Bobby Bones Declares Himself The King of Country
Like a tinhorn despot looking to consolidate power by exacerbating a minor spat into an existential crisis, pop country radio personality Bobby Bones has used the Morgan Wallen ‘N’-bomb situation to declare himself the current King of Country. No, not just the king of popular country, or the king of country radio. But all of it. The entire genre. Everything. He is quote, “The Guy,” unquote. Apparently, that position isn’t held by an artist, past or present. Sorry George Strait. Not all of us as country fans and performers in a collective comprise the voice and conscience of country music. Nope, it’s just Bobby Bones. All hail.
On his syndicated radio show Wednesday morning (2-3), Bobby Bones addressed the Morgan Wallen situation in an obviously scripted scenario, even though it was set up to appear to be an impromptu answer to a caller. For the most part, what Bobby said was pretty smart and measured. His take that Morgan Wallen probably shouldn’t be banished forevermore, but definitely needs to go away for now and work on himself is a pretty good one.
“I like Morgan Wallen as a person. This, I don’t like one bit,” Bones said. “I’m also not a big cancel culture guy. But I do think I’m a ‘go away for a while’ guy. And if I think you’re not going to allow someone to take some time away and learn, I think you have some self-evaluation [to do]. He’s got a lot of self-evaluation to do, friends.”
But it was Bobby’s declaration that he is “The Guy” in country music that must speak on these matters—and when he does, the word is final—that even had many of Bobby’s own dedicated listeners looking sideways.
“Heavy is the head that wears the crown,” Bones declared in the middle of his Morgan Wallen decree. “Listen, I’m THE GUY. I get it. Right now, in this brief period of time, I am THE GUY in country music. That’s it. It’s not something I set out to do or be, as far as being THE GUY. But when something has to be said, comfortable or not, it’s me. I have to say it. From now until you guys remove my anointment, I have the biggest voice. I am THE GUY in country radio. I’m THE GUY in country music. Heavy is the head that wears the crown.”
Along with illustrating Bobby’s arrogance and lack of self-awareness, the moment illustrates one of the underlying problems in this Morgan Wallen situation. We can poke fun of Bobby Bones all day long. And most certainly, he is not “The Guy” in country music, however you want to quantify that. But Bobby Bones is most certainly one of the guys that is directly responsible for the ascent of Morgan Wallen, and guys like him. Morgan was hanging out with Bobby in the studio just a couple of weeks ago, and has been one of the favorites of The Bobby Bones Show.
As the voice behind country music’s biggest radio show, Bobby Bones does have a major impact. It’s no coincidence that Bobby’s hire as iHeartRadio’s #1 country radio personality (even though he’d only worked in pop before) paralleled the ascent of Bro-Country, and the rapid descent of popular country music in recent years. And just like the rest of media inside and outside of country music, Bobby Bones ignored Morgan Wallen’s major red flags for months and years, helping to prop him up.
In the Bobby Bones address to the country music fiefdom, he said to Morgan Wallen specifically, “You make country music look bad. You make me look bad.” Most certainly Bobby Bones isn’t directly responsible for the Morgan Wallen outburst. It’s the entire country music system that ensconces characters like Morgan Wallen in the few and precious top tier positions of country music. And yes, he has made us look bad. Morgan Wallen’s N-bomb was the word that launched 1,000 think pieces about how the entire genre of country music is racist, and needs to be remade in the image of angry women from New York who will never be happy until the rest of us are as miserable as they are.
“I have people beat me up for everything,” Bobby also says in the segment. Perhaps it’s because even in Bobby’s best of moments, he can’t help but veer into self-centeredness, including buying Billboards in Nashville to demean yourself to garner sympathy. His comments on Morgan Wallen were pretty good, and reasonable. But no, he’s not “The Guy.” Nobody’s “The Guy.” Country music is all of us: fans, artists, industry workers, big time DJs, and two-bit bloggers. And we should all take some responsibility for what happened with Morgan Wallen. And some should probably take more responsibility of others.
Thanks to the Florida Red Dirt Country Club for the tip.
(relevant quotes at about the 6:20 mark)
wayne
February 5, 2021 @ 9:50 am
Just when you thought things couldn’t get worse.
Cole
February 5, 2021 @ 11:33 am
I mean, you writing this about something Bobby says, when the radio probably did look to him for comment. Making him “the guy” in this situation. This whole article is rude and uncalled for. Secondly, the “going away for awhile” is the best thing he can do as a public figure that made a mistake. I know most of you aholes commenting on this probably use that word, and I understand words shouldn’t have so much power. But with everything else in the world, they currently do, and it’s offensive. I mean, if you are super mad at someone for calling themselves “the guy” and the fact that Morgan used this offensive word…. maybe go and listen to unedited versions of songs currently that talk and say much worse. Go be mad at something important people.
Trigger
February 5, 2021 @ 11:39 am
Bobby’s point on Morgan Wallen was a good one. Too bad he sullied it with some signature Bobby Bones narcissism. I don’t think this dude is terrible. But someone needs to raise a counterpoint.
Woogeroo
February 5, 2021 @ 3:29 pm
Well, I for one do think Bones is terrible in general and not remotely entertaining and I really wish the powers that be would make him go away already.
…and Wallen was and still is a tool, moron.
Ed
February 5, 2021 @ 5:12 pm
If you don’t like him you can “go away” and listen somewhere else. Idiots like you make this cancel culture a real thing.
Trigger
February 5, 2021 @ 5:26 pm
Nobody’s trying to cancel Bobby Bones.
Eric dash
February 6, 2021 @ 9:47 pm
Bobby Bones is Eddie Trunk of country.
Same me me me me me energy
liza
February 5, 2021 @ 5:18 pm
Sheesh, Bones has stans.
Jim
February 7, 2021 @ 6:47 am
LOL, who the hell is Bobby Bones?
Ken Kirchner
February 10, 2021 @ 8:46 am
With Bobby ‘s comments the other day, I am done listening to him! POS!!
Corncaster
February 5, 2021 @ 3:30 pm
“Better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt.”
True of Wallen, and just as true of Bobby Bones.
Trace Reese
February 5, 2021 @ 5:44 pm
This is awesome!!! Everyone needs to know who Bobby Bones is! He is “The Man”!!! Mission accomplished!!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Stacy Lewallen
February 5, 2021 @ 10:45 pm
Bullshit
Johner
February 6, 2021 @ 1:00 am
Who the hell is Bobby Bones? 😂
Karla
March 26, 2022 @ 8:03 am
Wow! I met him once and thought he was so nice but the more he talks the more I see how arrogant, self centered and unforgiving he really is.
Eva
February 6, 2021 @ 4:44 am
Well, I don’t care what anyone says. George Strait haves and will always be, “The King of Country” hands down
Dave
February 6, 2021 @ 12:01 pm
Totally agree with you. He is the real King of Country Music and always will be.
Mike Honcho
February 8, 2021 @ 4:05 pm
George and Waylon would both agree it is really Bob Wills.
Justin Watterson
February 5, 2021 @ 9:51 am
I didn’t know who this was a month ago. Morgan Wallen neither. And as far as I’m concerned, that’s about as country as it gets.
Speedlimit9
February 5, 2021 @ 9:52 am
Why would you say it’s implausible for someone to “never even think that word?” It seems pretty plausible to not think that word as a normal person.
Trigger
February 5, 2021 @ 9:57 am
Because despite being banned, it’s pervasive. It’s everywhere. Hence, the last few days. People are constantly talking about it, in the media and culture. To say the word never enters your brain pan is a virtue signal.
King Honky Of Crackershire
February 5, 2021 @ 10:07 am
….”To say the word never enters your brain pan is a virtue signal.”….
Yep.
liza
February 5, 2021 @ 5:21 pm
Boy are you clueless.
CountryKnight
February 7, 2021 @ 6:32 pm
Not at all.
Any one who plays/played on a sports team will hear the word in the locker room when rap music is played.
Or any time, rap music is played for that matter. For a word that people want eradicated from society it is commonly used in popular media.
It is not as easy to avoid as you think.
the pistolero
February 5, 2021 @ 9:57 am
“I’m THE GUY…you make me look bad.”
Wow, what a narcissistic piece of shit.
King Honky Of Crackershire (hates Bobby Bones)
February 5, 2021 @ 10:02 am
Bobby clearly is “The Guy”. He’s the gatekeeper for the industry known as Country Music that is based in Nashville, TN.
I don’t see how you figure he’s not, and if he’s not, then who is? You’re certainly not, if that’s what your hoping.
Could it be that you wish he wasn’t, and you’re trying to impute your wishes onto reality?
Trigger
February 5, 2021 @ 10:06 am
Well, seeing how I just called myself a “two-bit blogger,” probably not.
I’m not saying Bobby Bones does not have reach. But you have to be pretty devoid of self-awareness to declare yourself the “The Guy” in country as a DJ on a dying medium. At the least, let someone else make that declaration for you. Not your place.
As I’ve always said, artists come first. If there is a “King,” it’s in the ranks of performers. Country music is all of us collectively.
Sir Adam the Great
February 5, 2021 @ 10:56 am
Give yourself some credit, Trig. You’re a four-, maybe five-bit blogger.
Bill from Wisconsin
February 5, 2021 @ 11:16 am
Ha! How many bits are on the bit scale? Is that 1-5 bits or a 10 bit scale? 🙂
Adam S
February 5, 2021 @ 3:19 pm
8 bits to a byte
Dave
February 6, 2021 @ 12:01 pm
Totally agree with you. He is the real King of Country Music and always will be.
Eric
February 5, 2021 @ 12:37 pm
Even the “Greats” defer to the performers before them who helped paved the path for the future. The fact that Bobby Bones is as popular as he is, is just indication of how far modern country music has veered away from being the heartbeat of the common man. Bobby Bones is a narcissistic, virtue-signalling man-child. Put up against Merle Haggard’s legacy, Bobby Bones is just a runny-nosed girl scout that nobody really likes, but whose parents have a big pool.
King Honky Of Crackershire
February 5, 2021 @ 1:23 pm
Trigger,
I don’t think you’re two-bit. If I did, I wouldn’t read this site. I do think you’re a punk-@$$ censoring prick though.
I’m saying that it doesn’t matter whether Bobby calls himself “The Guy”, or someone else does, he obviously is “The Guy”. He has the power to make or break careers. He is the gatekeeper for Trashville. I have no use for the dude, as I haven’t actively listened to top-40 radio in nearly a quarter century, but I just don’t see how this is even arguable.
I disagree that an artist should be “The Guy”, because I can’t think of any artists who are emotionally stable.
Trigger
February 5, 2021 @ 1:35 pm
Honky, no need to be shy. We won’t make fun of you for being a closet Bobby Bones listener. 😉
Look, if I did have to assign someone as “The Guy” in country music media that has the most power in making or breaking careers, it wouldn’t be Bobby Bones. He’s way too polarizing, and despite having a decent-sized audience, it’s among a niche demographic that still interacts with a dying medium, which is corporate radio. That’s like saying Chuck Todd is “The Guy” in politics just because he moderates Meet The Press. These people are at the helms of dying institutions, and are only only there because their corporate handlers don’t have a bead on what the public wants.
If there really was “The Guy” in country media, I would say it’s John Marks, who programs country music for Spotify. He has control over MASSIVE corporate playlists, and is truly making and breaking artists, just like he did for years on SiriusXM. But of course, nobody knows about him. That’s how he’s skirted criticism for years now.
Di Harris
February 5, 2021 @ 7:16 pm
Honky, : D
Know you haven’t been napping this whole time.
Where you at?
Trigger threw you an adorable olive branch.
What say ye?
Proprietor
February 7, 2021 @ 6:55 am
of others??……some should take responsibility for correctly blogging adjectives……Bobby Bones is an idiot…..These percentages of income from last quarter on a substantial country music artist………..Streaming income-77%
Radio Performance Income 1.2%
Its not dying, it is dead….
Jake Cutter
February 5, 2021 @ 11:38 am
Kind of a point here. On the one hand we know that the CMAs, country radio, etc aren’t really country. But…..many of us pretend they are, and think they are able to be salvaged. So, if we’re going to pretend that the mainstream country is actually country, might as well pretend Bobby Bones is the guy. He actually epitomizes pretend country absolutely perfectly, IMO.
Long live King Bobby.
Di Harris
February 5, 2021 @ 10:04 am
Poor Bobby!
Mad because you can’t work up more than 2″ even at your most excited?
Sweetheart, you can be king of your household until your fiance’/ wife lays the law, but that is the only place you are king.
And that’s Cool, we Get it.
Not now, or ever, will you be king of country.
Trigger runs circles around you, while he is standing still.
You are so busy being your own self created “It” guy, you have no idea what is going on outside of your merry fifedom. But you keep ranting & doing you Bobby. Bless your heart.
Thank you Trigger for this article.
Still laughing
An actual country music fan
February 5, 2021 @ 11:33 am
No one even knows who the hell “trigger” is. Bobby is without a doubt the largest voice in country music right now. Period.
Trigger
February 5, 2021 @ 11:37 am
Luke Combs would have something to say about that.
Di Harris
February 5, 2021 @ 11:57 am
Right on.
Go Luke and Billy!!!
Casey
February 5, 2021 @ 12:29 pm
Yeah I really don’t think Luke would … that’s not his belief or his personality. That comment doesn’t make any sense.
Trigger
February 5, 2021 @ 12:36 pm
My point is the audience for Luke Combs is much larger than Bobby Bones. Again, why are we even discussing who “The Guy” or “The King” is in country music among media personalities. That label should go to a performer.
Alicia
February 6, 2021 @ 12:28 pm
Bobby is the voice for Country Radio. He is the king of that platform, they turn to him for comment and guidance for promoting the music. I understand what he was saying. He’s not putting himself above the music, just the top of his world of radio.
Christopher Bubb
February 5, 2021 @ 1:12 pm
Needed some time to kill before having your tips frosted, Bobby?
An ACTUAL country music fan.
February 5, 2021 @ 1:17 pm
Who can call themselves an actual country music fan and not know who the Boomswagglers are to say “nobody knows who trigger is”
Marcel Ledbetter
February 6, 2021 @ 4:35 am
Say it louder for those in the back!
Charles
February 7, 2021 @ 12:56 pm
Your guy is also quoted as saying “there’s no such thing as actual country music.” Might wanna change your title there boss.
Dawg Fan
February 5, 2021 @ 10:08 am
I can’t stand him but he’s not entirely wrong about being The Guy when it comes to mainstream country music on radio and tv. He carries a lot of weight and influence in those mediums…unfortunately.
Conner King
February 5, 2021 @ 10:16 am
The only time I hear about this guy is when Trigger posts about him or when Grady Smith may happen to mention him (if he has idk). Bobby Bones may think he is “the guy” and he may have plenty of listeners, but I know there are plenty of people like me who never listen to him or care a bit about what he says. I get my source of country news from other people and will continue to ignore him.
mouths of babes
February 5, 2021 @ 10:19 am
Well, the silver lining in this article is Bones using the phrase ‘heavy is the head that wears the crown.’
It got the Zac Brown Band / Chris Cornell tune of the same name stuck in my head, and I like it.
HEAVY is the HEAD that wears the CROWN! Oh simpler times. That song was a banger. It ripped.
CountryKnight
February 7, 2021 @ 6:34 pm
Yes, any time a phrase from Shakespeare is used is a good thing.
Ronnie Van Zant
February 5, 2021 @ 10:23 am
Bobby Bones is a hack.
Casey
February 5, 2021 @ 12:30 pm
Funny thing to say about a self made millionaire 😂🤣
Steve Severa
February 5, 2021 @ 10:25 am
I have never heard his show and no idea what he looked like, he hasn’t even registered on the edge of my consciousness at any time other than now, so he is not remotely “the guy”
Sean
February 5, 2021 @ 10:34 am
Not that it makes a lick of difference but I respect yours and Grady Smith’s opinion a hell of a lot more than I do Bobby Bones
Trigger
February 5, 2021 @ 10:43 am
I just kind of don’t think “The Guy” or “The King” in country music should be someone from the media. It should be an artist. I think this discussion underscores something I’ve been worried about for a long time, which is the lack of leadership throughout country music, including from the performer class. Back in the day, guys like Ray Price and George Jones, and later Willie and Dolly, and even to an extent Garth Brooks would step up to speak for country music, and people would listen. You just don’t see that anymore. That’s how you can have people like Bobby Bones, and Twitter personalities with 4,000 followers drive the narrative, and usually in the wrong direction. This is a problem throughout society though. We don’t have any leaders. All we have is “influencers” who live to earn social credit. About the closest thing we have is Dale Watson, and unfortunately his reach is very limited.
Bteamer
February 5, 2021 @ 11:53 am
Bobby Bones is not influencer. He has not only promoted big names in Country music before they got to be huge stars. Everyone knows if Bobby Bones promotes you then you are on right road to hitting the charts. Bobby Bones also pushed for woman artist over bro country which needs to end.
Bobby Bones also does amazing work for everyday humans. He has worked very hard to become where he is at in Country music world.
You sir are very misinformed and you don’t want to credit Bobby Bones because you know deep down he is a true leader and why he has such huge fan base. We see his character and know he’s not fake.
Karla
March 26, 2022 @ 8:19 am
If you really know him, you would know that he uses people as rungs of his ladder on his way to the top; as he glorifies himself to his followers.
RWP
February 5, 2021 @ 8:58 pm
You’re way off on this trig, and your misogyny is showing again. We do have artists in leadership roles, only they’re not ” The Guy” or “The King” they are the QUEENS. I’m talking Margo Price and Maren Morris. Just ask them, they will tell you, as they are there to lead for ALL of us. Off with ya head if you dare to think different.
Charles
February 7, 2021 @ 1:00 pm
Misogyny? He’s talking about a dude, so your claims there are unfounded. Seems like “misogynist” and “sexist” are the go to terms for anyone who doesn’t agree with Trigger.
Trigger
February 7, 2021 @ 1:15 pm
I think RWP was being sarcastic. At least I hope he was.
DJ
February 6, 2021 @ 5:42 am
Personally, I don’t want, or need a “leader”. I can make my own decisions, about anything and everything. Having a “leader”, infers/implies you defer to a decision made by someone else. No thanks, I’ll pass.
Self anointed jerks who believe they’re anything other than a self appointed jerk prove beyond a doubt they are as stated.
I never heard of this bone character or wallen except here. Neither speaks for me about anything. In fact, “I’m” the one who speaks for me. I don’t defer to groups who feel/believe they were given an authority I didn’t give- the trouble with groups, which is very obvious, is that they defer to an individual- get that? Individual. Without and Individual your group, no matter the size or cause would not exist- SMH
People are ducking fumb
Kevin Smith
February 5, 2021 @ 10:36 am
In my world (outside of mainstream) country media figures , “The Guy” might just be Bill Cody. Prior to him, Eddie Stubbs perhaps, prior to him Ralph Emery. Their opinions carry weight with me.
Speaking about Bones, I like Natalie Stovall doing the Opry broadcast over him any day. She’s everything he’s not, a musician, sweet, enthused about real country music , easy on the eyes, upbeat, relatable to an audience and whip smart.
Trigger
February 5, 2021 @ 10:39 am
Natalie Stovall does do a good job with the Opry, and fit into the role quite well.
Hey Arnold
February 5, 2021 @ 11:07 am
Let’s just say… When I watch the Opry when she is hosting.. I sure have a “Bone to pick” .. And I ain’t referring to Bobby….
😉😍
NPC
February 5, 2021 @ 11:27 am
I third this opinion! It’s disgusting that she has to say that she’s “filling in for Bobby Bones” and that he has an executive producer credit on Opry Live; he cares way more about the floundering American Idol cash than showing up for one of the greatest institutions in country music. Though his involvement may have been a catalyst for bringing the Opry back to television, it’s an egregious stain on the broadcasts that I hope can be removed in the next couple of seasons. Stovall all the way!
Dan
February 5, 2021 @ 10:49 am
Thank you for writing this! Totally agree!
AltCountryFanatic
February 5, 2021 @ 10:57 am
I think it is a testament to where country music is at right now that I consider myself a huge Country and Alt-Country fan and I have absolutely no idea who Bobby Bones is.
Doyle Hargraves
February 5, 2021 @ 10:57 am
somebody call me a hearst
Hey Arnold
February 5, 2021 @ 11:04 am
The GUY that is the #2 man behind Seacrest on American Idol?? Same guy?
Hank Charles
February 5, 2021 @ 11:21 am
Personally, I only know one person that regularly listens to his show and it’s a ditsy, 25 year old girl who doesn’t even listen because of music, just for the entertainment
Looking at him and listening to him talk, it definitely makes sense that she would be his target demographic.
Colter
February 5, 2021 @ 11:22 am
I declare Bobby Bones a little bitch.
Mark Palm
February 5, 2021 @ 11:22 am
Bones doesn’t have a country bone in his body. He has ruined the Opry televised broadcasts. I can’t stand to look at his smug ass. I wish the ghost of Mr. Acuff would rise up and knock the shit out of him with a trick yo-yo move.
Christin Bishop
February 5, 2021 @ 11:27 am
Bobby Bones is THE man in country music. Tons of artists are who they are because he took a chance and them and loved their music. He deserves this title and has worked toward it his entire life. He’s kind, has a huge heart, and surrounds himself with positive people. If people don’t like him, it’s because they haven’t given him a chance. He’s super relatable and has a story we can all relate to in one way or another. Always proud of you Bobby!
Buck O'Brien
February 5, 2021 @ 11:41 am
If Bobby Bones took a shit in your mouth, would you chew it or swallow it whole? I don’t like him because he’s arrogant, ignorant and doesn’t belong in a genre he has no respect for. I think he knows what he’s doing as a radio personality, but he doesn’t belong in country music.
Kraner
February 6, 2021 @ 6:38 am
He’s the reason I can’t watch the Grand ol Opry any more
Mac Sledge's Revenge
February 5, 2021 @ 11:37 am
Listened to Bobby’s show occasionally on the way to work a few years ago until it veered into “hate listening” and realized I was just doing it to rile myself up and quit. But one thing that always bugged me was how little he actually cared about “country music” and only cared about name dropping the latest country singers and his relationship with them. He was obsessed with talking about how he was “texting with Dierks” about this or that, or hanging out with [insert whoever sucks] after the show. It is always about him. Not anything else.
Any conversation that veered into analysis about the state of current country music (or even a specific song) was dismissed. Everything stayed surface level only. If you didn’t like a current hit, you were “too old.”
stellar
February 5, 2021 @ 11:55 am
yuuuuuuck. Not surprising, but yuck.
Joseph Stein
February 5, 2021 @ 11:38 am
Was waiting for this article as soon as I heard him say it lol
Buck O'Brien
February 5, 2021 @ 11:39 am
“Bobby”, if that’s even his real name, wouldn’t know a good country song if it crawled out of his ass. I’ve never enjoyed listening to him
Stacy Lewallen
February 5, 2021 @ 10:40 pm
Hearing his voice makes me sick. How is this idiot still on the radio. Such a fake kiss ass
Lisa
February 5, 2021 @ 11:42 am
Well Bobby is certainly full of himself. I’ve listened to his podcast. He takes name dropping of his celebrity “friends” to a new level. I have to disagree though that he, or anyone else in country music is responsible for Walker’s behavior. That’s all on him.
strait country 81
February 5, 2021 @ 11:43 am
Could have at least worded it better instead of coming off like a egotistical moron but that’s probably asking too much from him.
Kelly
February 5, 2021 @ 11:52 am
How are you even a writer if you can’t listen properly? He never claimed to be “the king”. So now you’re spreading false rumors. He stated that the 9 million people that listen to his show will be looking for him to make a statement and see what he has to say. Bobby generally stays out of celebrity “drama”/politics/negative things. So for him to claim he was the “it” guy meant he felt the pressure to make a statement. He used an old quote to portray his feelings about that. Please stop writing until you have at least one iota of what you are even talking about.
Trigger
February 5, 2021 @ 12:02 pm
{Bobby Bones soccer mom Stans have entered the chat}
Jack W
February 6, 2021 @ 5:25 am
Heavy is the head that wears the crown.
You’re right. He didn’t say he was the king. He just very strongly implied it. Big difference.
Jake
February 5, 2021 @ 11:54 am
Wow this site, just like so many others, misrepresent just to get a few clicks. Disgusting and the only reason I clicked was to show support for Bobby. This writer needs some serious self reflection and start writing about truth.
RWP
February 5, 2021 @ 9:08 pm
You should click around it some more. You may find some artists and other interesting things about country music you didn’t know before, and realize Bobby Bones is a nothing more than a high paid cartoon character who doesn’t know shit.
stellar
February 5, 2021 @ 11:56 am
I heard the ‘heavy is the crown’ quote in Grady’s video on the Morgan scandal and it sounded really weird and off. Now that I know it’s from Bobby Bones that makes sense.
Calhoosier
February 5, 2021 @ 11:58 am
Don’t think being “the guy” in Country music is really something good these days.If Bobby is responsible for Wallen he should go away for awhile.
JM Parks
February 5, 2021 @ 12:05 pm
If Bobby Bones mentions a new artist and plays their music , they are on their way . His influence in Country Music right now is Unbelievable. he is the King where that is concerned .He is the top radio show in Country Music. Right now he has the golden touch . Look how he won Dancing with the stars with not being the best dancer. His fans are very protective of him .
BTeamer
February 5, 2021 @ 12:18 pm
Only people outside the country music genre think hes not “the guy”. In that moment, country music was awaiting his remarks without question. Some to vilify, some to justify, other just to try and understand their own feelings.
I dont think hes saying Im the only guy, but hes correct in saying people look to him as “the guy” to be an example and ambassador for country music.
Trigger
February 5, 2021 @ 12:29 pm
Think you have a typo there. Should be:
Only people outside the country music genre think hes “the guy”.
Me again
February 8, 2021 @ 5:56 am
Or I meant the 9 million people who he talks to each week that consume country music over the radio, make the ratings, and push songs to the tops of charts.. The people making it possible for country stars to be country stars made him “the guy”
Oyster Boy
February 5, 2021 @ 12:19 pm
You can here the music of convicted murders who are currently incarcerated on these platforms (C-Murder, for example) but this Morgan guys said a bad word: crucify him!!!
Andrea Neumann
February 5, 2021 @ 12:40 pm
He talks to 9 million of us on a daily basis and those of us who listen to him DO wonder where he stands on subjects, good or bad. He has introduced us to artists that had never been given a chance. But you’re going to criticize him because he called himself “the guy?” He is the guy that 9 million of us turn to. Give him a break. What a crappy article that THIS was your takeaway on him stating his opinion.
Steph
February 5, 2021 @ 12:47 pm
Bobby is THE NICEST PERSON!! Many look to him for advice as well as country stars. What he said was beautiful and shame on you people beating him up over it!! He spoke his mind. He wasnt wrong. Morgan whalen made a mistake vut called a WHITE guy this name thats a whole other conversation tho and besides the point. Quit beating bobby up over his statement ridiculous.
Jay
February 5, 2021 @ 12:53 pm
Who the fuck is Bobby Bones?
RetiredArmyDog
February 5, 2021 @ 1:30 pm
How can a word have so much power on some of you people and Trigger? This word is used a million times a day. You hear in on radio, movies, conversations, TV, every single day. CEOs that are not black and use the word in jest get fired. Who let this word have so much power over us? Fat white liberal guys writing about how bad a person is for using the N word and he should be cancelled, fired, or crucified. It’s just a word, and if the our black brothers and sisters don’t like us non-black people using the word then they all need to stop using it. This artist dosen’t need to be cancelled and he dosen’t need to apologize. Hey Trigger write a story about Snoop Dog using the N word and nothing happened to him. Today’s pop rap so called country is crap, I cant even listen to it especially if it’s on Iheart radio. Bones wouldn’t know good country music if it bit him in the ass. Now everyone who wants to call me racist look that word up in Webster’s, you might be surprised what that word means…gheez
Trigger
February 5, 2021 @ 1:44 pm
The N-word was used to systemically downgrade black people for centuries, and I have no problem with striking it from the lexicon of acceptable language. I totally understand people who see this issue as a double standard. I personally would also rather not hear it from black performers or individuals as well, and that would hasten its deprecation. But there is a difference between a white person and a black person using it due to the word’s history. Sign me up to have it abolished in hip-hop and from black performers as well. But until then, due to the sensitivity and history of the word, I don’t see why it would be hard for white people to just avoid it entirely. Yes, it’s just a word. But then again, it’s just a word, so just avoid it and move on.
SteveG
February 5, 2021 @ 1:36 pm
Thankfully, Bobby and “country” radio have little to zero influence on my listening habits or enjoyment of the artists I like.
I completely understand the hand-wringing over the dismal state of affairs in “country” radio, but the internet (this site first and foremost!!!) has obviated any need I have for country radio or people like Bobby Bones. I’m discovering, purchasing, and listening to great country music every day without ever turning on the FM knob.
63Guild
February 5, 2021 @ 1:58 pm
Couple things.
1. Bone is trying to insert himself in there to seem bigger than he is and get attention
2. His comments on Morgan show to me he may be the guy that will take the chance on Morgan in time. He will do some big interview to get ratings and claim any credit he can on being the one to rehab Morgan. Mark my words
Jackie
February 5, 2021 @ 2:03 pm
Never heard of him until his syndicated show replaced a local morning show. Nothing about him seems country to me. When I saw his photo, I thought “who is this, the next Mayor of Portland”? I don’t think he’s the king of anything. Or The Guy. Shameless.
Bruce Bremer
February 5, 2021 @ 2:08 pm
I don’t know, man. In my day…sticks and stones. Maybe we were tougher back in the day. What would Hank say?
Bruce Bremer
February 5, 2021 @ 2:19 pm
I don’t know, man. In my day…sticks and stones. Maybe we were tougher back in the day.
SMarco
February 5, 2021 @ 2:21 pm
I don’t know and don’t care about this Bobby Bones guy.
Seems like a dickhead to me.
The days of people looking for DJs to tell them what to think are dead and gone. At least they should be. Same thing with news anchors and editorial boards. Nobody needs you to tell them what to think, anymore.
I’ll take into account the opinion of a two-bit blogger who’s demonstrated an ability and willingness to think critically and disclose his biases over that of some psuedo-celebrity any day of the week.
Taylor 💜
February 5, 2021 @ 2:42 pm
If Bobby Bonehead knew anything at all, he would know that GEORGE STRAIT is the king of country music.
Crazy Horse
February 5, 2021 @ 2:52 pm
Bobby Bones is a whole lot of nothing. I want to see him and Trigger in a cage match. Within three minutes Trigger would be eating his raw bleeding heart and doing a victory dance. The Great Spirit would smile down upon this scene of justice and for a moment everything would be right with the world.
Angela
February 5, 2021 @ 3:36 pm
Who in country music promotion has a bigger audience than BB? Look at his reach with iHeartRadio and the Ryman. His childhood poverty gave him a front seat to the marginalized in our society including the blacks he grew up with.
trevistrat
February 5, 2021 @ 3:45 pm
Are you sure he didn’t say “THE GAY”? (Can we still say that)?
Laney
February 5, 2021 @ 8:18 pm
Praying for all you haters… Bobbybones is one of the most amazing and selfless human beings on this earth. He has a heart of gold and has worked so hard to get where he is . To me he is “The Guy” I hope my son and other young boys grows up to be like. Shame on all you jealous haters. Look him up see all the amazing positive things he does for others. Then look at yourself … Would you do the same if you could?
Mike
February 6, 2021 @ 5:26 am
Proverbs 18:6. “A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strikes.”
Proverbs 18:12. “Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
A nickel’s worth of free advice, Laney. Before you start talking about praying and religion, you might want to crack open the King James Bible. God does not take well to narcissism, which Bobby Bones has shown in droves with his mentioned comments.
Julie B.
February 5, 2021 @ 3:49 pm
Haters are going to hate that’s what they do! Reading some of these comments, they are ridiculous! Half of them are not even true or accurate! Bobby is “The Guy”
Millions and millions of people tune into his morning show, podcasts & TV appearances every day. It’s not his fault you aren’t as successful or even close to his Level!
WapitiHorn
February 5, 2021 @ 4:51 pm
Comments regarding Trigger’s article and exceptions thereto duly noted, Mr. Bones, aka “The Guy”.
Jim Cornelius
February 5, 2021 @ 5:03 pm
Don’t y’all think the narcissism has done got outta hand?
Lloyd Worcester
February 5, 2021 @ 6:09 pm
Ifyou put a rap station on Tell me how many times you hear that word in 15 min But that’s OK Isnt that a double standard????????
Curt Quiggins
February 5, 2021 @ 9:50 pm
Bobby Bones, Who died and made him King ?
He is the most annoying voice claiming to be a part country music that I have ever heard.
Listening to him drone on like a teenage girl writing for Tiger Beat is about as sickening as listening to any Puke Bryan song.
Sadly Country in recent years has turned into 1970’s Bubblegum Pop.
Cindy
February 5, 2021 @ 9:59 pm
Bobby is an egotistical putz. He’s a reflection of how bad some of the country scene has become. He ruined the Opry nights, replaced a decent radio station morning show that I actually liked & more. And don’t throw that “You’re jealous” line at me. Also many artists do not care for him, but are polite like their Mom’s raised them.
Rusty W (the other Rusty)
February 5, 2021 @ 10:36 pm
Bobby Bones is all hat and no cattle.
Oregon Outlaw
February 6, 2021 @ 12:50 am
The number of comments from Bobby Bones listeners in this thread is truly disturbing. How are there so many people unable to distinguish fake from authentic?
Doug
February 6, 2021 @ 9:41 am
There are some comments I could make here regarding the current political scene, but I won’t.
David A. Burke
February 6, 2021 @ 2:58 am
Gotta defend Bobby on this one…I heard what he said and his point was valid. Reading these threads, it’s clear who listens to him and understands what he does–and the impact that he has on everyday Americans. FTR, I wasn’t a fan–and then about a year ago my wife suckered me into listening…and now I’m a huge fan! The whole show works–Eddie is awesome, Amy is amazing–lunchbox is…well lunchbox. Yes–what he said was outside his normal “humble and kind” approach, but is he wrong? Bottom line–this guy (Bobby Bones) and his show have gotten me through a rough patch and one helluva year with positivity, political neutrality (can’t believe he pulls that off) and humor. His show is about kindness and humanity. This piece is all about envy and hate. I get it–he’s engaged to a supermodel 13 years his junior, reportedly worth 50M plus, and won Dancing with the Stars–there’s a lot to envy. BTW, saw the “Raging Idiots” in SA in 2018 and it was AMAZING…and I’m a very VERY critical musician. You can’t hate on a guy who is all about positivity and love and whose sidekick literally pimps joy. The world–‘Murica–needs a lot more Bobby Bones and a lot less Triggering. Why you gotta be so mean, man?
Di Harris
February 6, 2021 @ 8:57 am
“‘Murica”, says it all.
The country you are living in is, America.
Corncaster
February 8, 2021 @ 5:29 pm
“engaged to a supermodel 13 years his junior, reportedly worth 50M plus, and won Dancing with the Stars”
Look, I’m all for local boy makes good. Bobby was born in a tiny rural town in Arkansas, his dad left, mom died, and he came up through radio. Good for him. At a certain point, it must have gone to his head. Bobby is all urban now, and now he’s thinking about becoming a *cough* politician.
Yeah, that’d be a no.
Mike
February 6, 2021 @ 12:58 pm
Narcissism is not positivity. Not in the slightest.
Heyday
February 6, 2021 @ 3:10 am
You can’t be “The Guy” in an artistic endeavor like music if you don’t create (or facilitate the creation) of anything. Bobby Bones doesn’t create anything.
Bones’ statement would be akin to Howard Cosell saying he was “The Guy” of football or boxing, despite having never thrown a football or a right hook.
Bill from Wisconsin
February 6, 2021 @ 6:35 am
Lol I thumbed it up because I agree but the reference is probably too dated for many on here. Joe Buck would be a more current guy who thinks he’s The Guy.
Cory S
February 6, 2021 @ 6:17 am
I’m thankful the only experience I have with Bobby Bones and Morgan Wallen is from reading about the moronic things they have said. I searched out Morgan Wallen on Youtube to see what he “sings” and got a chuckle for a few minutes when I realized he was another disposable country tailgate singer.
I’ll continue on my quest of discovering more artists from the past that made music that is worthy of my (and most of everyone else’s) time and money.
stogie5150
February 6, 2021 @ 6:17 am
Bob Wills is the King. End of story.
JohnV
February 6, 2021 @ 6:24 am
Bobby Bones always always always takes everything about anyone else and turns it around and makes it all about him. I would rather listen to the sound of wind chimes than listen to his self-serving “it’s all about me/nobody likes me” show and his endless wining for hours. Who really cares what he thinks. I have no idea how he got where he is.
NattyBumpo
February 6, 2021 @ 8:25 am
I’ve tried and tried to listen to his show but there’s something way to plastic about it for me. Maybe if he had some other type of program going on and I could see him from a different pov I would change my mind but for now BB is just pure fluff huff and puff.
Charlie
February 6, 2021 @ 8:42 am
Teacher has told the kindergartners about the scary bad man. Hopefully the class will get it together and stop snotting in their meakeize gaiters.
(How does Bobby Bones manage to suck more? His superpower: Infinite Suck?)
Insider
February 6, 2021 @ 9:04 am
Interesting comments from Bobby Bones. The fact is Bobby Bones has ‘Reach’ but he does not have ‘Ratings.’ Bobby Bones loses in almost every market he is in. That’s a fact. Boston, Denver, San Antonio, Nashville. Even Austin, where he came from, he now loses. The list goes on and on. If you compete against Bobby Bones in your home market; congratulations, you are probably doing much better than when iHeart had a local show as your competition.
What Bobby has is ‘Reach.’ He’s in a lot of markets. Make no mistake, these are not markets Bobby Bones earned and held because of good ratings. These are markets that are following a corporate mandate to cut cost and handed all to one guy.
For a country artist, it’s a lot more convenient to sit in Bobby Bones’ studio for an hour, kiss his ass and be heard all over the country then do 30 separate interviews with 30 separate higher rated radio stations across the country. That’s why Nashville artists put up with him. Ask then personally what they think of Bobby Bones and I bet you won’t hear any of them calling him ‘The Man,’
Trigger
February 6, 2021 @ 1:38 pm
Exactly.
Every time I call out Bobby Bones, I feel bad the next day, because generally, I don’t think the guy is a bad dude. But he’s not a popular figure. He’s an ensconced figurehead that is there because somebody has to be. Just like many singles, he’s shoved down people’s throats, and they tolerate him. Doesn’t mean he doesn’t have fans, but when presented with better alternatives, people make better choices.
NattyBumpo
February 7, 2021 @ 6:26 am
Spot on right there. I want to like the guy but he’s total plastic. I’m not going to like him just because I’m told he’s the guy and I should like him because of that. He’s out of his league and out of his spot. A role for a guy like him would be the dude on a show that comes on everyday to do a five minute segment on some trending artist and then it’s over and he’s done and you don’t hear anymore from him until the next day.
And he’s not unlikeable and I don’t hate the guy. But he’s pretty much fluff.
Doug
February 6, 2021 @ 9:51 am
Hey Trigger, I have long respected (and often defended) your writing for its even-handedness, so I was more than a little surprised to see this in your commentary on the Bones/Wallen affair: “Morgan Wallen’s N-bomb was the word that launched 1,000 think pieces about how the entire genre of country music is racist, and needs to be remade in the image of angry women from New York who will never be happy until the rest of us are as miserable as they are.” That seems a bit gratuitous, don’t you think?
Trigger
February 6, 2021 @ 1:35 pm
Right now there are many think pieces being published by individuals and outlets decidedly outside of the country music space chock full of inaccuracies and sometimes outright lies with the express purpose of remaking a cultural institution they have no ownership in into their own image. These voices are pairing with some that are inside the country music media industry (though they do very little actual work) who are actively attempting to undermine the genre from within under the misguided notion destroying country music and its institutions will turn red areas to blue.
Morgan Wallen made a catastrophic mistake and he paid for it, and deserved what he got. But the industry responded with the most severe action possible, and there’s no reason to believe country music harbors or promotes racist sentiments institutionally in 2021. We all should take responsibility for what happened with Morgan Wallen. I take responsibility, even though I was basically the ONLY one to criticize and warn about him in print before this happens. But country music doesn’t need to be torn asunder and rebuilt with race and political alignment being the primary driver of who gets to succeed.
Corncaster
February 6, 2021 @ 12:32 pm
Look at Bones’s publicity photo. I’m still laughing.
If you print it, show it around, and ask people what line of work this anonymous person is in, fifty bucks says the top three answers will be “lawyer,” “accountant,” and “hairdresser.”
Not necessarily in that order.
Hey Arnold
February 6, 2021 @ 1:20 pm
More like “obnoxious Internet troll” profile pic
Believe me, it takes one to know one
Joseph W Clark
February 6, 2021 @ 12:42 pm
Who is Bobby Bones ?
Hey Arnold
February 6, 2021 @ 1:19 pm
Bobby Bones (born Bobby Estell) is an American radio and television personality, best known for hosting the nationally syndicated The Bobby Bones Show, originating at WSIX-FM in Nashville, TN, and for his role as a full-time mentor on American Idol on ABC. He was the winner of season 27 of Dancing with the Stars with partner Sharna Burgess. He has also written two New York Times best sellers. He’s also a raging douchebag.
Nikeesa
February 6, 2021 @ 7:48 pm
The author of this article is taking Bobby’s words way out of context. Essentially bobby is “the guy” in the sense that if he says someone or some song is good, it shoots up in popularity. He reaches about 9 million people per week, pretty incredible. I have been a fan of the BBS for a few years now and I think he spoke like any realist would and should. Don’t be jealous of his impact or success by saying he’s self centered. The focus should be on Morgan’s bad choices and inability to mature and that fault is no ones but Morgan’s. #bteam
-NR
Annoyed
February 6, 2021 @ 7:57 pm
Bobby bones is a whiner. All he does is cry poor pitiful me. I think he’s annoying I refuse to listen to his show.
HOOSIERBILLZ
February 6, 2021 @ 9:04 pm
I read these comments and realize there are some dumb folks out there in the world. Half the problem with dumb folks not knowing anything is what they do think they know is worthless as well. Bones point is based on his current voice within country music as the king of country radio. If you have not realized, media is the true ruler and power in the country. That goes for the radio too, mot just the boob tube. He can make or break a career. He’s a positive person who does a lot of good for a lot of people. So maybe don’t try and tear people down but rather try and lift up.
Leah
February 7, 2021 @ 8:08 am
Bobby bones said G dang word . Maybe you should go away and think about how that makes some of us feel the n word is all over the radio and no one says they should go away for awhile. I think it’s a shame you say that Morgan is a good guy but leave till later date. Let’s get real here. What about David Allen Cole etc I don’t believe I’ll be listening to your show anymore I feel you or being 2 faced cause if you wasnt doing country you would be doing rap or hip hop which says the n word. You would be out of a job. So much to say but just gonna say bye # freemmorganwallen
Neil
February 7, 2021 @ 2:36 pm
Not sure who Bobby Bones even is?? Does he have 61 number 1 hits??? If not, I don’t think he can call himself the King of Country. Besides, a true King is called that others. He doesn’t call himself the King.
Jerry W Tillison
February 27, 2021 @ 5:54 pm
I do miss hearing more than one country station in my area. El Paso used to have at least two Country Stations with two morning shows. Both were local, honest, and funny. Now all we have is one station which is iheart of course with BB all morning. When I do turn it on I don’t know if I’m listening to a Pop station or Country. I guess that’s why Pandora and SXM are popular alternatives. I guess its almost impossible for the little guys in this industry to make it big.