She might keep her Christmas lights on on her front porch all year long, but she also knows how to spin a label split. Gretchen Wilson and Sony Nashville have parted ways after her last two albums came nowhere near approaching the success of her 2004 debut, Redneck Woman, and luckily, as Wilson told the AP, that just makes it easier for her to start a label of her own! She hopes to have a new single and album out this fall, and because she knows you’d be disappointed if she didn’t, she hopes to call the venture Redneck Records.
You’ll excuse my tone of whoop-dee-doo, because I can’t say this news is all that thrilling. Wilson had her heyday — EW even did a cover story on her and her midget-toting Muzik Mafia buddies Big & Rich back in 2005 — but she never managed to capitalize on that early momentum, and last time I saw her perform live, she was throwing covers of Journey and Heart songs into the mix to compensate for a lack of compelling new material. I’d welcome her back any time (god knows the current blond stranglehold on the country charts could use a little dark horse challenge), but I’m not sure the answer is for her to be left even more to her own devices.
What do you think, Mixers? Excited about Wilson’s plans for the future? Or are you with me in thinking it wouldn’t be a bad thing if she (and dear god, please, Big & Rich) maybe just let it go? In looking up the Muzik Mafia roster, I noticed there is one member still producing something of worth: “Just Got Started Loving You” singer James Otto, whose tastes seem to trend away from flashpots and more towards solid, heartfelt songwriting, like the Grammy-nominated “In Color,” which he co-penned with Jamey Johnson — maybe he could step in to help salvage his MM sister’s career? Who in country music do you think actually should start their own label?
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Wilson has a killer voice but even on her first disc her material was just OK. Krauss can start a label with no problem. She has an excellent ear for music and knows how to elevate and artist. What she did for Jackson was an revelation.
I love Gretchen and her music! I excited about this and I’m really looking forward to her new music and album!
So I’m voting H E L L Yeah! its a great idea!
Gretchen Wilson is a total has been and all of her albums are terrible. I saw her for a free concert a few years ago and it was on the one worst concerts I have ever been to. All she does is cover songs.
Personally, GW is the only reason I started listen to country music again. I listened when Tanya was big and when GW came along, I thought WOW real country music. Now they are back to country bubble gum music. I hope this is a faze for country music and it ends soon.
Oh man, “Redneck Woman” was one of the most annoying songs ever. I’d even go so far as to call it a novelty song, and that’s no way to start a career.
I’m also unconvinced that she can come up with quality new material on her own. She should find a new label, hook up with Matraca Berg, and put out some quality material. She may not have huge success but she can make a living.
As for who should start a label . . . I don’t know. The popular ones don’t need to start their own labels, and the less popular (but often more talented) artists probably don’t have the killer instincts to survive on their own.
I am so excited for Gretchen, she will now have control of her future which i think will be great and all of her fans will be there to support her along the way
Gretchen has an amazing talented voice and is a survior! She obviously had poor management in her choices of labels and songs. Plus Big and rich ROCK..what’s up with that! Big Kenny has a totally cool video & song out! and from what I hear a rock solid album coming out. Just saw them in Ontario and it was an OFF the charts show. Regardless of what type of music you listen to. Pure energy!
Maybe Gretchen should look for new direction overall. she has mojo..it seems like it someone wise and creative should over see her. but not her own label. I hope she had a good money manager. I will forever remain a fan. we all have moments of ‘long pause’ in life. Hang in their gretchen!
She is the best live perfomer that i’ve ever seen.I think she will do great.I have all three and a half of the cds she has out and think that every song could have been hits.(the half,for those of ya that don’t know,is called 5 mo fo ya)I will buy anything she sells!!!!!!!!!!!
I saw Gretchen in Maryville, TN for the Foot Hills Fall Festival back in October of 2004. Her performance was traditional country and I loved it! May she come back bigger than ever!
I also pray that her Muzik Mafia buddy James Otto had himself a safe and awesome 36th birthday yesterday! I love him SO much!!! (big smile)
God bless you and him and Gretchen always!!!
Holly in East Tennessee
Ya know What ever Gretchen decides to do? I think she is one hellva redneck rockin country blues gal who loves what she does. I will be supportive of any road she takes. Gretchens music has made a great difference in MUSIC to many people including me. Thanks GW for some of the greatest music I have ever collected. COUNTRY ROCK ON!
Poor Gretchen. Listened to John Rich for career direction, and wound up stuck with the drunk redneck ho image and nothing else. Incredible singer.
Rich’s 15 minutes of fame has about 10 seconds left. Eventually you have to bring more than ego and attitude. Maybe you DON’T know everything.
I know her “TRUE” fans will follow and support her in everything that she does. Gretchen knows true fans when she sees them and that are the ones that she needs to worry about. The other “fair weather fans” can listen to Carrie Underwood or Taylor Swift. Good luck Gretchen!!!!! You deserve to be back on radio!!!
Emerson’s comment. totally true!..as long as she stays away from crazy John rich (she’ll @ least be safe)..Gretchen will & still has a great future. i think Mr JR has only about 5,4,3,2,.. seconds left!..Use the last one wisely! (so very tired of his ego, mean & mad man vibe & JR please no more politics… just go back to your great basics & put out a new B&R album w/kenny!)
Thanks Emerson for the insight! Gretchen please stay away from from any ‘cowboy’ wearing a mink coat, w/intials JR..who is also trying to make Julio spanish singer guy..a country star!..Hello girl..think about it!..Stay strong!
I say, let’s give GW a chance! Lord knows, we all make mistakes and sometimes fame goes to our heads and we don’t treat fans with respect. “BIG SEXY’S” star will soon outshine them all!
Gretchen Wilson is a washed up has been! Her last couple albums have been total flops and her last three singles she has released have failed to even reach the charts! Also, so tired of her constantly throwing out that she is a redneck. Based on her album sales over last four years she’ll be back living in the trailer parks real soon!