Topic: Country Music

Why is a white artist permitted to stay on the country charts with a rap-based single, while a black artist is removed for “not [embracing] enough elements of today’s country music?” The answer seems clear: It has little to do with the sound of the music, and everything to do with the race of the performer.

There is a very close legacy link between country music and the Cayman Islands. The Caymanian mariners who spent months (sometimes years) away from home on tankers and freighters could relate to the somber lyrics of George Jones or Hank Williams; their heavy-hearted three-chord recitals could melt the hearts of the manliest of men.

Country music lovers were tapping their toes in delight at the Arlin Tatum Tribute Concert and Country Jamboree on Nov. 12.

There is a very close legacy link between country music and the Cayman Islands. Before Radio Cayman began to broadcast in 1976, music and song came in the form of vinyl records played on jukeboxes in bars and nightclubs.

Upon arriving at Nashville’s airport at 6:30 a.m., it was obvious something big was happening in country music.