Is the Country Music Industry Turning Left?

Former Arkansas governor, presidential candidate and Fox News contributor Mike Huckabee accepted an appointment to the Country Music Association Foundation of directors last week only to resign the next day after receiving a backlash of politically motivated attacks from a number of country music executives for his social views. One of those most critical of Huckabee was the prominent executive Jason Owen, who represents such country artists as Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves and Faith Hill.

Owens, who is a practicing homosexual and is “married” to his partner, blasted the CMA Foundation, writing, “Sandbox and Monument will no longer support the CMA Foundation in any way (this includes everyone we represent collectively) considering the heartbreaking news shared today regarding Mike Huckabee appointee/elected to the CMA Foundation.” He continued, “As you may know I have a child and two on the way. This man has made it clear that my family is not welcome in his America. And the CMA has opened their arms to him, making him feel welcome and relevant.”

In his letter of resignation Huckabee expressed his hurt over being mischaracterized and bemoaned the “intolerance” expressed by those who were critical of his appointment. Writing to the CMA Foundation, Huckabee said, “I have no expectation that it will change the irrational vitriol directed toward you or me for my religious or political views that necessitated my abrupt departure. I want you to know what you would never know by reading intolerant and vicious statements on the internet about who I am or what led me to want to be a part of your efforts to empower kids with the gift of music.” He adds, “Music changed my life. I was never good enough to make a full-time living at music, but the confidence I gained by playing, being in front of people, and competing against myself and the low expectations I grew up with was transformative.”

More