Origins of Country Music
- In 1998, the Library of Congress listed Bristol, TN as the founding place of country music.
- Originated in the Appalachian region of the US.
- A fusion of the musical traditions of immigrants from African and Europe. Inspiration from everywhere and people of all walks of life!
- Country music made it to the mainstream through the Grand Ole Opry, a show performed in Nashville, TN and aired on WSM.
- Roy Acuff hosted the Grand Ole Opry in the late 30s-early 40s and eventually co-founded the first country music publishing label in 1942 with Fred Rose.
- In the 1950s, female country artists became more mainstream
- Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Jean Shepard, Tammy Wynette
- During the Civil Rights Movement, Charley Pride was one of the first mainstream African-American country artists.
- Also in the 1960s, the central valley of California became an epicenter for country music.
- Bakersfield, CA
- Artists like Merle Haggard and Buck Owens led the scene.
Defining Characteristics of Country Music
- Unplugged guitars, banjos, and mandolins.
- Poetic lyricism, rooted in topical issues like politics, poverty, war, etc.
Trailblazers in Country Music
So who were some of the trailblazers in country music? Jimmie Rodgers is considered one of the founding fathers of country music, with his hosting of the Grand Ole Opry and unique yodel! He was even the first person inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Roy Acuff is also amongst the ranks of the founding fathers of country music, having a prosperous musical career as well as founding the first country music publishing company.
Moving into the 1950s and 60s, many prominent figures began popping up. Patsy Cline, Jean Shepard, and Skeeter Davis were some of the first women to become mainstream in country music. Johnny Cash and June Carter made waves in the industry, each having successful careers of their own as well as their iconic duets. Charley Pride became one of the first black country artists to make it mainstream.
Nowadays, country music has evolved greatly and finds influence in a variety of genres. Artists like Shaboozey, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Kelsea Ballerini, and Tyler Childers are prominent, leading the prolific country music industry into the 2020s and beyond.
Sources:
https://www.loc.gov/collections/songs-of-america/articles-and-essays/musical-styles/popular-songs-of-the-day/country/
https://victrola.com/blogs/articles/the-history-of-country-music
Origins of Country Music Image – https://www.liveabout.com/the-history-of-country-music-934030
Defining Characteristics Image – https://www.radioworld.com/columns-and-views/roots-of-radio/radio-and-the-roots-of-country-music
Charley Pride Image – https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/charley-pride-dead-obit-192455/