The Origins of Country Music

1. The Origins of Country Music

2. Way back yonder • Country music is deeply rooted in the folk traditions of the British Isles. • When immigrants began moving to America they brought their instruments and culture with them.

3. The Irish (Ireland = British Isles) brought the fiddle and its rich tradition. • German dulcimer • Italian mandolin • Spanish guitar • West African banjo

4. In the new world these music and ethnic roots began to become entangled.

5. In the South, folk music was a combination of cultural strains, combining musical traditions of a variety of ethnic groups in the region • some instrumental pieces from British and Irish immigrants were the basis of folk songs and ballads that form what is now known as old time music, from which country music descended

6. In the Appalachian Mountains immigrants from Northern England, Scottish Lowlands, and the Irish province of Ulster settled the region. • In this region the British and Irish folk music predominated.

7. Country music is not the sole creation of European Americans. • a great deal of style—and of course, the banjo, a major instrument in most early American folk songs—came from African Americans.

8. South West • Throughout the 1800s immigrant groups from Ireland, Germany, Spain, and Italy moved to Texas. These groups interacted with Mexican and Native American groups already established in the region.

9. The Country Industry Takes Shape • Early country music can be divided three parts • 1st Generation (1920s) • 2nd Generation (1930s – 1940s) • 3rd Generation (1950s-1960s)

10. First Generation 1920s

11. During the 1920s Atlanta music scene played a major role in the success of many artists. • During the 20s many people from Appalachia moved to ‘Hot Lanta’ to work in the cotton mills. • Much like with immigrants to America, these people brought their musc.

12. With the developing music scene, some of the present record companies realized that musicians such as Fiddlin’ John Carson fit demographic of these agricultural workers

13. The first commerical tracks that could be considered ‘country’ we “Arkansas Traveler” and “Turkey in the Straw” by fiddlers Henry Gilliland & A.C. Robertson. • This music was initially know as hillbilly music.

14. In 1924 Vernon Dalhart became the first country singer with a nationwide hit. The track, which has been covered many times since then, was “Wreck of the Old ’97”.

15. First Female Vocalists • In April of 1924 “Aunt” Samantha Bumgarner and Eva Davis became the first females to release country tracks.

16. By 1922 the steel guitar was introduced to country music.

17. The Carter family, an important early country music group, were first recorded in Bristol Tennessee on August 1, 1927. • A similar scene to this recording can be scene in ‘Oh Brother…’

18. Over the next 17 years the Carter family will record some 300 old-time ballads, traditional tunes, country songs, and gospel hymns.

19. Second Generation 1930s-1940s

20. The setting • The Great Depression’s effects were certainly felt by the recording industry. During this time of financial crisis record sales declined. • Instead, the emphasis on music shifted to radio and “barn dance” shows

21. Grande Ole Opry • On November 28th, 1925 the historical Grand Ole Opry launched on WSM. • The Opry was live “barn dance” radio program which featured many famous country musicians such as Roy Acuff. • The Oprywas broadcast 50,000 watts, which enabled it to be heard across the nation.

22. 1930s & 1940s • “Cowboy songs”, which had been recorded since the 20s, became popular with Hollywood. • The popularity of cowboy songs were furthered by musicians/ actors Roy Rogers and Gene Autry.

23. Country music and western music were often played on the same radio stations, which led to the term ‘country western’.

24. Bluegrass • Bluegrass emerged onto the music scene after WWII when Bill Monroe joined Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs at the Grand Ole Opry.

25. Honky Tonk • Stripped down and raw sounding, honky tonk was made up of a guitar, dobro or steel guitar and later on, drums. • Music of poor whites living in Texas and Oklahoma. • Honky tonk music is typically assoicated with the barrooms in which it was payed and performed.

26. Honky Tonk • Notable Honky Tonk musicians: • Ernest Tubb • Hank Williams (Broadcast from the Opry)

27. Honky Tonk • Honky Tonk would later be known as “Traditional” country.

28. Instruments • In 1935 Western swing band leader Bob Wills added drums to his group. Since drums to “too loud” or “not pure”, Will’s drummer was never allowed to appear on stage at the Opry. • As late as 1956 drummers were tucked away backstage playing playing while the band took the stage.

29. Instruments • Bob Wills added the electric guitar to his band in 1938. • 10 years later Arthur Smith recorded “Guitar Boogie”, a top 10 country single that showcase the electric guitar’s potential.

30. As the electric guitar gained in popularity, most musicians preferred to play Gibson and Gretsch guitars. • During the 1950s the Fender electric was the hot new sound. Since that time, Fenders have been the standard of country music.