Country music legend George Jones has some pretty harsh words for the likes of Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift. In an article posted on The Boot George is quoted as saying:
“They’ve stolen our identity.” And, he maintains, they need to give it back and move on to another genre. “They had to use something that was established already, and that’s traditional country music. So what they need to do really, I think, is find their own title, because they’re definitely not traditional country music.”
George isn’t crapping out on all of country music, he says there is still some hope with Alan Jackson and George Strait still topping the charts.
I guess there is no teaching this old dog new tricks.
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Wow…what a douche. lol
I agree with this in the taylor swift aspect… Carrie Underwood no. She takes pride in traditional country and serves it well .While she does have a few songs that may break the barriers she still shows country some respect which is why she is a grand ole opry member and taylor isn’t.
Douchy, yes, but agree with HHAH. Taylor is not country music, she is pop. Carrie is country.
I saw this on Yahoo yesterday and I was so disgusted. he is just so disrespectful. Both girls are extremely talented and are doing amazing things for country music.
Like it or not, George Jones is right. Call him the names. Whatever. He has a valid point.
While Carrie often sticks to the country instrumentation, saying she serves “traditional country” well is far from true, minus the Randy Travis cover. And to those picking sides between Carrie and Taylor, please tell me how “Cowboy Casanova” is any more country than “Fifteen”. How is “Undo It” any more country than “Breathe”?
“Pop-country” seems to be the most accurate label for both.
I agree with hhah…He’s definitely right about Taylor, but not so much Carrie. Either way, he doesn’t have to be so rude about his opinion. I don’t think any of today’s “country artists” are trying to disrespect the old-time country greats with the music they make today, even if it does sound much more contemporary. You can always appreciate the old AND the new…I’m personally a huge fan of George Jones AND Carrie Underwood…even if they are very different styles of country!
I have to agree with him, while I still really like both Carrie and Taylor. They’re not traditional, especially Taylor, but it’s still REALLY good music – Taylor has some killer songwriting skills! I am a huge fan of the old-school/traditional stuff and the new stuff so I’m not picking sides.
I do, however, have a gripe with a channel like VH1 (mainly one that shows rock,pop and some R&B, am I right?) playing “Cowboy Cassanova” on their Top 20 Countdown! I’ve seen most (if not all) of Taylor’s videos on there, and it makes sense because she’s more “pop-ish” and I’ve seen a few of Carrie’s, but “Cowboy Cassanova” (even in the TITLE) doesn’t seem to fit! Maybe I’m wrong.
Wow, rude much.
Everybody knows those artists, especially Taylor, are pop-country, NOT traditional country.
Just like pop and rock songs now aren’t the same as what they used to be in the 80′s or 90′s, country has changed, too.
And he’s already a legend, I don’t see the point of him making such coments. He’s only going to upset people.
Honestly, who cares what friggen “title” they have so long as they create music that means something to them and their fans there really is no point in getting upset over labeling it.
I agree with what Zach said. I am a fan of both Carrie and Taylor, but most of their music is not country. I miss the traditional sound that country music used to be. There are still newer artists that are traditional country, but with the domination of “pop country” its hard for some of them to even make it. I believe that artists like Jason Aldean, Justin Moore, Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, Mallory Hope, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, etc. are traditional country and should get way more recognition than they do. Jason is just now being able to top the charts, but is still getting shunned by the industry in an awards sense. Just take any Taylor or Carrie song and put it up against the likes of Dolly or Loretta and you will immediately know the difference between what is and isn’t country.
Mhall says: Honestly, who cares what friggen “title” they have so long as they create music that means something to them and their fans there really is no point in getting upset over labeling it.
AMEN!!!! TOTALLY AGREE!
He’s right. They’re not country, but that’s what country music is becoming these days. Sad, but true.
More power to George Jones. Although I love all types of music, some of these new artists do not sing true country music. One of the females that does is Ashton Shepherd. Radio wouldn’t give her ballads the time of day, because they were real country. Pick up her album if you want to hear great country like the “Ladies of Country Music” sang back in the day. This is what I would rather hear on my radio.
Tim McGraw has already established in his song “Back When” that country is changing. With that simple line of “I reading street slang for dummies cause they put pop in my country” I dont think it fair that George Jones is singling out Carrie and Taylor because if i remember correctly Shaina Twain came out with Pop-Country CD’s in the late 90′s early 2000′s. Taylor and Carrie have just made it better. Carrie Underwood tho isn’t that much pop, She is more country. Honestly this is just bogus. I love Traditional Country, I listen to Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Allen Jackson, George Striat etc. But I also love Pop-country and the new spin the younger artist are trying to incorporate such as The Carter Twins, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Gloriana, Love and Theft etc. All of these artist are different types on country, and ALL of these artist have amazing talent and deserve everything they have. If they weren’t good they wouldn’t have fans. George Jones needs to let the fan decide what they wanna hear.
I completely agree about Ashton Shepherd. Her entire album is amazing and she most definitely is real traditional country. Another female artist that comes to mind is Lee Ann Womack…people seriously need to start giving her airtime and the recognition she most deserves again.
Did Carrie or Taylor ever claim to be Traditional country? Did I miss something?
Amen, Tawny. I was thinking the same thing.
Isn’t this kind of like when your grandparents would tell you “how much better things were in the olden days” kind of stories? Sure, back when George was king that is all there was…pure country music. Times have changed George!! While I love pure country music I also love the new “crossover country” that is hugely popular. This type of music has brought so many other music lovers into country music to explore the OLD and NEW styles of country music. I think George just misses “the good ol’ days”!!
I think think that no they are not “traditional” country music, but what is these days? Besides George Strait and Alan Jackson (which are both great) but times are changing! I am a hugeee Taylor and Carrie fan, I will agree that maybe Taylor is pushing over into the pop stream although she always stays true to her country roots. Carrie on the other hand, is alll country. They both deserve respect. I respect George Jones ‘ music, and if thats his opinion then okay, but I also have mine.
In my eyes Carrie and Taylor are bringing in a new form of Country music. People should respect that…
You are a great country singer, Mr. Jones. But do you have the right to throw stones?
Most of what passes for country music these days is not. It’s overproduced pop. Give me a Lefty Frizzell/Sanger D. Shafer song and I’m a happy camper. But to my mind, real country music singers don’t pull no-shows and leave their fans hanging. Maybe some folks think the nickname, “No-show Jones,” is funny. It wasn’t funny to us. It hurt us in the pocketbook, and more, it hurt us in the heart.
I don’t expect Mr. Jones will ever see this and we sure don’t want his money. But it’s been bothering me for almost 30 years now. So here goes:
I’ve loved country music all my life. I sent out my $2.00 twice to buy the records to build the Country Music Hall of Fame. To my mind, real country singers take care of their fans. It was a long time ago, in the early 80s, I believe, that you, Mr. Jones, blew off a scheduled concert in Charlottesville, VA. I remember, because the money came real hard at that time. We bought the tickets at Back Alley Disc (long out of business), and, to tell you the truth, I can’t remember if the tickets were $12.00 each with a $1.00 service charge or $15.00 each with a $2.00 service charge. We excitedly bought two tickets. You didn’t show and we never got our money back. The promoters were some fly-by-night company out of Bristol (probably TN, but it could have been VA), with a name like L & L, or H & H, or L & M, or something like that. We tried to contact them and we tried to contact you. We were nice about it. But we were out of luck. Maybe you and the promoters didn’t understand nice.
Real country music singers don’t stiff their fans. So I’m not sure you’ve got any call to be pointing fingers, Mr. Jones.
I like the song, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes?” I like all your songs. And maybe no one will be able to fill your shoes, Mr. Jones. It makes me sad. But the “no show” part, I hope nobody fills that.
Here’s a partial list of the country and country-related performers we’ve seen in person over the years, in no particular order, and they all showed up, Mr. Jones:
Bill Monroe
Earl Scruggs
Statlers
Vern Gosdin
Willie Nelson
Merle Haggard (twice)
Emmylou Harris (twice)
Charley Pride
Ricky Skaggs
George Strait
Nanci Griffith
Dwight Yoakam
Vince Gill
Jerry Lee Lewis
Mickey Gilley
Don Williams
Loretta Lynn
Reba McEntire
Waylon Jennings
Hank Williams, Jr.
David Allan Coe
Conway Twitty
Guy Clark
Delbert McClinton
Jerry Jeff Walker
Lyle Lovett
Randy Travis
Brooks & Dunn
Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
Gatlins
Oak Ridge Boys
Kris Kristofferson (He was still drinking at the time, but he showed up and, for someone who really can’t sing, who doesn’t have the God-given voice that you have, Mr. Jones, he did a good job.)
Rodney Crowell
John David Anderson
Larry Franklin (great fiddle player)
I agree with Tawny, I don’t recall either of them claiming to be traditional country. Music evolves and changes with time. Listen to MC Hammer and then listen to Lil’ Wayne, both considered hip hop but very different, this genre has evolved as well.
I strongly disagree with all the comments about Taylor not being country. When I think of country music, I think that more than any other genre, it shows the most genuine musical talent. Country is also known for it’s story telling. Taylor Swift is one of the most talented artists of our generation, musically and lyrically. I think country music should be proud to call her one of their own.
I agree with George! I’ve believed for a long time that we need a “pop country” category. There is most definitely a difference in today’s “country” and traditional country. Funny thing……I sit here listening to Tammy Wynette when this popped in my inbox. Now, that’s traditional country……..imperfect voices and steel guitar. I LOVE it!!!!
Carrie and Taylor both are great, but they are not traditional country. And, yes, things change…………but so many great country artists are still around and not being played……..Randy Travis, for one.
yupp definitely not country. They are just the top 2 country selling artists today. carrie underwood has won ACM entertainer of the year and taylor swift is nominated for it. i will give you a little on taylor swift, but carrie underwood is a true country girl. what about shania twain? she wasnt exactly what you call “traditional country”. both carrie and taylor have won multiple awards in country music. get with the times! if carrie and taylor arent country music despite there platinum albums and #1 country songs, then there is something that i just dont understand.
Travis Tritt said it best when he sang “Country Ain’t Country No More”. Enough said.
Jealousy does not look good on you George!!!!
Why would you say that about trying to teach an old dog new tricks.?!
That’s disrespectful to George and biased sounding instead of opening
a discussion here.
The old dog new tricks comment wasn’t disrespectful. And after looking through the almost 30 comments I would say the discussion has been started.
I also wanted to post a tweet that we got from one of our followers who made a good point: From @peterbult379
@cmtt heard a good point 2day. when george jones was younger his music was diff then artist b4 him! so Hank Sr could have said same to him!
All I have to say is listen to “Murder on Music Row” by the king if country and George Strait and Alan Jackson. And this song was written like at least 10 years ago.
My message should have read–All I have to say is listen to “Murder on Music Row” by the king of country George Strait and Alan Jackson. And this song was written at least 10 years ago.
George Jones should shut the f*** up. He looks like a possum. He has no respect for anyone, not even himself. Why don’t he be the FIRST AND YOUNGEST country artists to win a VMA? He’s jealous of Taylor for that, and she and Carrie are both great singers. And if he EVER says ANYTHING like like that about Miley, I will track him down and kick his ass! Hear that, Possum?! rotflmao! LOFL
Do some of you know who George Jones is? He is one of the most talented and respected country artists of all time. And he is right about Swift.
George Jones is right. Part of the sucess of satellite radio stems from the desire to bypass the current crap played on over the air radio. Watered down, urbanized unadulterated crap it is. Country has had its pop rock contanimation in the past but has managed to return to a sense of traditional style… this time is different. Underwood and the like are going to kill country radio… Opry needs to grow a set and blacklist artists that are popular because they are popular, not popular because they are good artists.
[...] Dolly’s new DVD, including Wynonna Judd and George Jones (I wonder if George had anything nice to say to Carrie last [...]
George jones is a fool. Tim mcgraws wife faith hill is pop. Tim did a pop song with def leapard a couple years back. George jones farts dust he’s so old.
Country music has been going down for years. The stuff they are coming out with now isnt all bad but most of it sucks and is def. not country. Taylor swift is not country. Sorry… She has alot of fans but George is right. Her and most others need a new genre. They are killing country. I think its more nashvilles fault than anyones though. Its time they start to back and push real country artist.
whatever it is Taylor calls her music, she first needs to learn to sing and carry a tune. Carrie, can when she wants to, sing country , and George Jones, I cannot stand him or what he stands for, but, for once, he is right. Country music has left us except for the few still singing it, and now, CMA should be called PCMA..
Bobby says:
November 6th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
George Jones should shut the f*** up. He looks like a possum. He has no respect for anyone, not even himself. Why don’t he be the FIRST AND YOUNGEST country artists to win a VMA? He’s jealous of Taylor for that, and she and Carrie are both great singers. And if he EVER says ANYTHING like like that about Miley, I will track him down and kick his ass! Hear that, Possum?! rotflmao! LOFL
Bobby, I believe you are looking more at the young girls than listening to what it is they are trying to do, and that is sing.
George Jone still can not out sing his Dad, He’s a old man that is jealous of the younger generation. It took him all these years to be someone and these girls are starting right off from the top ( because they are good) And Old George don’t like it.
Time he retired, cause if he can not get it right by now he never will
HE is absolutley Right !! Neither one is country, give me a break. They should be classified as pop
I have to agree with the Possum! We need to put country back into country. These two younger artists sing nothing but candy coated rock and roll. I beleive there is an identity crisis at hand.
Carrie Underwood is so talented and her songs are just like all the newer artists, Keith urban etc…she is actually more country. Faith hill and all the rest aren’t old time country. How can you even compare Carrie and Taylor? Taylor can’t sing and she sings over and over about princes and proms and horses. The sad thing is that Taylor won over Jaimie Johnson, it was a slap in the face for country. He is amazing and should have one. I thnk it is sad that Toby never gets recognized. We have to just say country is changing to a poppy type music, but let’s not include Carrie cause that girl can sing!
im right, most of you are wrong. taylor swift sucks. kiss my ass
that shut everybody up.
Taylor Swift sucks. Carrie Underwood rocks!
George Jones is just jealous cause Carrie wins all of the awards and he sucks asshole.
George Jones has been getting pussy since he was in the 3rd grade… These girls don’t got shit on George Jones…
the only thing them girls are good for is to pop the zits on my back and make me grilled cheese samiches.
The only time those girls should open their mouths is to suck a nice big black cock…
Well said Waylon… Hey Bobby… Miley Cirus can’t sing…
Shania, Garth Brooks, Billy Ray Cyrus and even Brooks & Dunn AND lipless REBA killed country music before these pimple poppers came along!
Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts and Opera singer Martina McBride have been taking steamers on the corpse!
Can someone tell me what the hell Brad Paisley doing??? Country singer or comedian? nothing get older faster than a joke Brad! good or bad! Ticks? The fishing song? Alcohol? Cooler online? Old Jokes Brad!
“Country Music” is a Broad Category now requiring accolades for both “Traditional Country” and “Pop-Country”! If you don’t agree with that, you’re an idiot!
George is Right! Deal with it!
i agree with Twanger. damn pimple poppers