On This Day in Country Music: A History
Contents
On This Day in Country Music provides a history of country music through blog posts, videos, and audio recordings.
Introduction
Welcome to On This Day in Country Music: A History, your daily source for country music history. Every day, we’ll bring you a new country music story, chronicling the events, people and places that made country music what it is today. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting started, we hope you enjoy this trip through country music history!
A look back at the history of country music
Country music has a rich history dating back to the early 1920s. In that time, the genre has seen its fair share of pioneers, innovators, and legends. Today, country music is one of the most popular genres in the world. Here’s a look back at the history of country music.
Early country music pioneers
The early history of country music is often associated with the American south, particularly the Appalachian region. American folk music, which was brought to the United States by immigrants from Europe, has also played a significant role in the development of country music. Over time, these two traditions have melded together to create a unique American sound.
Some of the earliest country pioneers include Jimmie Rodgers, the “Father of Country Music,” and Hank Williams, who helped popularize country music with his honky-tonk style. Other early country stars include Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Conway Twitty. These artists laid the foundation for what would become one of America’s most popular genres.
The rise of Nashville
The rise of Nashville as a music industry hub can be traced back to the 1920s, when a group of music publishers set up shop in the city. These publishers, known as the `Nashville Seven,’ were looking for a place to promote and sell their songs. They soon realized that Nashville was the perfect place for country music, since it was already home to a large population of country fans.
The NashvilleSeven’s efforts paid off, and by the 1930s, Nashville was established as the center of the country music world. The city’s music scene continued to grow in the following decades, with Nashvill becoming home to numerous record labels and radio stations. Thousands of country music artists relocated to Nashville in search of success, and many found it. Today, Nashville is widely considered to be the capital of country music.
The Outlaw Movement
The Outlaw Movement was a musical movement begun in the 1960s by country artists who felt they were being unfairly marginalized by the Nashville establishment. These artists began to record their music outside of the traditional Nashville sound, and their music often had a rougher, more rock-influenced sound. Some of the most famous Outlaw Movement artists include Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson.
The modern era of country music
The early 1990s saw a shift in country music away from the traditional sounds of artists like Alan Jackson and George Strait, and towards a more modern sound that was influenced by rock and pop music. This new style of country music, known as “hat act” or “hair country,” was characterized by a polished, radio-friendly sound, and was led by artists such as Garth Brooks, Clint Black, and Travis Tritt.
During this time, country music also experienced something of a renaissance thanks to the popularity of the television show “Nashville Now,” which featured performances from some of the genre’s biggest stars. The show helped to reintroduce country music to a mainstream audience, and paved the way for further success in the 1990s and 2000s.
In recent years, country music has continued to evolve, with artists like Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift helping to bring the genre to new audiences. At the same time, traditionalists like George Strait have continued to find success with more traditional sounds. As country music evolves, it remains one of America’s most popular genres.
On this day in country music history
On this day in country music history, a lot has happened. Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the most important moments in country music history. From the first country music record to the first Country Music Association Awards, there’s a lot to cover. So let’s get started.
May 5th
May 5th, 1983- Earl Thomas Conley’s “Your the Reason God Made Oklahoma” hits number one.
May 5th, 1997- Shania Twain’s “Come on Over” is released.
Shania Twain’s “Come on Over” became the best-selling album of all time by a female artist, as well as the best-selling country album of all time. The album spent 50 weeks at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, a record for a female artist, and was certified 12× Platinum by the RIAA on December 11, 2000.
June 10th
On this day in country music history, a number of important events took place.
In 1948, Recording artist and songwriter Hank Williams made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
In 1952, “Too Young” became the first #1 hit for singer Nat King Cole on both the pop and R&B charts.
In 1966, Gram Parsons joined The Byrds. Parsons would go on to have a major influence on the country-rock genre.
In 1969, Johnny Cash performed at San Quentin Prison. The concert was later released as an album and became one of Cash’s most successful live albums.
In 1970, Merle Haggard’s “The Fightin’ Side of Me” was released. The song became one of Haggard’s signature songs and is considered by many to be one of the greatest country songs of all time.
In 1974, Willie Nelson’s album, “Red Headed Stranger,” was released. The album was a commercial and critical success, helping to cement Nelson’s status as a country music legend.
July 4th
On this day in country music history, a number of important events took place. Here are just a few of the most notable occurrences:
In 1947, the first commercial recordings of country music were released by Columbia Records. The artists included were Hank Williams, Jimmy Wakely, and Ernest Tubb.
In 1950, “The Grand Ole Opry” moved from its previous location at the Ryman Auditorium to the new Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee.
In 1964, country music singer/songwriter Loretta Lynn made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry.
In 1971, country music singer Merle Haggard released his album “Mama Tried,” which included the title track as well as the single “Okie from Muskogee.”
In 1974, Willie Nelson released his classic album “Red Headed Stranger.” The album included the single “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” which became one of Nelson’s most iconic songs.
Conclusion
In recent years, country music has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with a new generation of artists carrying on the traditions of the genre while also adding their own unique twist. On this day in country music, we celebrate the history of a genre that has been entertaining fans for generations.
