The article “Out of Touch with Reality” (Hammer, Feb. 21-28) was “about” the Grammys, but instead Steve Hammer talks about how “music is dead.” The Grammys were made to show what albums were top sellers and what the people liked hearing on their radios, record players and now iPods. The recording industry isn’t becoming “more out of touch” it’s just changing to what the people like hearing.

James Brown could’ve been honored better, I agree to that, but Christina Aguilera performed his song with her style. She honored the Godfather of Soul her own way, by choosing to perform one of his creations the way she wanted to perform it.

In American Idol, the contestants on the show sing songs given to them in their style. Yes, they may not be the best singers, but at least they’re singing in a style they have developed. The show doesn’t promote anything; it just is allowing people to do what they want.

Even if rock is “dead in its grave” and “hip-hop and rap are on life support,” those styles will still be listened to. New music styles will come out and there’s nothing people can do to stop them from coming. People need to be ready for a change in what they hear. They don’t have to like it; nobody will force it on them because they have their views and opinions on different styles.

Music is not “dead” if it’s simply not heard on the radio, it just turns into one of those songs that when it’s played people say, “Oh! I haven’t heard this in a while.” Music is always changing; it’s how people express themselves in changing times.