The History of Country Music
The History of Country Music
Country music is a genre of American music. Its roots can be traced to the American folk music styles of Appalachian, Creole, and Southern gospel. The cowboy western genre has its roots in the music of New Mexico and Texas. The earliest versions of the genre originated in the southwestern United States. Other influences include Appalachian and Creole music, as well as gospel and cowboy western styles.
In the late 1940s, Eddie Arnold became the biggest country star. The genre was beginning to move away from its working class roots. The new singer referred to himself as a “Tennessee Plowboy” and performed in a tux. The White Citizen’s Council decried the new country music. The aforementioned vocal harmonies and simplicity of chord progressions contributed to country’s appeal. Despite the new sound, many country songs feature strong choruses.
The first major breakthrough of the genre was a hit record by Fiddlin’ John Carson in 1923. This recording was the first of many hits for the genre. The popularity of his records prompted other contemporary artists to follow his example. As the genre continued to grow in the 1930s, many newcomers appeared. Despite their differences, however, the artists of this style had a strong connection to the traditional tradition of country music.
Today, there are many more artists blending traditional and contemporary music. While conservative country songs are focused on redneck life, progressive country music often contains themes such as feminism, minority rights, and gun control. The music of both camps has evolved into two main camps. Both conservative and progressive countries have their fans. There is also a wide range of musical styles that represent a new generation of singers. The main differences between the two are that one is a fusion of folk and other styles, while the other one is more conservative and mainstream.
A. P. and Sara Carter recorded hundreds of songs and merged different genres of music. The Carter Family were considered a major influence on the development of country music. The Carters included anthems of optimism, folk, blues, and a few ballads about death. Moreover, the songwriting style of the family was influential in the development of the genre. It has inspired many other genres of music.
Alt-country songs were born from a backlash against Nashville country music. The genre of country music was overly commercialized and dull, and many artists felt that it was over-produced. Then, in the 1980s, the popular trend of alternative rock became alt-country. With the rise of alternative rock bands like Wilco and George Strait, the genres of the country genres were resurrected. Ultimately, this movement led to a fusion of alternative and mainstream country styles.