Do Country Superstars Make Good Role Models?

It's often said that a role model is a person that one is supposed to look up to. In most cases, a role model is someone not unlike a superhero, that is perfect in every way possible. In my childhood, I loved country music more than anything in the world. My family often disapproved of the artists I favored and the way they lived. Do country music artists make bad role models? I have found that people such as Hank Williams Sr., George Jones, and Dolly Parton and are excellent role models. Not by the definition of a super hero, but by definition of being a true human being that anyone can learn from.

Hank Williams Sr. was born with natural talent and could write and sing songs like no other. All of his songs were all based in personal experience with a side of true honesty. Hank Williams has taught us all the hard living isn't the only way. Although he was always involved in a troubled relationship and relied heavily on alcohol, I still see him as a role model. Hank Williams taught me at an early age that alcohol is not a substitute for working out your problems. He also showed us that being involved with someone who doesn't truly love you is to be avoided. Good lessons that don't need to be learned the hard way!

George Jones was by far my favorite country artist and is still to this day. He endured many drug, alcohol, and relationship troubles throughout his life. George Jones reiterated the point that if you experience an addiction, the quicker you can get help the better. George Jones also fell victim to peer pressure, which almost killed him in the 1970's. Drugs are usually associated with Rock and Roll music but had quite a hold on country music as well. In the late 1960's he was offered cocaine before a show and had no idea what it was. That quickly became an addiction that almost cost him his life and career by the 1980's. "No Show Jones" taught me early on that standing up to peer pressure and avoiding drugs and alcoholism at all costs is worth loosing friends and business contacts.

Dolly Parton is someone that I admire as a musician and person. Dolly grew up dirt poor in the mountains of Tennessee. I myself grew up somewhat in the mountains of North Carolina near the Tennessee border and understand country living as well. Dolly Parton showed me that no matter how much money or fame you attain, never forget where you came from! Dolly always valued people for who and what they are without social standards taken into consideration. That is something that I feel is right as well and practice everyday. I admire Dolly because regardless of her talent and success, she is still a down to earth person. I find that to be a very valuable lesson in creating long lasting personal success.

Later on in my teens I decided to peruse playing guitar and becoming a musician. After graduating high school I joined the military as a means of work and leaving cornfield Ohio in pursuit of bigger and better things. I met a lot great people who taught me and guided my in passion of music and guitar. A few of them were honest and decent, a few were down and dirty, but like my country music idols, I learned from every one of them. A few venues were nice, and many weren't. In my off time I played every gig I could get. In the process I met all types of people and was exposed to many things I learned early on that I wanted no part of. That kept me on the right track and got me to where I wanted to go without any unnecessary detours.

So, do country stars make good role models? In my opinion, I don't there are ones any better! Although my role models were country musicians, the basis can apply to anyone. Admiring someone for who they are, for all they are, is the best thing that anyone can do. Learning from other peoples mistakes and not making the same ones is much more productive than attempting to be Superman. Superman even fell victim to kryptonite after all! Everyone has a weakness, but if you learn from your role models and strengthen your weaknesses, you will eventually be someone's role model!