"While the "Country" music you hear on radio and see on TV may be of questionable quality, there is a very healthy, active underground "alternative" Country music scene, often referred to as Americana, that is producing music as good as has ever been made. IMO, of course"
Keep on preaching that Americana gospel, brother!
"Expecting to hear good Country music on commercial radio and television is as unrealistic as it was to expect to hear Jimi Hendrix or The Mothers Of Invention on AM radio in 1967"
Yes -- excellent point. When I was in HS, ('70 - '74), KMET out of LA was a lot better than the AM dreck we were forced to endure on the school bus but two friends with extensive record collections were responsible for turning me on to most of the good stuff. Likewise, when it came time for me to begin exploring Jazz, a hip manager at the restaurant where I worked in Santa Barbara lent me many records.
The belief that all that's out there is what's on commercial radio is one I've never related to. It's always been a mentorship thing for me.
RE: Fabulous Superlatives, the first time I heard Kenny Vaughn was when I watched Lucinda William's 2nd ACL show. He stood out immediately-- so young and so good!