Toby Keith and Charlie Daniels both stepped down from July 4th appearances
because their songs were deemed inflammatory and inappropriate due
to the Sept. 11th attacks. Hank Williams, Jr. is slated to appear
in their places. Both Daniels and Keith felt the censorship was wrong,
and refused to change their playlist.
Toby was scheduled to appear on an ABC special
celebrating Independence Day, and was specially requested to sing
his new single, "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (An Angry
American)." However, once Peter Jennings, host of the special,
heard the song and vetoed it, ABC fell under Peter's pressure. Angry
over the apparent censorship, Keith said, "I find it interesting
he is not from the U.S., I bet Dan Rather'd let me do it on his special."
How about it Dan?
Charlie Daniels was scheduled to appear at the Country Freedom Concert,
organized by CMT and CCC, last week, but declined after CCC and CMT
felt his patriotic, flag-waving, butt-kicking lyrics for "It's
not a rag, it's a flag," were not appropriate. Well, if July
4th, a time honored, reaction packed, U.S. Holiday, isn't the time
to sing, talk and be patriotic, especially after Sept. 11th, then
what is???
It is not a question of whether or not I like these singers, or their
songs. The true question has to be who has the right to decide whether
someone else should or should not be able to hear these singers perform,
and what they should perform. It has always been acceptable to "vote
by use" and thereby place your opinion of acceptability of an
artists' works. "Vote by use" is simply, if you don't like
it, don't use it, or view it, or listen to it. It is, after all, your
choice, not the choice of ABC, Peter Jennings, or anyone else! Not
even me.
Personally, I think the time has come for us to remind these top
TV/News stations that the U.S. was built on fair representation, freedom
of speech and expression. Ummm, ABC, Disney, CCC and CMT, that includes
Country Music! Get with it!
Related Links: Toby's
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Meet Lonestar!
Showing passion and excitement in their music, Lonestar has garnered
fans worldwide. The biggest success coming after the release of "Amazed."
Taking them from small audiences to audiences over 10,000 per performance.
While success may turn the heads of many, these young men know when to
draw the line. They love their music, but after the work day is done,
their families are their priority, and rightly so.
Working separately trying to get music careers off the ground, these
four young men all started out in Texas but met in Nashville in 1992.
It wasn't until later though, after school, jobs and a series of musical
missteps, that the four got together and had the opportunity to put out
their first group recording in 1995.
The "Lonestar" album, and "Crazy Nights" started
their road to success. Having now put out 5 albums (plus one Christmas
album), they are definitely considered "Top Country" and love
to entertain fans. Having ten "top 10" singles, a triple platinum
and two gold albums, certainly verifies this.
Not the old country, but a softer sound, with passion, and excitement.
Lonestar, one of the top "New Country" sounds.
Lonestar's Members:
Keech Rainwater (drums)
Raised in Plano Texas
Has a son, Dakota
Loves outdoor sports including rock climbing,
boating, kayaking, and fishing
Aspiring film/video director/producer with his
first major release being the Lonestar Video
for "With Me" which is currently shown on CMT.
Richie McDonald (lead vocals, guitar)
Raised in Lubbock, Texas
Married to Lorie
Lives near Carthage, TN
Has three children: son, Rhett, daughters, Mollie Ann and Maisie
Enjoys participating in marathons
Songwriter
Dean Sams (keyboard)
Raised in Garland, Texas
Wife, Kim
2 children, Brittany and Bryson
Enjoys racing cars and
working as Nashville Producer
Michael Britt (guitar & vocals)
From Fort Worth, Texas
Wife, Rene
Expecting first child in July 2002
Resides in Brentwood, TN
Collects guitars & amps
Does the band's website
