BITTER SWEET, Ky. — Not long ago, someone asked me why I never say anything negative about the people I write about. “Not everybody can get an ‘A,’” they said.

And you know, that person was right, sort of. Not everyone deserves an “A.” But in my classroom, I believe they do.

My dear, sweet mother told me once if I couldn’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. That is a philosophy I have tried to stay true to over the years. I enjoy picking artists, both new and from the past, that possess a certain quality to their work, at least in my mind. I hope you like them, too.

With all that said, one thing I have discovered is, most music is good music to someone. For instance, I am a country music nut. Love it and have all my life, so I write mostly about that genre because that’s what I know. 

But my children have taught me, there are other forms of music completely alien to me – like rap. It’s just not my cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. In fact, I have discovered that rap is a distinct form of expression, and I think that is important to our society. That’s really what all music is.

Seems to me there was a fella by the name of Elvis Presley, whose dancing, at least from the waist down, couldn’t be shown on television when he first burst onto the music scene. But we came to know him as the King of Rock and Roll.

I think we can learn a lot about each other by paying attention to the music each of us enjoys. You know, 20 years ago I would have never believed rap would have made its way into country music, but the group Big and Rich turned that around with their friend Cowboy Troy.

My point is good music can be found in all genres and often, when those styles mix, something entirely new and great comes from it. I much prefer to write about something I enjoy, and speak fondly of it than to be overly critical.

So that’s why everyone in my class generally gets good marks for their musical efforts. I am happy to leave the critical observations to my cohorts who are much more proficient at criticizing than I am.

And just so I don’t disappoint those waiting to read about my latest star student, I’ll leave you with this name, Charlie Stamper. Next week I’ll tell you a little of his amazing story.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.