The debate over whether commercialism has robbed country music of its authenticity requires further examination of who ultimately holds the power. The sometimes drastic changes made to music leave people questioning consumers' tastes when in reality they are the spectators of an overbearing industry. Fans are the people who buy the albums, go to concerts and request songs on the radio, not the executives who market the music, yet their opinions/tastes are not taken into consideration. Fans have a lot of clout in what they define as commercialism gone wrong and acceptable country music. Despite what may seem right, those who are financially invested in its success drive the commercialization of the music. According to The Nashville Sound, markers including "rural origins, stylized sets, seemingly spontaneous performances, accessible artists, and heartfelt songs can characterize country music." authenticity” (13). The foundations from which country music originated are embedded in these indicators and are used to separate the real from the fake. Early country music was a means of coping with a life of work and worry; it also brought the communities of the poor together in communion. The creation of these indicators provides insight into the culture and realities of many country music artists before their fame. Take for example a family sitting huddled together on a porch on a cool summer evening listening to one family member play the banjo while another sings. Everyone is having fun and living in that moment and all worries are far from mind. Country music made people feel comfortable and comfortable, it brought people back to memories of the good old days. This is the way country music sh...... middle of paper ......ue. Consumers shouldn't settle for music, they should enjoy it. To restore authenticity in commercialized music this will only happen if people start to realize the power they hold. Once people begin to realize this, the music produced and sung will have a more significant effect on its listeners; music can therefore continue to be a source of inspiration. Quality music is and will always be valued more than mass-produced commercialized cacophony. Works Cited Jensen, Joli. The Nashville Sound: Authenticity, Commercialization, and Country Music. Tennessee: Vanderbilt University Press/ Country Music Foundation Press, 1998. PrintMalone, Bill C. Country Music, USA Texas: University of Texas Press, 1985. PrintMarcus, Greil. Mystery Train: Images of America in Rock 'n' Roll. New York: PenguinGroup, 1985. Print