Country music is a genre that is often associated with rural America, guns, and patriotism. But in recent years, a growing number of country music artists have been using their platform to speak out against gun violence.
In 2017, following the mass shooting at a Las Vegas music festival, several country music artists, including Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban, joined forces to release a song called “We Are One.” The song’s lyrics spoke of hope and unity in the wake of tragedy, and it raised money for victims of gun violence.
In 2018, Maren Morris released a song called “The Middle,” which featured vocals from both Brothers Osborne and Ryan Hurd. The song’s lyrics addressed the issue of gun violence in a more direct way, with Morris singing about the need for common sense gun reform.
And in 2019, Eric Church released a song called “The Snake,” which told the story of a man who is seduced by the power of a gun. The song’s lyrics were a powerful indictment of gun violence, and they helped to spark a national conversation about the issue.
These are just a few examples of how country music artists are using their platform to help solve America’s gun problems. By speaking out against gun violence, these artists are helping to raise awareness of the issue and to push for change.
In addition to speaking out through their music, country music artists are also using their platform to support gun violence prevention organizations. For example, in 2018, Jason Aldean and his wife, Brittany Kerr, donated $1 million to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund.
Country music artists are also using their platform to encourage their fans to get involved in the fight against gun violence. For example, in 2019, Maren Morris launched a petition calling for universal background checks. The petition has since garnered over 100,000 signatures.
The work of country music artists to help solve America’s gun problems is important and necessary. By speaking out against gun violence and by supporting gun violence prevention organizations, these artists are helping to make a difference.
Yet many country artists are very reluctant to say anything about the proliferation of gun violence in the US. Why? It all boils down to fear, fear of alienating fans, the National Rifle Association (NRA), and being labelled as “political”. Some country music artists may simply not be aware of the issue of gun violence or the impact it has on people’s lives. As a result, they may not feel comfortable speaking out about it.
The issue of gun violence is a complex one. There is no easy solution, and there are a number of different perspectives on the issue. As a result, it is understandable that some country music artists may be reluctant to speak out about it. But some aren’t.
I’m just grateful that Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Eric Church, and Maren Morris have the chutzpah to actually say something.
