BITTERSWEET, Ky. — Let me make one thing clear: Just because I write about music doesn’t mean I know every artist and every song, and every story behind every artist and every song. I can only listen to so much music in a day’s time, and often I’m wading up to my ears in something old and gold.

With that said, I do manage to study the country charts on occasion – and in going through the most current Billboard Country Top 50, a few things have caught my eye.

First, and at the top of the chart was Kane Brown accompanied by Lauren Alaina. Brown is young and indicative of some of the newer male vocalists, and sounds a lot like Sam Hunt. Brown also shows up at No. 36 on the chart; not a bad accomplishment for someone who is younger than a pair of my work boots.

I also noticed that Thomas Rhett, one of my favorite newer generation artists, has three songs on the chart. To me that’s amazing, that three songs off the same album are on the chart at the same time. Incidentally, that album has only been out for a month.

Another thing I noticed was old-timer Garth Brooks on the chart at No. 24, with a song off his latest album entitled Gunslinger. Not bad for someone who retired a few years back.

Another veteran performer who took way too long of a hiatus is Shania Twain, making the chart at No. 44 with a song off of her newest endeavor.

I like to see performers whose careers began when my hair was still brown and are still making the charts. Sprinkled throughout the rest of the Top 50 are some extremely good artists, including Aaron Watson, Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert.

Hey, a shout-out to Scotty McCreery, who has a song at No. 30 and climbing. I like Scotty and got to spend some telephone time with him just after his “American Idol” fame. Knowing he is still hitting the charts will certainly calm the critics of such talent-type shows; Scotty is the real deal.

Now, back to my first statement; the last thing I’ll mention about this week’s chart is that there are several artists I’m not familiar with – in fact, a few I’ve never heard of. There are so many new performers hitting the airwaves these days, it’s difficult to keep up, but I still enjoy exploring the charts and finding new talent likely appealing to the next generation, along some veteran performers that make me feel young again.

Here’s to diversity.

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.