When one thinks of country music, they might conjure up images of cowboys, pickup trucks, and rodeos. It’s a genre deeply rooted in traditional values and rooted in America’s past. However, as society progresses, so too does music. And in the case of country music, that means there are now openly gay artists creating music within the genre, and some have even taken to writing the occasional gay country song. In this article, we’ll explore the landscape of gay country music and delve into some of the songs that showcase the LGBTQ+ community in the country music scene.
The History of Country Music
Before we delve into the history of gay country music, let’s take a brief look at the history of country music itself. Country music originated in the Southern United States in the early 1920s, and the genre was heavily influenced by the blues and folk music of the region. Early artists like the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers popularized the genre, and it soon became a staple of American music.
In the decades that followed, country music evolved and expanded, incorporating new sounds and styles. However, the genre remained rooted in traditional values, often celebrating the hard-working, rural lifestyle associated with the American South. As such, it took time for queer artists to make their mark in the world of country music.
Country Music and the LGBTQ+ Community
Despite its traditional roots, country music has often been a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ artists and fans. However, that hasn’t always been the case. Historically, the genre was known for being heteronormative and conservative, and LGBTQ+ artists were often forced to hide their sexual identities for fear of being rejected by the industry and their fans.
Things began to change in the 1990s, as a new generation of artists emerged who were more open to discussing LGBTQ+ issues in their music. Artists like kd lang, Melissa Etheridge, and the Indigo Girls paved the way for future LGBTQ+ artists in country music. Today, there are many openly gay country artists, including Chely Wright and Ty Herndon,who have both made an impact in the industry.
Gay Country Songs
While there have been openly gay country artists, it’s only been relatively recently that gay country songs have started to gain mainstream attention. Here are a few examples of gay country songs that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community:
“Ride Me Cowboy” by Lavender Country
One of the first openly gay country songs, “Ride Me Cowboy” was released in 1973 by Lavender Country. The song features explicit lyrics about gay sex, making it a landmark in the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation in country music. While the song was never a commercial success, it paved the way for more LGBTQ+ artists to create openly queer country music.
“All-American Boy” by Steve Grand
“All-American Boy” was released in 2013 by openly gay artist Steve Grand. The song is a country-pop ballad that tells the story of a gay man who falls in love with a straight man. The video for the song features Grand and another man in romantic situations, and it quickly went viral. “All-American Boy” was a critical and commercial success, cementing Grand’s place as a gay icon in the country music world.
“Girl Crush” by Little Big Town
On the surface, “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town might not seem like a gay country song. However, the lyrics describe a woman who is jealous of another woman who is in a romantic relationship with a man. While the song isn’t explicitly about a lesbian relationship, it’s been interpreted that way by many listeners, making it a landmark in the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation in country music.
The Future of Gay Country Music
While there are still barriers for LGBTQ+ artists in the country music industry, it’s clear that progress is being made. More and more openly gay artists are emerging, and gay country songs are starting to gain mainstream attention. As society evolves and becomes more accepting of LGBTQ+ identities, we can expect to see more queer representation in country music.
Conclusion
Country music has long been associated with traditional values and conservative beliefs. However, as society has changed, so too has the music. Today, there are openly gay country artists creating music within the genre, and there have even been a few gay country songs that have gained mainstream attention. As we move forward, it’s likely that we’ll see even more queer representation in country music, making it a more inclusive and welcoming place for all.
FAQ
What is the gay cowboy country song?
The gay cowboy country song that is often referred to is “Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other”. The song was written and performed by Ned Sublette in 1981. It features a lilting West Texas waltz feel that is played in 3/4 time at about 60-90 beats per minute.
The song gained prominence in 2005 when it caught the attention of country music legend Willie Nelson, who recorded his own version of the song. Nelson’s cover included several guest musicians, such as Lee Ann Womack, Merle Haggard, and Kenny Chesney.
The lyrics of “Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other” explore the idea that there is a hidden gay subculture within the world of cowboys. The song talks about how in the Western genre, there is always a hero and a sidekick, and sometimes the hero might secretly be in love with the sidekick.
Despite the topic of the song, it has been met with mixed reactions from the LGBTQ+ community. Some view it as a positive portrayal of gay relationships in a traditionally hyper-masculine setting, while others criticize it for perpetuating stereotypes about gay men.
“Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other” has become a well-known song that has sparked conversations about LGBTQ+ representation in country music.
Who was the first openly gay country singer?
Patrick Haggerty was widely regarded as the first openly gay country singer. Born in 1942 and raised on a dairy farm in rural Washington, Haggerty began writing country songs in the mid-1960s. In 1973, he formed the band Lavender Country, which released its self-titled debut album in 1973.
At a time when being openly gay was taboo in American society, let alone in the macho world of country music, Lavender Country’s music was groundbreaking in its open embrace of LGBT themes. Songs like “Come Out Singing” and “Back in the Closet Again” were bold, unapologetic statements that challenged conventional notions of masculinity and sexuality.
Unfortunately, the album received little airplay and limited distribution, and the band’s career was short-lived. However, Haggerty’s legacy has endured as a trailblazer for LGBT representation in country music.
In recent years, there has been increased visibility for LGBT country artists, such as Brandi Carlile, Chely Wright, and Ty Herndon. However, it was Patrick Haggerty and Lavender Country who paved the way for their success. Haggerty’s courageous decision to openly embrace his identity and create music that reflected his experiences has inspired countless artists and fans, and his impact on country music history cannot be overstated.
Is sunroof a gay song?
“Sunroof” is a song that celebrates love, joy, and freedom, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. While the song may feature lyrics and themes that resonate with the LGBTQ+ community, this does not mean that it is exclusively a “gay song.” In fact, the message of the song is one that can be appreciated and enjoyed by anyone who values love and authenticity.
One of the reasons why “Sunroof” has been embraced by the queer community is that it portrays love in a positive and affirmative light. The lyrics speak of two people who have found each other and are reveling in the beauty of their relationship. The song’s imagery – of warm breezes, blue skies, and open roads – creates a sense of joy and optimism that is infectious.
At the same time, the song’s lyrics are subtle and nuanced, allowing listeners to interpret them in a way that resonates with their own experience. While the song’s protagonist is in a same-sex relationship, the lyrics are broad enough to be applied to any loving partnership.
Whether or not “Sunroof” is a “gay song” is a matter of interpretation. But one thing is clear – the song’s message of love, freedom, and joy is one that transcends the boundaries of gender and sexuality.
