For several years now it seemed that the only traditional sounding artists that had any chance of getting airtime on country radio were the country males.
Well, consider that changed with the introduction of new Epic recording artist, Gretchen Wilson.
Not only is Gretchen traditional to the core, but her song "Redneck Woman" is making its way up the country singles charts at breakneck speed.
As of the April 10, 2004 Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, Gretchen's song was sitting at No. 20, having just been on the charts a mere 5 weeks. That is the fastest artist to crack the Top 20 since LeAnn Rimes did it back in 1996 with her debut single, "Blue."
But, while that is a great accomplishment, consider that this type of chart action is usually what you would see from a song from Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Toby Keith. Yep, Gretchen is competing with the top four males in country music today, and this is her very first single.
Obviously, the song content is a lot of fun to sing along with, and its message that she sings about being a redneck woman and proud of it shows that women, who are a large part of country music's audience are relating to this.
In addition to the great song, Gretchen has put out a fun and entertaining video, where she spends much of the time riding around on four-wheelers and pick-up trucks in the mud. She even has some popular musical artists making cameos in her video, namely Tanya Tucker, Hank Williams, Jr., Big & Rich, James Otto, and Kid Rock.
In my opinion, Gretchen is just what country needs; a female artist that is getting played on radio, who isn't courting the pop charts, and doesn't sound like anyone out there. Let's hope that this is just the start for more female acts on the charts. They've been away too long.