Pam Tillis Addresses Sammy Kershaw Controversy: ‘A Legacy Doesn’t Keep Itself’
“I’m not going to single out the CMA, because this happens all the time in our business,” she pointed out.
Pam Tillis, Sammy Kershaw; Photos Provided
Pam Tillis is weighing in after Sammy Kershaw claimed the Country Music Association denied his request to walk the CMA Awards red carpet.
In a new social media post, Tillis, known for country hits like “Maybe It Was Memphis” and “Shake the Sugar Tree,” chose not to single out the CMA specifically. Instead, she focused on the country music industry as a whole, emphasizing that veteran artists deserve to be recognized and included rather than overlooked.
“So let’s talk about today’s drama in country music: Sammy Kershaw and the CMAs. I’m not going to single out the CMA, because this happens all the time in our business. It’s the nature of our industry that the rising stars get the spotlight, just as we did at one point,” she began.
Remembering the Importance of Legacy
Tillis also reflected on growing up as the daughter of Country Music Hall of Famer Mel Tillis, explaining that she learned early on that “a legacy doesn’t keep itself.”
“Somebody has to stand up and say, ‘This artist mattered. They made a contribution.’ I’ve done that for Daddy most of my life,” she wrote.
Why ’90s Country Still Matters
The singer went on to point out that ’90s country remains popular with fans today, noting that many of the genre’s current stars are finding success with their own take on the sound.
“And I’ll tell you what I’ve seen: the country audience is a multigenerational audience, and ‘90s country is still very viable, even if it isn’t always visible. A lot of us have three generations of fans showing up to our shows, singing, whooping and hollering for our songs. Many of today’s artists are making it big with their own spin on the ‘90s sound.”
Tillis acknowledged that today’s rising stars need support, but said veteran artists shouldn’t be overlooked. She pointed out that they helped shape country music and still have a place in where the genre is headed.
A Call to Recognize Veteran Artists
“I dare say many of us have felt the sting of being passed over for this, that and the other, in order to create an image that’s only part of the picture. I know today’s new artists need all the support they can get in such a crazy, competitive market. But legacy artists who want to show up can be the bridge between where this music came from and where it’s going. Many of us never say anything about these slights. We just keep on doing our thing. As an artist who is a lifetime CMA member, Sammy just spoke out.”
In closing, Tillis encouraged the industry to make room for veteran artists across all areas of country music, whether on the radio, at events or on the red carpet. She also thanked younger performers who continue to recognize and appreciate the artists who paved the way.
“So to wind it up, whether it’s radio, a marquee or the red carpet, don’t shut them out. And thank you to the young artists who show respect and let us know we’ve inspired them. Daddy got to hear some of that before he left us, and I can tell you it meant the world to him.”
Her post included photos alongside her friends and fellow stars such as Travis Tritt, Neal McCoy, Lorrie Morgan, and Terri Clark.
Clark also chimed in on her post, writing, “As always, you speak truth with honesty and eloquence. I couldn’t have said it any better my dear sister in song. Every single aspect of this post rings so true. Maybe if nothing else- the acknowledgement and respect that will come to our generation because someone dared to say it out loud, will grow. And of course it was @sammykershaw … he’s never been a shrinking violet and we love him for it.”
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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