I watched that tribute show a few months ago w/ Merle, Willie and Porter...he didn't look well but pulled off his numbers pretty well.. Hafta' admit I was tuned in more for Asleep at the wheel...I never get enough of big Ray and appreciate how he's kept the western swing sound alive!.
Today's Country music has a few exceptions but for the most part is a Fart Brooks/Shania way of doing things now...keep pumping a buncha' dough into something to keep the kite afloat while pretending it's a wonderful thing and people buy it anyway..
RIP Porter...hope your enjoying a few drinks w/ Ernest Tubb and jamming w/ Buck, Hank, Chet, Bob Wills and the boys!.
~ Pete