-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: passenger side <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: Friday, February 05, 1999 7:27 AM
Subject: k.d. lang (was Re: Heather Myles Injustice)
>> ...k.d. lang who does have a superior voice
>> and who did put out a really good album "Absolute Torch & Twang" and who
>saw
>> Nashville abandon her due to her non cover-girl looks and the rumors
that
>> she was gay. Lang gave up, left her brand of western swing/country and
>> donned a "pop" hat with "Constant Craving" and admitted that she was
>gay.(snip)
>
> Well, you probably said a number of things that folks will be interested
>in, Tera <g>, but I am curious about the above, mainly because I honestly
>don't know or can't remember; did Nashville actually abandon Lang? I mean,
>was she dropped, was her budget slashed, did radio or the club promoters
turn
>against her? I don't know, and would really like to know why she moved
away
>and into pop if it was for some reason other than just personal preference.
>
>thanks,
>Dan Bentele
Many factors led up to her "decision" to try other music. k.d. received a
lot of pressure from the press and from inside the Nashville community to
discuss her androgenous image. It became quite a focal point and it was
rumored and discussed that she may be gay.
Ever hear of the old game whereby when "they" don't like you, they'll use
anything which comes down the pike to discredit you? k.d. made a few
"mistakes" by voicing her opinions on several subjects. I've read some of
the comments made here by other posters and no one is incorrect. On the
subject of her appearance she said (from memory) that it shouldn't matter
what a person looks like and that her "androgenous" style was something she
chose to do. When asked if she had a "boyfriend" she said that she was
involved with someone but that she didn't think her personal life should be
in question. Nebulous answers (and you know how the media reacts to that)
which only created more controversy.
Further, she promoted not eating beef and also stated that her dog was a
vegetarian. She commented on not wanting to wear leather anymore. So, all
of these things combined gave k.d. some very bad press and she was snubbed
by some in Nashville. No, she did not get dropped by her record label
(Sire) and went on to record "Ingenue" which was her foray into "adult
contemporary" music where she believed she would be more accepted while
publicly stating that she wished to "try" other music until she openly
admitted in a gay forum magazine that she was gay.
It was just too difficult to have her image constantly discussed and her
lifestyle "pryed" into and the fact that country radio was not willing to
play and promote her music. Owen Bradley thought she had an incredible
voice and talent and he worked with her on "Shadowland" which also showcased
a nice medley with Loretta, Kitty and Brenda Lee.
It does not matter what anyone says, k.d.'s "gayness" led to her
oh-so-subtle Nashville blacklisting. You know, when was the last time you
heard a country artist proclaim their "gayness"? It's still not accepted -
although it may be lightening up a bit as I'm wondering who thought to have
Melissa Etheridge contribute to the Tammy Wynette Tribute cd...or for that
matter, Elton John? Anyway, it really shouldn't matter. What should matter
is an artists sensitivity, sincerity
and ability to successfully transfer ideas/emotions with songs. Maybe k.d.
will record another country album again. I hope so. Lang has a spectacular
voice and possesses an incredible ability to interpret a song. k.d. has won
three grammy awards by the way: "BestCountry Vocal Collaboration 1989;
Best Country Vocal Performance 1990; Best Pop Vocal Performance- 1992.
Tera
