Who Wrote "Murder on Music Row"?
The song "Murder on Music Row" is a country music classic, written by Larry Cordle and Larry Shell. The song was released in 1991 and tells the story of the decline of traditional country music in the face of the rise of commercial country music.
The Background
The song was written by Larry Cordle and Larry Shell, two songwriters and musicians who were deeply rooted in the traditional country music scene. Cordle was a singer-songwriter from Kentucky, while Shell was a musician and songwriter from Tennessee. The two met in the 1980s and began writing songs together, drawing inspiration from their love of traditional country music.
The Story Behind the Song
The song "Murder on Music Row" is a scathing critique of the commercialization of country music in the 1980s and 1990s. The lyrics tell the story of a small town where country music is dying, and the "murder" is the result of the commercialization of the genre. The song is a lament for the loss of traditional country music and the artists who were responsible for its decline.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of the song are a powerful indictment of the music industry and its treatment of traditional country artists. The song opens with the lines:
"Murder on Music Row, a tragedy to behold
The country sound is dying, and it’s growing old
The heart and soul of country is fading away
The music’s gone commercial, and it’s here to stay"
The song goes on to lament the loss of traditional country artists such as Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, and the rise of commercial country artists who were more interested in making money than in creating authentic music.
The Impact
The song "Murder on Music Row" had a significant impact on the country music scene. It was released in 1991 and became a hit single, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard country charts. The song also sparked a national conversation about the commercialization of country music and the decline of traditional country artists.
The Legacy
The song "Murder on Music Row" has become a classic of country music, and its message continues to resonate with fans today. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Garth Brooks, Travis Tritt, and Alison Krauss. The song has also been featured in several films and television shows, including the TV series "Nashville".
The Artists
Larry Cordle and Larry Shell are two of the most respected songwriters and musicians in the country music scene. Cordle has written numerous hits, including "Highway 40 Blues" and "The Old Friends", while Shell has written hits such as "If It Ain’t Got That Swing" and "If I Had Only Known".
The Awards
The song "Murder on Music Row" has won numerous awards, including the Country Music Association’s Song of the Year award in 1992. The song has also been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Table: Awards and Recognition
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Country Music Association’s Song of the Year | 1992 |
| Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame | 2015 |
Conclusion
The song "Murder on Music Row" is a powerful critique of the commercialization of country music, written by Larry Cordle and Larry Shell. The song has become a classic of country music, and its message continues to resonate with fans today. The song has won numerous awards, including the Country Music Association’s Song of the Year award, and has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
