Country Music's Progessive Side

There is a tendency to think of country music as a politically unified conservative genre.  That is why the political stances of Willie Nelson and Taylor Swift have seemed to shock their respective fans.  There has always been a progressive side to country although it's been overshadowed by the image of the beer drinking blissfully ignorant guy pining for the good old days.

I have never been a huge fan of mainstream country music.  My preferences in the genre are the likes of the Flying Burrito Brothers and Uncle Tupelo, but I have spent much time in places where the radio repeated the same top five country hits over and over.  I also do not generally judge an artist's art by their political opinions, although I can make exceptions in the cases of some of the more egregious Trumpers.

If you look way back to the 60s' and 70s' you can find songs by icons the likes of Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn that are very much in line with progressive ideas of the time.  Over the years left leaning stars like Willie Nelson, Steve Earl, Garth Brooks, and the  Dixie Chicks have proved that not all country musicians are creepy Maga wearing hillbillies.

As Taylor Swift recently demonstrated, country music artists who come out supporting progressive candidates can encourage young people to think about what they truly value, and make an effort to vote.  Getting first time voters enthused about taking an active role in improving their future is always a good thing.