I know I have said it before but I never cease to be amazed at the amount and quality of talent in the world.

Last evening I watched the two-hour celebration and introduction to Ken Burns’ latest documentary about the origins and evolution of country music in the United States. It was teased with brief narrations between shots of the documentary and live performances by current country artists.

What really stood out for me was the quality and versatility of the background musicians and the extraordinary singing of Rhiannon Giddens, the lead singer from the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Some of the background group also performed as solo artists but then returned to the band and accompanied all the other performers. Few even had music scores to reference. That is the sign of true musicians, many of whom are probably regular session players in recording studios.

Anyway another two hours of music bliss and historical education. Thank goodness for National Public Television and all the other sponsors that make these types of programs possible.

As an aside, I was pleased to see Riders In The Sky perform live several years ago. We had them perform at one of our free summer concerts in Liberty Lake, Washington. As part of their contract, I took them to dinner before the concert and got to spend an hour visiting with them. They were not youngsters then, and in civilian clothes they reminded me of my dad. 

Ken Kaiyala
9-9-2019