In a groundbreaking development for one of America’s most long-standing cultural institutions, billionaire entrepreneur, inventor, and investor Elon Musk is purchasing country music for $89 billion in hopes of returning the genre to its past greatness.
The deal will include all of country music’s dedicated major and independent labels, all major radio stations, the Grand Ole Opry and all of its satellite properties, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the annual CMA and ACM Awards, as well as the rights to the defunct Kenny Rogers Roasters fast food chicken franchise.
“Country music is the bedrock of American culture, and actual country music is where matters vital to the hearts and souls of music fans around the world are broached,” said Mr. Musk in a statement. “I also want to make country music better than ever by bringing back the twang and roots, the quality songwriting of the past, giving independent artists equal footing, finally defeating Bro-Country, and making sure all the performers are authentic. Country music has tremendous potential – I look forward to working with the country music industry to unlock it.”
