My Secret Love Affair with Country

"Hello my name is Pamela and I like country music" ... Somehow I imagine saying this in a dimly lit basement and then bowing my head in shame, as I am welcomed by the other addicts at the 12 step program for Black people who enjoy country music.

Just to be clear, I don't like all country music, but quite often I find myself tuning in to CMT (Country Music Television) or scanning the dials for a suitable station. I love Alison Krauss and Leanne Rhimes and of course the Dixie Chicks. But there are others...

I love the stories the songs tell. I love how happiness and good times are often expressed in these songs as being with family, doing simple home type things. I love songs that invoke emotions and country music is full of these.

Now I like other types of music too. In fact my taste in music runs the gamut from flamenco guitar to jazz. Recently I have started confessing my interest in country music to others.. And surprisingly they don't run in horror, but give me a sympathetic nod.

In this country where so many have adopted the music, arts, and culture of others why has country music remained so elusive to the masses?

I just saw Walk the Line and will most likely buy the soundtrack. The Oscar nod and all the hype were in my opinion well deserved. Perhaps as movies like this continue to enthrall the general public, my interest in country music will be shared by others.