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Country Music. Intersession 2013. Origins of Country Music. Early country music was primarily banjo, fiddle, and guitar. These instruments originated in Europe and were brought to America through immigrants.
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Country Music Intersession 2013
Origins of Country Music • Early country music was primarily banjo, fiddle, and guitar. • These instruments originated in Europe and were brought to America through immigrants. • Although country is music is thought of as a predominantly “white music”, many of its origins are within African and slave culture. • In the South many White and Black people played music together. • The banjo was a traditional African instrument. • Country music began to be recorded in the 1920s with artists like Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, and the Carter Family. Jimmie Rodgers
Second Generation • During the Great Depression, records did not sell very well so radio programs became very important. • The most important for country music was The Grand Ole Opryin Nashville, TN. • Many legendary artists became famous for appearing on the show, including: • Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Bob Wills, Roy Acuff, Flatt & Scruggs Ryman Auditorium
Third Generation (1950s-1970s) • With the emergence of Rock and Roll in the 1950s, Rockabilly became a popular style of country music. • Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley • During this time period Nashville became the center of country music producing some of the most important artists of the time. • Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves, Eddy Arnold, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson • With the rise in popularity of country music during this period many mainstream rock artists decided to make country music. • Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Rolling Stones, and The Eagles
Spotlight: Johnny Cash • Johnny Cash was born in 1932 in Arkansas. • He lost his brother to a tragic accident at a young age and left home shortly after to pursue a career in music. • In 1954 he moved to Memphis and was recorded at Sun Records by Sam Phillips. • From this point on Cash became a “household name” and one of the most recognizable figures in the country. • He had another revival in the 1990s that lasted until his death in 2003. • His influence stretches far beyond country music. He has even been covered by Snoop Dogg.
Country Pop • During the 1980s country music began to cross over to mainstream popular culture. • With the transition the music style changed. • It became more polished and had more instruments incorporated into it. • Artists like Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton, and Faith Hill caused country music to explode onto the pop charts.
Country Today • Country music has maintained its popularity as one of America’s top genres of music. • Artists such as Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, and Blake Shelton have dominated the pop charts for the last few years. • Alternative country music has been on the rise in popularity in recent years with help from bands like: Bright Eyes, My Morning Jacket and Calexico.