BITTERSWEET, Ky. — There are a few things I really like about the country music duo of Presley and Taylor. First they have the luxury of being sisters, which always adds a special kind of family magic to their sound – these two young ladies have grown up singing together, something that just can’t be replicated by duos who do not have that advantage.

 

Second, they are not the quintessential Southern girls who drove up to Nashville to make it big. These performers grew up in Connectcut, known for beautiful pastures, the home of the Ivy League’s Yale University and a women’s college basketball team that almost never loses … but not necessarily a proving ground for country music stars.

But the thing that impresses me most is how good they sound. There is such a traditional feel to their music. I hear he likes of Tammy Wynette, Patti Loveless and Martina McBride – but make no mistake, these ladies aren’t copying anyone.

They are just doing what seems to come natural to them. Their influences shine through, but they have a sound all their own and are making big waves in the country music world, and doing it at young ages. Neither has hit the 21 mark; heck, I’ve got shoes older than these two.

I think that is what made me pay such close attention. They have a sound I would equate to someone much older.

 

But being so young has its advantages: besides the possibility ofbeing around for decades to come, they have the potential to bring young fans with them to this wonderful

musical genre.

I listened to an interview with this duo on Penn’s Peak Radio in which each talked about how exciting this career has been so far. I was so impressed with how level-headed these two sounded.

The last thing I was at their age was level-headed. They give a lot of that credit to their family background and are looking to  not only continue their musicalcareers, but both intend on finishing college. These ladies are not just pretty faces and fantastic voices; they have a lot of smarts going on.

It’s good to see young people carrying on the tradition of country music and doing it using their heads as much as their hearts. Long after I have left this old world, Presley and Taylor should still be blazing the country music trail.

I’m just glad I get to experience their music now – and I think you will feel the same.

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.