There most certainly is a history of Black performers having a harder time breaking into the country music industry because of inherent prejudices and misconceptions. In fact, no instance of violence by country music is cited, or even alluded to in the film, or anywhere else in media, or in history. SPOILER ALERT: There are no instances of “country music” perpetrating violence on Black people-meaning where someone of color was physically assaulted-let alone a “long and violent” history of such activity. However, in a recent op/ed in CMT where performer and For Love & Country participant Breland falsely claims that country music has a “long and violent history with race” while citing this film as where the evidence for the claim can be found, it necessitated a re-watching, as well as a rebuttal. When For Love & Country was first released, Saving Country Music screened the film and saw its inherent flaws, but not wanting to influence the momentum of the film, decided to reserve comment.
Though the film means well, and is generally well-made with superb cinematography and high production value, the approach and information conveyed in the film is problematic to say the least, actively participating in erasing the legacy of Black country artists in a film that purports to be championing them in the name of equity. For Love & Country also delves lightly into the history of country music and race, specifically highlighting the legacy of Charley Pride. From what many would consider the folk or “Americana” side of roots music, the film features Allison Russell, Amythyst Kiah, and Valerie June. Directed by New York-based filmmaker Joshua Kissi, For Love & Country was originally released on April 7th, 2022.įrom the mainstream side of the country music realm, For Love & Country features artists such as Breland, Blanco Brown, Shy Carter, Brittney Spencer, and Mickey Guyton among others.
For Love & Country is a documentary film on Amazon Prime that looks delve into the subject of Black artists and country music by featuring numerous Black contributors currently in the country music space, as well as interviews with certain journalists and scholars, and comments from local Nashville residents about country music and race.
0 kommentar(er)
