"Playing the game" is a natural act of operating within industries. It's not necessarily about bending over backwards for an institution. You never want to lose a part of yourself trying to be completely agreeable. However, an open mind and a little bit of flexibility goes a long way in taking steps in a particular field. It's all a matter of personal intuition and boundaries. This is especially true in music, something Johnny Paycheck had to grapple with in his career.
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The country crooner was one of the earlier acts rising within early Nashville. As time went along, though, he noted how outlaw country really began to take root in the hearts of fans nationwide. That sense of rebellion would not only endear fans, but would provide a sense of power and credibility to artists paving the way. When some acts would compromise who they were in order to fit a specific image, it lefts guys like Johnny Paycheck trying to adjust accordingly. However, history eventually leaned in his favor. Still, it's something he wished he fought harder for in the end.
Johnny Paycheck Regrets Compromising in Order to Get His Foot In The Door
In a 1976 interview, Paycheck opened up about Nashville in his early days and how it changed over time. Ultimately, he argues that, despite his honky tonk upbringing, being an outlaw was always true to him. That renewed sense of traditionalism in the vein of Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings revitalized Johnny. However, there was a time where the Grand Ole Opry didn't value this in artists and he didn't feel like he could fight against the status quo.
"You know, it took years just to get a set of drums on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. They used 'em on records, they used 'em on tours, people love it, and yet they wouldn't let 'em on the Opry. And then when they did it was just a snare drum! They just recently let 'em use full sets," Johnny explains.
Still, Paycheck wishes that he fought harder to express his values. He was so anxious to find his footing in Nashville that he didn't get to show who he truly was. "I used to b***h and preach about that years ago. Back then we didn't have a chance, though. There was too many of them," Johnny sighs. "There wasn't enough rebels, there wasn't enough people to tell 'em off, so those that did automatically got shut down. The only thing I regret is I compromised to a certain degree, because I felt in my case it was the only way I could get my foot in."
