Dressing Up

Ken Williams · Post by **Ken Williams** » 29 Jan 2006 6:34 pm

I was working at the Louisana Hayride when it reopened in the mid 70's and they would book major acts along with the Hayride regulars. We would do our regular show and then there would be about 15 minute break, and then they would bring on the major act. Most of them had their own band. On the night that Sammi Smith was to play, we got through with our portion and I walked back stage where her band was milling around. I thought to myself "Wow, they're really going have to hustle to get their hair combed get dressed for the show". But when the curtain opened, they had on the same tee shirts and ragged jeans that they had on backstage. This was in the days of rhinestones and bands dressing alike. The folks that owned the place liked to have come unglued. Chins were hitting the floor everywhere, the crowd included. I wouldn't be surprised if from that night on, that the management had some type of "dress" clause in contracts with acts that they booked. Of course that was a long time ago and things have changed quite a bit from those days.

Ken

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 30 Jan 2006 11:57 pm

This is one my biggest Pet Peeves,dress codes.I don't care if this new bunch of so-called country artist make 100-million dollars a year,and sell a kazillion records,when they walk on the opry [or any stage]with there tank tops and ripped jeans they are an absolute disgrace!!!What happened to real to real class.Guys like little Jimmy,Porter.Hank Snow,Earnest,etc,etc,were smart enough to know it's called SHOW BUSINESS!!!!! I don't care what excuses is made ,if any picker gets on ANY stage ANY where looking like derelict,he has no self respect at all.

Steve Hitsman · Post by **Steve Hitsman** » 31 Jan 2006 4:58 am

In my own defense, you'll notice that my shirtless photo is a "living room gig". I always dress neatly for a real one.

Jim Sliff · Post by **Jim Sliff** » 31 Jan 2006 6:17 am

"with there tank tops and ripped jeans they are an absolute disgrace!!!"

Funny, I thought it was more about the music.

I never could "hear" a nice suit.

IMO the tank tops and ripped jeans are just the style of people in their twenties - who happen to buy a lot of CD's and concert tickets. Times change, and "show business" isn't about suits and ties.

It isn't 1963.

John Ummel · Post by **John Ummel** » 31 Jan 2006 6:45 am

Good music is created in the "4th dimension" (twilight zone theme plays: do-do-do...do-do-do....) not on the 2 dimensional level suggested by those who insist upon matching shirts, belts & shoes.

Marlin Smoot · Post by **Marlin Smoot** » 31 Jan 2006 7:21 am

Most times I've seen Alan Jackson on TV, he had holes/rips in his jeans. I think I've even seen him with the sleeves cut off of his shirts. Sometimes he even plays acoustic guitars that look really worn out too. I think he likes old stuff. I think Alan Jackson makes millions of dollars and is one of the few true traditional country artist left on the radio. I like Alan Jackson.

Ray Minich · Post by **Ray Minich** » 31 Jan 2006 8:03 am

When the day comes that the elastic band of the underwear is prominently displayed, well, then, that'll be too much...
Country Rap?

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 31 Jan 2006 8:59 am

I have worn more than my share of "uniforms" during my years of playing, because it was the standard of the times. But, as far back as the 1960's, even the bands that I worked with that required suits and ties on a regular job made exceptions for special occasions....such as shorts, t-shirts, and athletic shoes for outdoor venues.

In my recent and mature years I have embraced comfort and I have formed an aversion to ties, belts, and shirts tucked in my pants. I reserve the wearing of ties and coats for funerals and weddings.

....however, having said that, if I was offered a job that required a dress code, I would not decline the job because of that.

Some compromises are necessary to survive in the real world, such as joining a union.

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Calvin Walley · Post by **Calvin Walley** » 31 Jan 2006 9:19 am

would you buy insurance from a guy in a dirty T shirt and torn jeans ? i don't think you would ..so why buy music from him
you don't have to wear matching anything to look nice, if someone goes on stage looking like a dead beat he does'nt respect himself or the people paying him

calvin

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 31 Jan 2006 9:36 am

would you buy insurance from a guy in a dirty T shirt and torn jeans ? i don't think you would ..so why buy music from him

For several reasons. First, a coat and tie is the accepted mode of dress for someone in the insurance industry, the industry uniform, designed to instill a feeling of confidence and security in the minds of their customers.

Music in general isn't so much about "rules of behavior" more than it is about relaxation, enjoyment, and freedom. There isn't one accepted standard of dress among performers in the music industry; some wear all black, some torn jeans, some suits and ties, some fancy Nudie-style clothes, some a combination of the above.

Listening to music and watching a picker perform isn't the same as spending many thousands of dollars in a long-term security/protection plan for your family, as is dealing with an insurance agent.

One of the great idols here, Dale Watson, wears biker attire when he performs... cut-off shirts, leather vests occasionally with no shirt underneath, old blue jeans, big black biker boots. Not what you'd necessarily call "respectful to the audience attire." But Dale's listeners hear his music and hear him talk to them onstage, and they know from that the respect is mutual.

I've found people that don't care for a performer's music will generally find other ways to "dis" him; got divorced, drinks, chases women (the complainers were obviously never single men, right?), dresses "disrespectfully," etc.

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Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 31 Jan 2006 10:32 am

I never said one word about wearing a coat and tie.I hate ties.I'm talking about any picker[from a mega super star to a week end VFW performer]that walks on a stage looking like he or she just crawled out a dumpster is a disgrace to the musical profession.There is a lot more to it than JUST the music.What decade we live in should not have any bearing on acting and looking like you have pride in what you do.The first time I walk into my doctors office and he has a three day beard,tank top,wearing flip-flops,I'm leaving because I'll know he has no respect for himself or me.The same goes for a band that gets on stage with no self esteem what so ever.

Mark Metdker · Post by **Mark Metdker** » 31 Jan 2006 10:40 am

....what Herb said.....

Terry Edwards · Post by **Terry Edwards** » 31 Jan 2006 11:05 am

You gotta admit...pants tucked into cowboy boots is a nice touch!

I wonder what Marty Stuart would look like in a powder blue polyester liesure suit!

Terry

John Steele · Post by **John Steele** » 31 Jan 2006 11:11 am

The lamest thing is, the guy that oh-so-carefully dissected the knees of Alan Jackson's jeans probably put more time into it than the tailor sewing up one of Porter Wagoner's jackets.

-John

James Cann · Post by **James Cann** » 31 Jan 2006 11:21 am

any . . . (who) walks on a stage looking like he or she just crawled out a dumpster is a disgrace to the musical profession.

What's probably worse would be to see them dressed for the occasion and, as such, fish out of water as they don't know how to behave when dressed for the occasion!

A good place to see this (and worse) is at weddings! Next time, sit back and cast an eye!

Marlin Smoot · Post by **Marlin Smoot** » 31 Jan 2006 12:46 pm

I think to some degree, the current crop of country artists are trying to mirror the fans who support them. Overall, the general public currently has a relaxed attire attitude from home to office, more so than they did in the 40's, 50's and early 60's.

I love the country musician coolness from the the 40's, 50's and early 60's. Each year saw a trend change. Some groups still hold those traditions and I think that's very cool. I like some of the modern stuff too.

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 31 Jan 2006 3:11 pm

It used to be that you defended why you looked sloppy. Now you defend your self for trying to look decent.

I think some think casual=sloppy, and neat=shirt/tie/suit? I think NOT necessarily![This message was edited by James Morehead on 31 January 2006 at 03:15 PM.]

John Ummel · Post by **John Ummel** » 31 Jan 2006 3:15 pm

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

Roger Edgington · Post by **Roger Edgington** » 31 Jan 2006 3:37 pm

Our band does western swing and we like to play the part. We have shirts and ties alike. On special occasions we wear western jackets. I don't see the big deal about comfort in T's. If your clothes fit you can be comfortable in whatever you wear. We've had lots of fans compliment us on our music and attire. It's not that they don't listen to our music but it's only fair to them that we dress nice. Some of us in the band are old farts and not to pretty to look at. It evens things out.
Herb,
Your right about Dale but that has become his uniform. He looks cool when he does all the Honky Tonk songs. When we saw him at the hangin' tree all his band had on black T-shirts. I don't know if thats the norm or not but in a sense that to is a band uniform.

Jon Jaffe · Post by **Jon Jaffe** » 31 Jan 2006 9:57 pm

It is always about the music. The clothing reflects the identity and image that the individual wishes to project. "I am team, I am an individual. I never gave it any thought". Justin Trevino picked Jimmy Loessberg for his good looks and sharp dressing? Nope, he picked him for his picking, drumming, and possibly his warm and fuzzy personality. A superb choice where clothes did NOT matter.

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 31 Jan 2006 10:34 pm

In truth, its rarely about the music. If you are a musician you like to think that its different. The fact is that in show business (which is what professionally playing music is)image will overcome substance every day of the week. People don't buy steak, they buy the sizzle. Audiences react to visual more than sound. Brian Epstein knew this when he created the Beatles image.

Gene H. Brown · Post by **Gene H. Brown** » 31 Jan 2006 11:04 pm

I agree with Herb whole heartedly,. And I would like to add a couple of things. You can't please everyone in this world and it's hard to please just a few, so the best thing is to please yourself and goes for your picking too.
And one more thing, no one will even remember it a hundred years from now

Gene

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If You Keep Pickin That Thing, It'll Never Heal!

Jim Blakey · Post by **Jim Blakey** » 31 Jan 2006 11:07 pm

Once again, Kevin, you hit the nail on the head.Its still that same old handful of folks. You can't please everybody.

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 31 Jan 2006 11:31 pm

This is what we in the "miss leslie & her juke-jointers" band looks like every show.

And me:

Ricky[This message was edited by Ricky Davis on 31 January 2006 at 11:32 PM.]

Jim Blakey · Post by **Jim Blakey** » 1 Feb 2006 12:11 am

Ricky
This is what were talking about. Class, and yes it does make a difference.