I was just sitting here catching up on some of the country news of the day and one recurring theme I notice is charity events and events supporting the US military. This is what I love about country music, it's artists are just everyday people trying to make a difference and are constantly showing that they don't place themselves on a "status" level above anyone else because they realize that we're all just people, we all eat, breathe and sleep. They just happen to have been blessed with a special talent that they're able to use to help people. When's the last time you really read the news or watched tv and saw someone like Britney Spears, the guys from Motley Crue or pretty much any artist outside of country truly giving back (and what I mean by giving back isn't giving their money to Rodeo Avenue for the $10,000 Louis Vuitton dog carrier they just bought).
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Over the past year, there have been so many catastrophes that have brought country to the forefront as the genre you can always depend on to be there to help pick up the piece in their own special way, through their gift of music. From the May 2010 Nashville flood to the recent rash of devastation by tornadoes country wide, they were there in full force, doing what they could to raise money and raise awareness and even getting waist deep in the tragedy to help clean up and rebuild. They were there sharing their talent, their time, encouragement and even hugs to those affected. This is what makes country music so special, a rare gem in the music world of ordinary stones. These artists never ask for a thing in return except for support from their fans to help those that need it most.
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Country artists are also the first ones to don a helmet and flack jacket and board a cold, empty military cargo plane to unfamiliar and dangerous territory to show the US military men and women that we appreciate their ultimate sacrifices, their strength and their courage and that the country music nation supports what they do and will stand behind them until the last soldier comes home. Now granted, most other genres do this too, but it seems you see it on a more constant basis from country music. Despite the unknown dangers every time they cross that ocean, artists like Kellie Pickler, Montgomery Gentry, Toby Keith, Craig Morgan and new artists like Buddy Jewell, Randy Houser and Emily West are putting themselves in these situations without thinking twice or considering what could happen while there. This again shows why country music artists stand out so far above other genres, they sincerely care and aren't afraid to step outside the industry guidelines and suggestions to do what their heart tells them to do, what their conscience is saying is right.
I will always be a fan of the country artist, new or established, male or female. Artists like these make me proud of my musical choices and prove that to me on an everyday basis. Please be sure to say thank you to your favorite country artist the next time they take part in a charity event, they are not paid for these events in most cases and do it completely at no cost to the venue or the charity. Let them know their generosity does not go unnoticed by purchasing their music, attending their shows and not illegally downloading their music.
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