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| Sturgill Simpson with the one-and-only, the late Merle "The Hag" Haggard |
As a Kentuckian, and a lover of music, it would be impossible not to mention the recent rise of Sturgill Simpson in the country charts and music world in general. The remarkable aspect about Simpson's recent rise to prominence, is that he accomplished this feat entirely on his own, bypassing Nashville's Music City Row. Simpson is what many would refer to as a "true artist." One who writes and records his own music on his own terms without sacrificing artistic integrity.
Sturgill is a Jackson, Kentucky native and I believe attended high school for some time at Woodford County High. Sturgill has also lived in Lexington throughout several periods in his life. He even performed in Central Kentucky with a group called Sunday Valley for a time. I, like everyone else, had no clue who he was at the time. Damn.
Many country music fanatics like myself have grown tired of the Nashville Establishment dictating what music makes the radio waves and ultimately what ends up in homes and cars of many Americans. This is especially frustrating when there are so many great artists out there who aren't receiving that same attention. Sturgill has gained notoriety and booked sold-out show after sold-out show without the help and support of the music industry. And it's beautiful.
His latest album, A Sailor's Guide to Earth, just received a Grammy nomination for Album of The Year. Also in the same category? Adele, Beyonce, Justin Bieber, and Drake. How did this happen? I really don't know. And neither does Simpson. My guess? People are waking up. People are rejecting the norm in favor of another alternative.
Watch his recent performance on Saturday Night Live. Click the Link. It is nothing short of a magical musical moment.
Sturgill Simpson SNL 1.13.17
Also, be sure to check back next week for our first Attorney Spotlight!
