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Introduction
Approximately 25 years ago, in late 1999 and early 2000, country music legends George Strait and Alan Jackson famously criticized the Nashville establishment, often referred to as “Music Row,” for what they perceived as the “murder” of traditional country music. This criticism was most prominently delivered through their collaboration on the song “Murder on Music Row.”
The song, originally written by Larry Cordle and Larry Shell, lamented the increasing “pop-ification” of country music, arguing that traditional elements like steel guitars and fiddles were being replaced by drums and rock and roll guitars in a pursuit of “the almighty dollar and the lust for worldwide fame.”
While “Murder on Music Row” was not officially released as a single, the version by Strait and Jackson gained significant traction. They famously performed it as a duet at the 2000 ACM Awards, creating a stir and bringing the debate about country music’s direction to a national audience. The song resonated with many traditional country fans and even went on to win the CMA Award for Vocal Event of the Year in 2000 and Song of the Year in 2001, an ironic outcome given its critical message directed at the very industry that awarded it.
This period marked a significant moment in country music history, highlighting the tension between preserving traditional sounds and embracing broader commercial appeal.
Video