Country music is enjoying a significant resurgence and is more impactful than it appears on the surface.
In early August, three country music stars were at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart—a first for this traditionally Heartland genre, according to the company that has been keeping track of such statistics since 1958.
Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town,” Luke Combs’ “Fast Car,” and Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” secured the first three spots, surpassing pop giants like Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, and Miley Cyrus.
These achievements have resonance beyond mere historical interest. These artists confronted criticism and controversy and emerged more potent, with substantial public support. The fans sent a clear message with their financial backing: country stars can’t be silenced without the public’s consent.
Aldean, who became more vocal about his conservative political beliefs during the Trump administration, started speaking on issues like vaccine mandates and President Biden’s turbulent initial term. His song “Try That in a Small Town,” an ode to patriotic small towns, stirred the waters, primarily through its music video referencing the BLM/Antifa protests following George Floyd’s death in 2020.
Despite receiving backlash from media outlets and critics, including accusations that the song was reminiscent of a “pro-lynching” mindset, Aldean stood firm. The allegations fell flat as the song climbed the charts, and Aldean’s fanbase showed unwavering support.
Wallen’s situation was more complicated. After a video surfaced of him using a racial slur, the response was swift: his music was pulled from various platforms, he was declared ineligible for awards, and his label suspended him. Wallen took immediate steps to make amends, including a public apology, meeting with black leaders, and entering rehab. Despite industry pushback, his fans remained loyal, and his sales soared.
Combs faced his battle, albeit on a smaller scale, when he covered Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” Some media sources tried to paint the cover as a disservice to Chapman due to her background as a black and LGBT+ woman. Still, many quickly dismissed the criticism, including Chapman herself, who expressed gratitude and support.
These three examples of country hits and the public’s response to them represent a resounding defeat for the far-Left’s attempts to influence or dictate the genre. Despite attempts to silence or cancel these artists, the strength of the American public’s unity and support proved to be a more formidable force.
In the end, the story of these three country smashes and the challenges they faced is a testament to the resilience of the genre and a reminder that, at times, the people’s voice is mightier than any critics or controversies. It is a significant lesson for anyone in the entertainment industry, from musicians to executives.
