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Mentioned this last week, but since 1985 KT Oslin was one of 2 women over age 45 to hit No. 1 on country airplay charts, the other being @reba (a thread).
Only 5 total women over 40 have hit No. 1 during that time, including @DollyParton @saraevansmusic @annemurray1
Years ago, I wondered if there was ageism in country music, so I started this research. I talk about the findings during Thursday’s podcast, but …
The average overall age remained relatively steady, but the average age of women dropped suddenly. Can you guess when?
KT was an outlier in the late 80s and early 90s, but others past 35 found radio success then too.
In 2006 that business stopped cold. What trend began in 2005 / 2006 that shaped the format for a decade or so?
To me, it’s clear that the age cap on American Idol and similar shows legitimized an age cap elsewhere. Reality TV literally wouldn’t pay attention to anyone over 24 for a few years.
I don’t have the resources or know-how to fully study how reality TV shaped our format. It seems clear the system did anyone with a little gray hair dirty.
. @MirandaLambert and @carrieunderwood are our best hope to turn this around, but which label will seriously promote a woman over 40 or even 35 in 2021? Would fix a lot of problems. #CMMP
