My cousin betrayed me, and it took a change of heart to forgive.

I was about ten-years-old before paying attention to music. My cousin, Crystal, is a few years older and introduced me to the world of country music. Kenny Rogers, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, and Alabama were well-worn records in my collection. We were country music fans, and nothing was going to challenge this loyalty.

One afternoon, she had the audacity to listen, and actually enjoy pop music. This grievous act was nothing short of heresy. I swore to myself that I would never turn my back on my first love of country music.

Ya know, with a little salt and pepper, crow ain't all that bad.

Soon enough, pop was my primary choice of music. The pinnacle of my abandonment of country music was crowd surfing at a Motley Crue and Whitesnake concert. My musical taste has exploded with a diversity of genres and artist that encompasses my first love.

How have your musical tastes changed?

What prompted the changes?

What choice surprised you?

What do you enjoy about each genre?

Where have you developed an elitist mindset toward others about their musical choices? Stating others "don't know what real music is," or claiming an artist compromised their craft, is a hefty dose of judgment regarding a musical preference.

Feel free to mock those singing The Magic Schoolbus songs, but pack salt and pepper. When your minivan is full of car seats, there will be a crow dinner awaiting your attention.

The day is coming when the latest Drake, Sam Hunt, Justin Bieber, and Rihanna songs are played over the elevator speakers, and Generation Z will realize a new phase of life is upon you.

A long life provides the opportunity to embrace a diverse cross section of incredible talent and a realization there is a beauty in appreciating each facet of music. 

Going Further: What is a genre you don't like and why? What genre's do you want to explore? How are you musically adventurous? Who are musical artists you appreciate from a generation before and after you? What song/artist introduced you to a new genre?

Bonus Question: If you're under 18, what is the subject of the picture?