Country Music has various appeals some like the old time music, some like the new country and some just like the music. All music has some roots and some singers you want to hear more than others. In country music, the starting place is the church and then the church is what you are suppose to be, country music is more about life around you and sometimes about you. In all music, people have their reasons for listening more to one genre than another. In all music, there is touring by the musicians and trying to sell recordings to people to listen to on a regular basis. Most people have bought music in their lives for it is rare to go to an event without some music in the background or even the foreground. In the book In the Country of Country – People and Places in American Music the author Nicholas Dawidoff, published by Random House, NY, 1997 visits some of the great stars on the country circuit. Each of them had a gift of music and more importantly needed to share the music as opposed to doing something else in life. Entertainment magazines give an idea of what life is like after making it on the charts, however most of the entertainers put thousands of miles on the road going from one venue to the next. The important element is the drive to succeed as well as the knowledge that many others share the music. Over the years we have seen shows such as American Idol and others of people who believe they can sing ( I not in the group) and make a good living. The two elements are not interchangeable; but when you do find someone who can – it maybe a joy to listen to.

Linking to dividend paying stocks, not all singers are the same and not all stocks are the same except for their are listed on the stock exchange. The quality is different and that is why to lower the risks, picking profitable companies is the key to long term success. There are lots of reasons why companies are successful and learning about them is a continuing process. If the company can produce profits on a regular basis, it can go on your list. Narrowing list of excellent companies means there are no losers or as few as possible, then you are well on the way to success. If those companies that are making money can also pay dividends as well as reinvest in their business, it stands to reason as long as they can do those actions, you will make money from holding the company. In the book the author talked about some of the singers taking complex ideas and making them simple and meaningful to the audience. It is easier said than done.

There are more questions than answers, till the next time – to raising questions.