Country music has long embraced an American nationalism that speaks of family, community and patriotism in its songs.
But everything changed after 9/11. Songwriters such as Aaron Tippin released patriotic tracks like “Where the Stars and Stripes and Eagle Fly” shortly after the attacks; these tunes quickly took over charts.
The Dixie Chicks
Country music has always been deeply patriotic, but after 9/11 its devotion to America became even more visible. From Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red White & Blue (The Angry American)” to Charlie Daniels Band’s “This Ain’t No Rag, It’s a Flag”, country stars embraced their nation and the fight against terror by singing about vengeance for attacks that changed history forever – such displays by Dixie Chicks in particular revolutionized country music forever.
The Dixie Chicks were an immensely successful country band, selling more than 25 million albums by the turn of the millennium and becoming one of the best-selling American female bands ever and one of the most successful acts ever in country music. But after they publicly criticised President George Bush in 2003, this caused widespread outrage within entertainment circles that resulted in songs being banned from country radio programs, boycotts of their CDs being conducted, as well as death threats against them and their family members.
The controversy forced the band to make an unapologetic statement, promising their support of troops but never again speaking about politics. While not their first public disagreement with Bush’s administration, this disagreement was by far their most serious and consequential; and caused it to split apart shortly thereafter.
Mike Kraski, executive VP and general manager of Sony Nashville during the Dixie Chicks’ heyday, notes that after their scandal the country music landscape altered dramatically. According to him, country music post-Dixie Chicks became so pro establishment and nationalistic it turned off their audience – it became “you get Dixie-Chicked, you die”.
Two decades on from the Dixie Chicks controversy, Kraski says many country singers still shy away from covering political topics in their songs. He points out that their decision to stand up for what they believed in opened up space for more progressive artists such as Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini and Maren Morris who now campaign for greater diversity within country music.
However, Kraski recognizes that it will take more than the Dixie Chicks alone to transform country music genre. When asked about the future of country music he remained optimistic; believing streaming services will allow artists to express themselves freely without fearing reaction of their audiences.
Toby Keith
Before the mid 2000s, Toby Keith was one of country music’s premier stars. A loud-mouthed backcountry singer known for praising America and singing about his F-150 truck, Keith quickly established himself as one of the most influential country artists of his era – creating his own niche within genre that would remain influential decades later.
After 9/11, Keith’s music underwent significant change. He started writing songs with more political themes to voice his opinions on world events. Unfortunately, however, Keith’s political activism resulted in some controversial songs; most notably “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” from 2002, remains one of the key country tracks from that era.
Keith composed the song immediately following the terrorist attacks, writing it in 20 minutes as an emotional response. Country fans responded positively, and it topped charts for two weeks following its release. One can easily argue that this song may seem overtly patriotic – it makes no bones about its desire for revenge against those responsible for these terrorist attacks on our nation.
Keith wasn’t the only artist responding to the attacks with music; other artists provided more reflective, introspective pieces like Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?” that highlighted how this attack affected America as a whole.
Following 9/11, country music continued to explore a wide array of subjects – from love of country music itself, to its critics (such as Dixie Chicks’ feud with Keith over her opposition to the war in Iraq) but one thing is evident about country music since 9/11: its political undercurrent has never been greater – something which all can appreciate and can take pride in appreciating.
Zac Brown Band
After 9/11, country music changed to reflect the mood of America. Artists began singing patriotic and military-related tunes to connect with audiences; some artists, such as Dixie Chicks and Toby Keith, even got into trouble for doing this; yet this genre remains an enjoyable form of entertainment for many Americans.
The Zac Brown Band is an outstanding collection of singers and musicians. Recently released tracks demonstrate this musical diversity; for example “Where Were You When the Storm Came”, which pays a heartfelt tribute to Brown’s late father for all that he did for their family.
Music has always been an integral part of Zack Brown’s life. After beginning in college with an unsuccessful band, he opened a restaurant that paid his bills but wasn’t his true calling; eventually taking the leap and following his passion for music fulltime.
He formed the Zac Brown Band with bassist John Hopkins and fiddle player Jimmy De Martini, beginning to perform on Nashville’s 3rd and Lindsley Stage where they met producer Keith Stegall, who saw their talent. Stegall approached the band with an offer of signing them to his record label.
At first, the band was reluctant to sign on, but Stegall eventually persuaded them of its potential success. Their first single was “Chicken Fried,” an original tune with southern influences that became an international hit following 9/11.
Country music has long celebrated the United States, but following 9/11 there was an unprecedented surge in patriotism that can be heard through songs such as Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” and Charlie Daniels’ “This Ain’t No Rag; It’s a Flag”. These were two prominent examples.
Hank Williams Jr.
After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, artists across genres turned to music to cope with their grief and sadness. Bruce Springsteen wrote and performed an emotive tribute for those aboard flight 93 while Willie Nelson composed “Amazing Grace,” among many other country songs that spoke to America’s collective anger while at the same time emphasizing our shared humanity in response to such immense tragedies.
Many country artists had been country conservatives since the Reagan era, preaching patriotism, Southern and working-class pride, law and order while lashing out against elites who looked down upon working class people. Hank Williams Jr’s rewriting of “A Country Boy Can Survive” to include “America will survive, America can’t fail” gave voice to a new kind of angry working class counterattack that later appeared in artists such as Darryl Worley and Toby Keith, Montgomery Gentry and Jason Aldean among many others.
Williams made a compelling argument and fulfilled its promise, peaking at number 45 on Billboard’s country charts and receiving national broadcast. When his performance took place live and was broadcast nationwide television, the crowd waving American flags cheered when Williams sang his newly written lyrics.
“Country Boy Can Survive” became an anthem for Americans determined to overcome this great tragedy and emerge stronger than ever. This determination galvanized their nation to come together after 9/11 in support of those needing assistance during such difficult times.
Hank Williams Jr’s style has consistently evolved over the course of the 1990s and into this century, staying connected to both his father’s legacy and exploring new sounds and styles. His hard-rock approach helped pave the way for similar working-class counterattacks by Jason Aldean, Toby Keith and others.
Since 9/11, country music has gradually moved away from its hard-edged patriotic sound of the 1980s and toward a more contemporary style that blends traditional elements with contemporary influences. This shift has allowed country music to stay relevant among ever-evolving trends while remaining popular with diverse groups of people.