Both Kinds of Music: Country AND Western

The country music audience is hard to crack and I am sure all the troubles in her life caused everyone who listens to listen with a doubtful ear. I met her, spoke to her and she seemed genuinely happy to be part of country music. The Us Weekly reporter is right, you really have to crave being on the road, singing and meeting people in the country music world. It is the model that just about every country artist has had to follow in their careers and it is a model that won't be allowed to change. The expectations from the listeners are different; they expect to be treated like real people and dealt with honestly. After all, they vote with their pocket books. If you are honest and genuine with them, they will reward that with the purchase of the album. From what I observed, she was doing that and the boys from Rascal Flatts are right. Leave her alone and let her sing...because I promise you that she can definitely sing. The night I met her was the openeing night show for the tour with Rascal Flatts and she NAILED the music. N-A-I-L-E-D! I even commented to everyone around me that "girl could sing." She has a tremendous set of pipes and she knows how to use them. Now she needs to just work hard in the industry...one album does not an artist make no matter how much we want instant gratification in all things...and let the fans reward her in their time. One can rely a long time on one or two songs in the pop world. In the country world, the music has to come much more rapidly. I believe they will reward her well if she continues with her move to country music and its lifestyle.

http://new.music.yahoo.com/jessica-simpson/news/jessica-simpsons-country-career-hits-sour-note--12174859

This article also mentions a couple of other pop stars crossing over to country music. Darius Rucker (leade singer of Hootie and the Blowfish...they ARE still together) and Jewel. Jewel is in the same boat; pop singer (although, if you listen to her music, it has so much more depth and honesty than say the chick who sang "I Kissed A Girl" or "Umbrella" ) who is trying to find her niche. I believe she will reach her audience quicker because her music lends itself to the country listener; honest, real and tells a story that people can relate to.

Darius Rucker will be cemented in the country music scene this summer when he goes out with Rascal Flatts. One of the most unique, distinct and well-known voices that my generation has ever heard. Again, his music lends itself to the country listener VERY well; real, honest, genuine, and the stories are relatable to anyone who listens. He is humble in is approach and grateful for everything the country fan will be giving him.