Country music was born out of the mixing of cultures in early America. Over time, it has come to symbolize American ideals: Love of family, God, and country. The lyrics tell stories that express rural life but also speak to the human spirit. More recently, country music has gone mainstream. Let’s take a look at the history of Country music.
Common Instruments in Country Music
- Guitar
- Banjo
- Voice
- Violin
- Harmonica
- Mandolin
- Pedal Steel Guitar
- Dobro
- Electric bass or Upright bass
- Drumset
- Piano
- Accordion
- Washboard
- Autoharp
1. The Birth of Country Music (1920s-1930s)
Country music began in the Appalachian Mountains in the early 20th century. Folk, blues, and Western music genres came together to create this new genre of music. Immigrants from Europe brought instruments like fiddles, banjos, and guitars to the Appalachian Mountains. With the influence of African-American blues, a unique sound was created.
Jimmie Rodgers is known as the “Father of Country Music.” He was known for “yodeling,” a style of singing that requires the singer to quickly change back and forth between head and chest register. After working in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rodgers recorded his music in the late 1920s and rose to National fame.
Also, in the late 1920s, the Carter Family helped popularize country music. They traveled around the U.S. performing and recording music. The Carter Family was a trio of musicians: A.P. Carter, his wife Sara, and her cousin Maybelle. Maybelle’s guitar playing greatly influenced bluegrass music. They are considered the first country superstars.
2. The Rise of Honky-Tonk and Western Swing (1930s-1940s)
As the genre grew in the 1930s, different styles emerged. One style was honky-tonk music. Hank Williams is often called the “King of Country Music” and was part of this honky-tonk trend. Fifty-five singles of Hank Williams reached the top 10 spot. Some of his songs like “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” are still country classics today.
Another important sub-genre in country music came from the Western Swing movement, led by artists like Bob Wills. Western Swing combined country with jazz and big band music. This music was very danceable and upbeat.
No matter what sub-genre, country music had common characteristics. Lyrical themes often centered around family, rural life, and love. Songs tended to idealize rural life. This could be because many people had moved away from rural places for work in the city and were looking back at their roots with a certain fondness.
3. The Golden Age of Country Music (1950s-1960s)
The “Golden Age” of country music was in the 1950s. Artists like Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, and Elvis Presley helped bring country into the mainstream. Radio and television enabled artists to reach wider audiences.
The Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry was a radio broadcast that featured musical talent, comedy, and skits. It was started in 1925 by George D. Hay as the WSM Barn Dance. The name was later changed to Grand Ole Opry. It’s the longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.
Some people thought that country music was getting too polished and mainstream. Artists like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings helped usher in a new sub-genre called Outlaw Country. Their music was edgier and more independent.
4. The Influence of Pop (1970s-1990s)
As time went on, country music became more influenced by pop music. Artists like Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, George Strait, and Garth Brooks are examples of artists who did well in the era of country music.
5. Country Music Today (2000-Present)
Country music in the 2000s and beyond saw more blending of genres. Artists in country music started incorporating rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music into their songs. Artists like Taylor Swift began as country stars before transitioning to pop music, while others like Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, and Carrie Underwood found huge success by adding a fresh twist to classic country.
The rise of bro-country in the 2010s, led by stars like Florida Georgia Line, brought songs that often focused on partying, trucks, and country living, with a sound that appealed to a younger, more pop-driven audience.
6. The Influence of 9/11 on Country Music: The Voice of America
On September 11, 2001, the world saw a tragedy like no other on American soil. Two planes flew into the Twin Towers in New York. Other planes were also hijacked by terrorists in Virginia and Pennsylvania. in total, 2,763 people were killed that day. There were no words to express the grief felt by Americans across the country. Alan Jackson and Toby Keith released songs about the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Jackson’s song “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” was released in 2002 and was one of the first patriotic hits after 9/11. Keith’s song “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” was also released in 2002 and became a huge success, ushering in a new era of patriotic country songs. It seemed the country genre’s unique ability to tell stories, no holds-bar way of shouting “Jesus” from the rooftops, and nostalgia for rural places were the perfect fit for this new movement.
Conclusion
Country music is about telling stories about life, love, hardship, and everything in between. It’s a genre that celebrates authenticity and individuality. A genre that idealizes rural places and family life and which sees its place in the grand scheme of things. Country music has come a long way from its rural beginnings in the Appalachian Mountains. Today, it will continue to grow and change as America changes because, by its very definition, it reflects the culture and traditions of rural Americans now and in the past.
Critical Thinking Questions
- How did country music change from it’s beginning in the 1920s?
- What is “yodeling”?
- How does country music express American values?