Ella Langley ... and The Judds?

 

So I'm not a huge country music fan, with the exception of classic country/honky tonk like Hank Williams and Patsy Cline, or even Rockabilly like Johnny Cash or Dolly Parton.

And or Bluegrass of course, to include a mandolin and/or violin, like Allison Krauss, or folk artists or blues artists. 

Included in that also the blues-country/folk-rock crossover singers like Bonnie Raitt and Patti Griffin. 

I also just admire pure talent, like Chris Stapleton or Jelly Roll, singing from the soul. I may not sit and listen to them all day, but I admire their talent and certain songs.

Though country is not my favorite, the same could be said for any genre, I guess - I may admire their talent, but I don't sit and listen to it all day. For instance, even though I love classic rock and admire Led Zeppelin's talent, I just can't sit and listen to them all day, and TBH, they're not easy to sing along with overall, they were so improvisational at times. I'd rather listen to their predecessors, blues artists? 

But I have to admit, there is almost nothing sexier than a rugged cowboy with an acoustic guitar, singing his soul out over a campfire, right? 

However, my parents and grandparents being from Kentucky, and living in Kentucky for many years myself, I know who all the country music artists all are.

So I'm cleaning today and listening to the radio the other day, and again today, and Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas comes on." It's a crossover hit so it's on the pop stations as well. 

Don't get me wrong, I actually really like the song, it's catchy - it immediately reminded me of  90s Country, but I couldn't quite put my finger on who until after the song was over.

I started semi-consciously singing The Judds "Grandpa, Tell Me 'Bout the Good Ole' Days" without really thinking about the connection.

I said, "That's It! She sounds like The Judds!"

Then when DoorDashing, last night, we heard Choosin' Texas again and Mark immediately said "This is old-school. In fact, it reminds me of someone, who is it? Who sang that song "Granpda, Tell Me 'Boit the Good Ole Days? I used to have that on my playlist while traveling with the horses."

That would be, as I said, The Judds. 😊

I mean, I get being influenced by those that came before you and even being able to hear an artist's influences in the music.

And yet where is that line between being influenced by VS. copying them?

It's not an exact copy -  Ella's accent is different, there are different chords, and The Judds sang in a slightly higher key - and yet the chord progression, the tone - especially the chorus, the cadence of it  - it's super close, right?

See what you think.

Here is Ella Langley's "Choosin Texas" ...

And here is The Judds "Grandpa, Tell Me 'Bout the Good Ole Days" ... 

 

 Do you all hear what we're talking about or are we crazy? (Never mind, don't answer that last part 😂)