The two major country radio station conglomerates, Cumulus and iHeart, are coming together this month for a common cause. iHeart Assistant VP of Marketing Karen Humes made the announcement yesterday via Instagram that the rivals had launched a Black History Month program to bring awareness to the plights and successes of African Americans.
“In solidarity with all who celebrate and support Black History Month, both Cumulus and iHeart have banded together for a special celebration of “black” this month.” she began. “As such, we plan to add to our playlists, shows, and specials many songs in which the word “black” is in the title.”
Ms. Humes went on to list several of the songs that would find their way across the airwaves this month. They included:
“Long Black Train” Josh Turner
“Two Black Cadillacs” Carrie Underwood
“(The Black Dress Song) Getting You Home” Chris Young
“Black Tears” Florida-Georgia Line
“Blue on Black” 5 Finger Death Punch ft. Brantley Gilbert
“Blacktop Gone” Jason Aldean
“Black” Dierks Bentley
“Where the Blacktop Ends” Keith Urban
“Black Jacket” Tim McGraw
Many of the comments below the post expressed concern that possibly the radio giants may be missing the point of Black History Month. “Couldn’t you just… you know… play some black artists?” asked Barry Summers. “Some of those were never even singles… it’s like you’re going as far out of your way as possible not to play Charley Crockett or Mickey Guyton,” replied Laverne Shirley. “How will a Jason Aldean song make anyone on earth think of Black people? This is sooo stupid.” said Terry Hogan.
While none of those complaints were addressed, Humes did add an additional comment. “No, we will not be playing Clint Black or Blackhawk songs because that’s old people music. Josh Turner is already pushing it.”
At press time, the media giants had also removed Johnny Cash’s “Man in Black” because of its age and also some complaints from listeners that the song was “lib’rul grooming.”
