Reba McEntire Credited for 'Popification' of Country

i would say Dolly is responsible in the 1970s she did alot of crosover hits.. and even attempted disco...way before reba was a big household name.

The year the Byrds (with Gram Parsons)released "Sweethearts of the Rodeo", they played the Grand Ole Opry and were booed off the stage. Just listen to that album...it's more country than anything played on country radio today.

All these so-called "country singers" should listen to what is really country. You wouldn't hear "ooo,ooo,ooo" moaned into Haggard's, Jennings, Strait's, Jones's, Nelson's, or Paisley's songs. This is soo un-macho, and sounds like a sick cow in pain. And what about Leann Womack's new song, "Last Call"? Now she is pure country, but do we get to hear it? No, but would you believe one of our country stations played MILEY CYRUS the other day? Disgusting.

Have anybody listened to any other kind of music it all changes. Look at rock and Roll from Elvis to Metallica, it always changes because peole change and we like to hear new styles and new songs . It's what we all like MUSIC

Thats giving an awful lot of power to a female in an industry that doesnt give them too much credit for anything! Now saying garth brooks is "old fashioned country" is like saying jamie foxx is "pure country"! lol! The so-called "popifying" of country music occurred because the music buying public wanted it! Once one artist is successful at something, the others will follow suit! Sometimes bands are even created to copy a certain formula in order to rake in the $$$$$$! In the music industry it is less and less about quality and talent and more about fashion and good looks! Again its the music buying public that feeds that! One exception is toby keith! Ive always thought him to be the epitome of elvis! When he dies and they decide to do a stamp of him, fans will have to choose between the young, healthy, attractive toby and the big fat nasty tub of goo he is today! Thank god you dont have to lick stamps anymore!

Well, as a fan of all types of music, it's pretty assuming to blame Reba for that. There isn't any "blame" if someone likes a country song who predominatly listens to Pop/rock/R & B or what have you. Most of the country artists out there have had pop hits. Even Johnny Cash (with his last song "Hurt" also being a Nine Inch Nails song). Hell, even Kenny Rogers did a duet with Coolio. Though I do find it funny that some people that I know said that Shania Twain's "Up" album was horrible for the fact she included a Pop CD of her songs. What's wrong with the fact she wants her Pop fans to be happy also? I thought it was a genius move on her part. She wouldn't have sold 30 million records overall if that's the case.

Is it bad that there is "popification" in country? The definition of Pop Music is "Popular Music". I don't consider it selling out or whatever. Now if she were to do a Electro Pop CD just for the money, then yes. That would be selling out. I applaud country artists whatever they do... Other than that whole Chris Gaines deal, but that's another topic in general.

Oh boo hoo! If you like the music then what difference does it make if its popish or country? Theres still pleanty of old fashioned country out there. Also, people should definantly not blame Reba! Shes not "pop" at all! Go watch Vh1 then if people honestly think that she sounds the same as them say something!

Reba? Have you ever heard her speak? Or Sing?
She's as country as corn bread!
What the hell is "true country" anyway? The country of my childhood was Country and Western and we listened to The Sons of The Pioneers and Johnny and Jack. Country needed to evolve. There was a time when you couldn't play a drum set if you recorded or played country music. The rural roots of America have evolved...the mule don't pull the plow, the air conditioned tractor with the stereo does...our music should reflect that!
I LOVE the old songs..I was raised on them but I welcome the new, fun and amazingly talented performers. "Hobo Bill's Last Ride"? (history lesson there) or Carrie Underwood's "American Girl". We should embrace it all...it's truly American.

I am not a country fan in pictular but do like Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers and the women who sang I'm proud to be a Coal Miners daughter and Kitty Wells. But seems to me Undrgrndgirl said it plainly though she might not of realized it. She said blame so and so and anyone else who became popular since the 80s, must be a reason I would think why they become popular.

The REAL blame here is Shania Twain. For
cyrin'out loud, she is from Canada. She is/was
married to Mutt Lange. He was smart by marketing
her both country & pop. However, she was the one
who paved the way for more females in country.
Shania Started the Trend !!!