Country Music: Music for Every Generation

Although it might seem that country music has been around forever, it has actually only been around since the early 20th century. Although some might call it “cowboy music” the roots of country music might actually be found in the blues, gospel, Celtic and folk music. It began in the early 20th century in the Appalachians of the southeastern USA. Country music is the “working class” music of the south. It usually tells a story or has a moral. In now ’s fast-paced, high-tech world, it’s amazing that “old fashioned” country music still has a place in the hearts of so many -even if you listen to it on your ipod or MP3 player.
The first country music recording that really got noticed was of Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter family back in 1927. This kind of music had been around for a few years before that, but this was the “breakthrough album” for the type of. Jimmie Rodgers played what was called “country folk” and told stories with his tunes. He sang about everything from alcohol to women and even included humor in many of his tunes. The Carter family was multi- skill ed and not only sang beautifully, but additionally played skillfully on guitars and other stringed instruments in true Appalachian tradition.
The next “pioneer” of the country music business was Hank Williams Sr. He took cues from his predecessor, Jimmie Rodgers and sang tunes about life, love, and loss. He died young, just as Mr. Rodgers did but not before passing on his musical genius to his kids and eventually his grandchild.
The country scene vary d in the 1960’s just like everything else in the USA. Two branches broke apart and one followed the traditional and the other put more emphasis on a smooth solo vocal and less emphasis on solo instruments- like the rock and roll of the day. This division continues to some degree now.
Another extensive division occurred in the 1990’s when some of the young performers blended the country sound with some rock and other sounds. This led to more disharmony and some protests by the “old” school country performers.