TAYLOR SWIFT: MAKING HISTORY
Why Hasn't Country Jumped In?
Big Machine and Republic Records have pulled off an unprecedented feat, as Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" has closed the entire Top 40 panel in less than 24 hours--a first in Pop radio history. Charlie Walk, Gary Spangler and team, having knocked down Pop in record time, are already preparing a repeat performance at Hot AC next week.
Alongside this unquestionable triumph at these formats comes an intriguing question: Why has Country radio so far made the choice not to jump in with its biggest artist? As of noon today, only 10 Country stations have played the song even once; only WSIX Nashville and WNSH New York have spun it more than once.
Will the Country format ignore its biggest artist's new work and attempt to "A&R" her career, suppressing any attempt at stylistic exploration? Doesn't her legion of fans get a vote?
For the record, Taylor fans have already made their voices heard, as the single and album 1989, now in preorder and due 10/27, have both hit #1 at iTunes.
