BITTERSWEET, Ky. — As I sit and watch the CMA Fest – a collection of some of the biggest names in country music playing a live stadium concert in Nashville – I feel good, I feel bad, I feel indifferent.

 

Okay, I may have read a little Charles Dickens before I started this column, but let me explain. As much as I like country music, there are some of these folks that aren’t exactly performing country music; they may be classified as “country,” but they are more like a hybrid country.

There’s not a thing wrong with that, and it seems to be what is most popular with the younger fans.

And hey – I’m all for the next generation loving on a bunch of country music. I just have this need for the older sound – my preference, and that’s okay, too.

My point is this: There is room on the country music stage for all of the different styles. I have accepted that and often I find that I’m liking some of this new stuff.

Some performers I like better than others, but they all have a right to be on that big stage.

I say all that to say this. In the wake of the tragedies that have been in the news and the hate talk I see on social media, we have got to understand it is much easier to love each other than not. I don’t have to always agree with you nor you with me, but that’s what makes us the human race: All kinds of people living in this world together.

Now before you put this page in your bird cage, understand that my political view is not something I often share and I’m not sharing my views here. But I would love for all of us, the next time we feel angry at someone for whatever reason, to choose our favorite song and sing it to that person, as opposed to cussing them or flipping them off …or worse.

Music can calm us if we allow it to. Loving each other has got to be better and easier than choosing to hate. It doesn’t mean you always agree, but it would mean you always respect.

Let’s take time this week to say something nice to someone. Sing to them – and maybe they will sing to you. Who knows, you may end up liking their song more than you think.

(Credit for inspiration of this column’s headline goes to playwright William Congreve’s 17th century play “The Mourning Bride.”)

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.