I didn't like country music until I was 11 years old. For some reason, my twin sister had started watching CMT (Country Music Television). Without even giving it a chance, I was annoyed with her sudden liking for this music. I flat out asked her one day, "Why do you want to listen to this music??? It's so stupid!" Haha, even now I am embarrassed of my 11-year old immaturity.
I'm not sure what changed in me that summer of 1997 that suddenly made me start loving country music. Maybe it was my discovery of songs by Toby Keith, Faith Hill, Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Brooks And Dunn, Randy Travis, George Strait, Lee Ann Womack, Chely Wright, Alan Jackson and other artists that grabbed and held onto my attention.
I became a loyal CMT-viewer with my twin sister. We knew every song and artist by heart. I bought my first country music tape which was Shania Twain's "Come On Over" album. I was charmed by twang. I adored the stories sung to the melody of guitars and fiddles. I cried listening to the tales of woe and heartache. I was empowered by the underdogs' victories in each 3 minute tune. I memorized each lyric; cherishing its simplicity and straightforwardness. I loved country music.
Today, I still seek out humor, poetry, interesting stories, tales of wisdom and heartfelt expressions. I find that all of these things are most easily accessible in country music. Whenever I hear someone knock country music, I laugh and wonder how long it's going to take them to find out that they actually love it. =)
