Rockin’ Country Music
The freshest, most rockin’ country music. From the heartland of America, updated daily.
The Origins of Country Music
Country music is a genre of American popular music that originated in the Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from the folk music of the Appalachian Mountains and the music of the settlers of the Western frontier. Country music is often characterized by its use of the guitar and its distinctive twang.
The influence of folk music
Folk music, as the name suggests, is the music of the people. It is passed down from generation to generation, often by word of mouth. Folk music has always been an important part of American culture, and it has had a significant influence on the development of country music.
Many of the early country musicians were influenced by folk music, and they incorporated elements of it into their own style. This can be seen in the use of traditional instruments like the banjo and fiddle, as well as in the songs themselves, which often tell stories about real life experiences.
The influence of folk music can also be seen in the lyrics of country songs. Many country songs deal with themes that are common in folk songs, such as love, loss, heartache, and social commentary. Additionally, many country songs make use of traditional folk melodies.
The influence of folk music on country music is evident in many different ways. It is clear that without folk music, country music would not be the same genre that it is today.
The influence of blues
The blues has been a major influence on country music, with artists like Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams acknowledging their debt to the genre. The blues also helped to give birth to rock and roll, with artists like Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis taking inspiration from the raw sound of the blues.
The influence of gospel
The arrival of the Great Depression in the 1930s led to a resurgence of traditional forms of music, including religious music, as people sought comfort in the familiar. The major influence on country music in the early 20th century was gospel music, which captured the natural sounds of religious revivals throughout America. The African American experience also played a significant role in shaping the sound and style of country music, with black artists introducing elements of blues and jazz into their songs.
The Development of Country Music
Country music is a genre of music that was developed in the Southern United States. It is a fusion of folk music, Western music, and blues. Country music has its roots in the folk music of the Southern United States. It has been influenced by other genres of music, such as jazz, rock, and pop.
The rise of the Nashville sound
The Nashville sound was a subgenre of country music that emerged in the late 1950s and became extremely popular in the 1960s. It was characterized by a more polished and commercial sound that aimed to appeal to a wider audience, in contrast to the earlier, more traditional style of country music.
The Nashville sound was developed by a group of Music Row producers and songwriters, including Owen Bradley, Chet Atkins, and Bill Porter. Over time, it came to be associated with specific instruments and sonical elements, such as the use of strings and background vocalists singing in a high, nasal whine. The Nashville sound was extremely successful and helped to make country music more commercially viable and mainstream.
The Outlaw movement
The outlaw movement was a reaction to the polished and often formulaic Nashville sound. Musicians such as Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard wrote and performed songs that were more stripped down and personal, with stories about real life struggles. This new approach to country music gained popularity in the 1970s, and the outlaw movement became one of the most important forces in country music.
The influence of pop
In the early 1950s, country music was considerably influenced by popular music. It became increasingly novel to use electrically amplified instruments such as electric guitars and bass guitars, as well as drums. This was a direct result of the tremendous influence of rockabilly, which blended country, blues, and pop music. The effects of rockabilly would be strongly felt in the popularity of artists such as Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis.
The Future of Country Music
There’s no doubt that country music is evolving. With the popularity of artists like Chris Stapleton and Maren Morris, it’s clear that the genre is heading in a new direction. So what does the future of country music hold? only time will tell, but one thing is for sure, it’s going to be exciting.
The influence of technology
Technology has had a profound impact on the music industry, and country music is no exception. For starters, the internet has made it easier than ever for country artists to reach a wider audience. No longer do they have to rely on radio airplay or hope that their music videos will be played on TV; they can simply post their songs online and let fans discover them.
Social media has also played a role in promoting country music. Artists can connect with fans directly and build up a sizable following relatively quickly. This can lead to greater success when it comes time to release new music or go on tour.
In terms of the actual music, the use of digital audio workstations (DAWs) has made it easier than ever for artists to create professional-sounding recordings. This has leveled the playing field somewhat and allowed independent artists to compete with major labels in terms of production quality.
Finally, technological advancements have also made it possible for country artists to experiment with new sounds and styles. Thanks to things like auto-tune and other effects, it’s now possible to create all sorts of interesting new genres that blend traditional country with other genres like pop, rock, and even electronic dance music.
The influence of other genres
As the popularity of country music has grown, it has begun to absorb influences from other genres. This can be seen in the use of elements of rock, pop, hip-hop, and R&B in recent country songs. Some of the most popular country artists, such as Keith Urban and Florida Georgia Line, have built careers by incorporating elements of other genres into their music.
This trend is likely to continue as country music continues to crossover into the mainstream. As more people are exposed to country music, they will bring their own musical influences with them. This will create a more diverse and interesting genre that is able to appeal to a wider range of people.
The influence of the Internet
The internet has had a huge impact on the music industry, and country music is no exception. The ability to download and stream music has made it easier than ever for people to discover new artists and find new favorite songs. This has led to a resurgence in popularity for country music, as people of all ages are rediscovering the genre.
One of the most notable changes that the internet has brought to country music is the way that people consume it. In the past, most people would listen to country music on the radio or buy CDs. Now, there are a variety of ways to listen to country music online, including streaming services like Spotify and Pandora, as well as downloading songs from iTunes or Amazon Music. This has made it easier than ever for people to find and listen to the songs they love, whether they’re at home or on the go.
Another big change that the internet has brought to country music is the way that artists promote their music. In the past, artists would have to rely on radio airplay and word-of-mouth to get their music out there. Now, they can promote their music on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, as well as through video-sharing sites like YouTube. This allows artists to reach a wider audience and connect with their fans in new and innovative ways.
The internet has also had an impact on the way that country music is created. In the past, most country songs were written by professional songwriters hired by record labels. Now, with platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud, any artist can share their original songs with the world. This has led to a new wave of talented singer-songwriters who are making their mark on the genre.
The impact of the internet on country music is evident in every aspect of the genre, from the way that people consume it to the way that artists promote their music. It’s safe to say that the future of country music is looking bright thanks to this ever-evolving medium
