskin, who has not found a network to run the show tentatively called ``America Pride,'' declared himself pleased at the quality of talent. Final choices will be made in the coming months, he said.

With the success of gay-themed television shows, this one could be well-timed, said Scott Seomin, entertainment media director for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, or GLAAD, a non-profit media watchdog.

``The music industry with rare exception has been a bastion for homophobia, and the closet is still a place that artists who are gay are told to remain by record label executives, managers and publicity agents,'' he said.

Singer Matt Alber, who traveled across the country from San Francisco to audition, said: ``Country music record companies are scared America won't like a gay artist.

``I think it's ridiculous,'' he said. ``Don't they just want to hear really great songs? I hope this show will show America there's nothing to be afraid of.''

[uglybiker]

Livening up the day was The Dixie Chicks with Dicks

Who was the parody band?

[I still care]

I think there is room always for talent in country music. If you are going to perform to a high standard I think you can find an audience. I would go to see KD Lang in a minute, she is supertalented.

If you are going to push "gayness" in their face and act outrageous and liberal, the traditional audience that makes up most of country music will turn you off in droves, just as when the Dixie Chicks betrayed their sensabilities.

[therut]

Well different strokes for different folks. I'm a female and county songs can invoke all kind of emotion!!! Yes give me some David Allen Coe and Hank Williams JR.(Goin Huntin tonight) and who knows what my mood might be?????

[slim mackerel]

Why does everything have to be an organized plot with the gays? Make your gay song and if people like it they'll buy it.
They always have to set up some victimology when they attack an institution. Maybe they know that the marketplace generally is not interested in their lifestyle.

[cajun-jack]

new #1 song "I sucked one down at bubba's bar" yeah right

[uglybiker]

Maybe they can have the Democrats pass a law forcing country music fans to buy gay country music.

Have you tuned in to a 'country-esque' music station lately?

[shaggy eel]

Well different strokes for different folks.

,,, sure, no argument there.

who knows what my mood might be?????

,,, not too many strokes now, ya hear?

[therut]

Well different strokes for different folks. I'm a female and county songs can invoke all kind of emotion!!! Yes give me some David Allen Coe and Hank Williams JR.(Goin Huntin tonight) and who knows what my mood might be?????

[therut]

Sorry I posted twice but I guess just thinking about( going go hunting tonight lord and I ain't takin no gun) just kinda made my fingers shake!! LOL

[andy58-in-nh]

"There's a queer in my beer...."

[red-dawg]

I guess we can expect some new song titles.

"Stand Behind Your Man"

"George On My Mind"

...to name a few...

[Paul Atreides]

"You Ain't Butch Enough to Take My Man"

[SSN558]

I can imagine the lyrics already.

"I got drunk and made a pass at a straight guy."

"Man he had big fists...chorus fla la la la la.

[rockfish59]

Beavis: 'Is he yodeling?'

Butthead: 'No, he's scrotaling!'

[rockfish59]

lol!

What's that one that Rush plays about the new beer with the 'Condom In The Bottle'

[headsonpikes]

They'll probably issue a few rewrites....

'Old Jism Trail'

'Give My Love To Rudy'

'I'm a Honky-Tonk Fag'

'Queen of the Road'

It won't be nice, but it'll be easy!

[mommadooo3]

If That Ain't Country'...(DAC).
I'd Love To Knock The Hell Outta You...(Bocephus)

[red-dawg]

"Feel Like A Woman" being sung by a guy.

SHIVER.

[Ruth A.]

Mark Taylor, who works in the design industry in Philadelphia but auditioned in cowboy regalia, said appearing on the show could be a bigger risk when it comes to facing his conservative family.
``If I make it onto the show, this will be the most silent Christmas we've ever had,'' he joked.

Well, it doesn't matter now. He's out in the oaoer and the internet.

I thought they all wanted to sing Judy Garland tunes. But, of course, no of them could match her talent.

[BudgieRamone]

``I think it's ridiculous,'' he said. ``Don't they just want to hear really great songs? I hope this show will show America there's nothing to be afraid of.''


Yes We all like to hear great songs, but we don't want your agenda or politics shoved in our faces.