Whether it's regarding her massive album sales, reaping of tons of country music awards, or just her young 23 years of age, many in the country music fandom (and even the country music industry), don't feel the songstress has done her due diligence to be held in the same light as other stars of the genre. These critics were undoubtedly not pleased by the announcement of the band that will be backing Swift when she performs her hit "Red" during the Country Music Association Awards in November.
Check out her backers:
SAM BUSH: This guitarist is hailed as the father of the "newgrass" genre, no doubt thanks to his being the leader of the movement's New Grass Revival band. Kentucky passed legislature to name his hometown, Bowling Green, the "birthplace of newgrass," and named Bush himself the "father of newgrass."
ERIC DARKEN: Drummer Eric Darken is a little more familiar to Swift thanks to having recorded with her before, but she has to share his talents. He's also played for Bon Jovi, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Bob Seger, and Vince Gill. Speaking of which...
VINCE GILL: Gill is certainly not under appreciated in the country music world, but he doesn't get as much attention from those outside its boundaries. Having won 20 Grammys across a number of categories, he's the most decorated male in the genre's history, as well as being tied for second all-time for the Nashville Songwriters Association International's Songwriter of The Year award. He was passed by Swift this year when she won for the sixth time.
ALISON KRAUSS: Krauss is best known as the vocalist for her group, Allison Krauss and Union Station, but is reputed for fiddle and mandolin playing as well. The performer has always been at the fore of the bluegrass movement over the last 25 years, but her appearance on several tracks of the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack has made her a more household name.
EDGAR MEYER: Meyer has gained renown as an upright bass player in the bluegrass scene thanks to his virtuosity, but someone of his talent doesn't stick to just one genre. He's played with James Taylor on the mainstream side of things, and Yo-Yo Ma on the highbrow side of things.
