The televised award shows have been car crashes, waiting to happen. At least ever since Johnny Carson stopped hosting the Academy Awards in 1984.
In recent years the Academy Awards, as well as the Tony Awards, the Emmys, the Golden Globes, the Grammys, the American Music Awards, ad nauseum all have been a platform for protest from the Left.
It all began when Marlon Brando refused to accept his Oscar in 1973 for the sensational portrayal of Vito Corleone in “The Godfather.” Instead he was represented by Sasheen Littlefeather, president of the National Native American Affirmative Image Committee.
She stunned the crowd by saying, “I’m representing Marlon Brando this evening and he asked me to tell you … that he very regretfully cannot accept this very generous award. And the reasons for this being are the treatment of American Indians today by the film industry...”
While the issue of stereotypical portrayals of American Indians on the big screen and on television was a serious issue, regrettably this protest opened the floodgates for many years of over-the-top protests – and even incomprehensible rantings – on award shows of every type.
Screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky, author of “Network” tried to nip the trend in the bud in 1978, after actress Lynn Redgrave turned heads by referring to “Zionist hooligans” in one of her rants. Later in the same show he delayed his presentation of writing awards to rebut, “I would like to say – personal opinion, of course – that I am sick and tired of people exploiting the occasion of the Academy Awards for the propagation of their own personal political agenda.”
Hollywood hasn’t listened to that rational plea. There has been an endless procession of protest from the likes of Richard Gere, the always hysterical Susan Sarandon, the divisive Michael Moore, Leonardo DiCaprio and many others.
In the music world it is even worse. Witness the ridiculous actions of Kanye West protesting the award to Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards – in his self-centered mind, an affront to his choice, Beyonce.
Well, not all of the music world has lost its collective mind.
That fact was on display last Wednesday night during a very tasteful County Music Association awards show.
Little more than one month after an evil gunman opened fire on a crowd of people attending a country music concert in front of Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas – killing 58 and injuring 546 more – there could have been worries about all sorts of protests. Certainly, those on both sides of the gun control movement were circling.
Instead, the CMA proved the strength and resilience of the country music community by avoiding any political outpourings.
The evening was marked by a central theme – certainly inspired by the tragedy in Las Vegas – but without the intrusive, attention-grabbing grandstanding of the Hollywood set.
Emcee Brad Paisley wore a t-shirt under his tuxedo jacket that simply proclaimed, “UNITY.”
There was an opening medley by Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban and Darius Rucker – all singing along to “Hold My Hand” and joined by the rest of their country stars later in the song. It was all preceded by a stellar rendition of “Amazing Grace” from Eric Church.
In fact, there were many unabashed references to faith throughout the show.
During acceptance of the Vocal Group of the Year Award, singer Karen Schlapman of Little Big Town said, “Thank you, Jesus in Heaven, for allowing me the opportunity to win this.”
Co-host Carrie Underwood brought the house down during her In Memoriam segment which began with country stars who died during the year, then flipped to show the Las Vegas victims. There were not many dry eyes when she sang, “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling.”
There were a number of other emotional pleas. Karen Fairchild, another member of Little Big Town, reminded the audience, “Kindness is an attractive quality. We actually could change the way things are going, we just have to step out and be together.”
Presenter Tyler Perry got a standing ovation when he urged everyone to “spend some time listening to each other and realize that we are more alike than not alike.”
Underwood summed it up best when said, “This has been a year marked by tragedies impacting countless lives, including so many in our country music family. So, tonight, we’re going to do what families do. Come together, pray together, cry together and sing together.”
Amazingly, this three-hour blend of country music’s finest songs and sentiments caused a columnist named Chris Richards to write an opinion piece titled “Country Music is becoming the soundtrack of a nonexistent, apolitical no-place.”
No doubt his plea for more protest-based awards shows is counter-balanced by millions of mainstream Americans who appreciated the uplifting breath of fresh air from the CMA.
Thanks, country music, for keeping it real.
Tony Leodora is president of TL Golf Services, host of the weekly GolfTalk Live radio show on WNTP 990-AM and host of the Traveling Golfer television show — as well as editor of GolfStyles magazine. He is former sports editor of The Times Herald. Send comments to tlgolfservices@aol.com.
