Jay Thomas’ Country Perspective

When it comes to award shows, certainly the biggest ones in the country format are the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards and the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards. However, in between the two in the middle of winter are the Grammies, which recognize achievement in all musical formats.

While important to most, it can be argued that the powers that be that vote for the Grammy Awards really don’t have a total understanding of what’s happening in country music. For example, there have been times in the past when Lyle Lovett was named male vocalist at the Grammies, yet on mainstream country radio he wasn’t even a player.

So I’ve always taken the Grammy Awards with a grain of salt. Some years with regard to country they are right on and some years they are way off. This year I think they’re about 99% right on for country music.

The average country fan may use my arguments to suggest that the Dixie Chicks should not be nominated at all. And while I can’t support the “incident” from a few years back, as a music lover I can support their music. The Washington Post named their CD “Taking The Long Way” as its number one album of 2006. In so doing, the Post suggested that we all put aside the incident and the events that followed. They went on to suggest that you put aside your political feelings and your anger. I tried doing that, and when I listen to the music and the emotion that comes from it I am amazed at this piece of work. Do all of this and you have to agree that this album may in fact be the Grammy winner come February 11.

The Grammies also love Vince Gill. And for that matter so do most. Yet in recent years Vince’s songs have received less and less airplay on mainstream country radio stations. In 2006 Vince returned with a 4-CD box set of outstanding music. While his single ”The Reason Why” has only achieved modest chart success, Vince is certainly more than deserving of his nomination for best male country vocal performance. Don’t be surprised to see him win.

Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban have dominated most of the other big awards shows in the past year. And perhaps each will win something at the Grammies. I know they’re all deserving of another trophy for their mantel.

But you have to wonder why Kenny Chesney didn’t get even one nomination. And how about Faith Hill or Sara Evans or Tim McGraw or Toby Keith? All of these superstars are absent from the Grammy nominees.

And earlier I said I thought the Grammy folks got it about 99% right on this year. Why not 100%? Could someone tell me who The Duhks are? They’ve been nominated for best country performance by a duo or group with vocal, and I’ve never even heard of them.

While the CMA’s and ACM’s are certainly the industry biggies in terms of award shows, they’re also the ones that involve the most industry politics. The Grammies, to me, have always been more about the music. As I conclude this piece, I can’t help but think that XM Radio is the same. Throw out the politics and play the best music. I’m proud to be here sharing great music on Highway 16. And this year I’m looking forward to the Grammy Awards.


Jay Thomas
Highway 16 Music Director