Photo Credit: Dina-Roberts Wakulczyk / CC by 2.0
Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s nomination for Best Blues / Rock Artist at the Blues Music Awards has been rescinded.
The Blues Foundation made the decision because of the images of the Confederate flag used by Shepherd. Shepherd recreated a Dukes of Hazzard Dodge Challenger, resembling the original ‘General Lee’ car. Shepherd also featured the flag on guitars and other gear.
The Blues Foundation said the termination is in line with its stance against racism. “The Blues Foundation unequivocally condemns all forms and expressions of racism, including all symbols associated with white supremacy and the degradation of people of color.”
“We hold ourselves, as well as all blues musicians, fans, organizations and members of the music industry accountable for racist actions, and we encourage concrete commitments to acknowledge and repair the resulting pain,” the statement continues.
Shepherd says he recognizes that the symbol of the Confederate flag is painful to many Americans.
“We have been told that this decision has been made in the last few days; Concerns have been raised regarding one of the cars in my sports car collection. The car was built 17 years ago as a replica and homage to the iconic car from the television series, The Dukes of Hazzard.
“Years ago, I put that car in permanent storage. And a while ago, I made the decision to permanently cover my car flag because it was completely against my values and offensive to the African American community, which created the music that I love so much. I apologize to anyone who accidentally hurt for that.
Shepherd says that he absolutely condemns all forms of racism and oppression and always will. As part of the termination of Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s nomination, the Blues Foundation also asked his father, Ken Shepherd, to resign from its Board of Directors.
The situation reflects the Morgan Wallen censorship controversy, in which the singer was removed from playlists. Now, more than a month after the controversy broke out, Wallen continues to top the sales and broadcast charts. Spotify is slowly reinstating Wallen on their country playlists, but he is still absent from their ‘Hot Country’ list.
It’s Spotify’s biggest country playlist, and by all rights, Wallen should be on it. The controversy has made his music trending to the top of the country music charts. Fans and followers are buying his albums at a record rate to show their support. Wallen has apologized for the racial slur he used, and the attempt to cancel the culture appears to backfire.
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