A Country Music Timeline
A Country Music Timeline is a blog that covers the history of country music from its roots to the present day. The blog covers the major events and milestones in country music and includes videos and articles about the artists who have shaped the genre.
The Early Years: 1920-1940
Country music has a rich history dating back to the 1920s. The earliest country music was a blend of folk and blues. artists like Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family were some of the first to gain popularity. In the 1930s, country music became more polished and radio-friendly. Artists like Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys and Hank Williams rose to fame. The 1940s saw the beginning of the Nashville sound, which was a more polished and commercial sound. This decade also saw the rise of artists like Ernest Tubb, Patsy Cline, and Red Foley.
The first country music recordings are made in the 1920s
The first country music recordings are made in the 1920s, with singers like Fiddlin’ John Carson, Ernest V. Stoneman, and Gid Tanner releasing songs that become popular with rural audiences. These early recordings are mostly of traditional folk songs and dance tunes, and they lay the foundation for what will become known as “old-time” music.
During the 1930s, the popularity of country music begins to spread beyond the South, as artists like Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family find success on regional radio stations. In 1935, Rodgers becomes the first country artist to be signed to a major record label, RCA Victor. His songs, which combine elements of blues and hillbilly music, are a major influence on the development of what will come to be known as country & western music.
The 1940s see the rise of a new generation of country stars, including Hank Williams and Roy Acuff. Williams’ approach to songwriting and his intimate vocal style have a profound impact on country music, while Acuff’s energetic stage shows help to broaden its appeal. By the end of the decade, both Williams and Acuff are among the most popular musicians in America.
The first country music radio station begins broadcasting in the 1930s
In the early years of country music, radio was one of the few ways that people could hear this new style of music. In 1922, WSM in Nashville, Tennessee, began broadcasting “The Grand Ole Opry,” a popular country music radio show. The show featured live performances by country music artists.
In the 1930s, the first country music radio station began broadcasting. The station, WPAQ in Mount Airy, North Carolina, played traditional mountain music and bluegrass. Bluegrass is a type of country music that is named for the bluegrass found in the Appalachian Mountains.
As country music became more popular, more radio stations began playing it. Country music soon became one of the most popular genres of music on the radio.
The first country music magazine is published in the 1940s
The first country music magazine is published in the 1940s
The first country music magazine, “The Country Music Fan,” is published in Nashville, Tennessee. It is later renamed “The Country Music Journal” and then “Billboard Country.”
The Golden Age: 1950-1960
Country music enjoyed a golden age in the 1950s and 1960s. It wasn’t until the early 1950s that country music began to be played on the radio more regularly. This new found exposure led to a boom in popularity for the genre. Some of the most famous country music stars of all time got their start in this era, including Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash.
Country music becomes increasingly popular in the 1950s
In the early 1950s, country music became increasingly popular in the United States, driven in part by a growing popularity of Western movies and TV shows. Country music artists such as Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Buck Owens began to achieve mainstream success, and the genre began to be embraced by a wider audience. By the end of the decade, country music had become one of the most popular genres in America.
Nashville becomes the center of the country music industry in the 1960s
In the early 1960s, Nashville became the undisputed center of the country music industry, and as such, country music as a genre began to be increasingly defined by what was being produced in Nashville. This was due in large part to the fact that Nashville was home to a number of highly successful country music artists and songwriters, as well as a large number of record labels and music publishers. All of these factors helped to make Nashville the primary source for country music for much of the 1960s.
The first country music awards show is held in the 1970s
The first country music awards show is held in Nashville, TN in 1974. The CMAs (Country Music Association) are created to recognize the best in country music. The first show is hosted by Bob Hope and features performances by Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, and Charley Pride.
The Modern Era: 1980-present
The modern era of country music is often said to have begun in the early 1980s. This was a time when artists like Hank Williams Jr. and The Judds began to mix country music with rock and pop, creating a sound that was more accessible to a wider audience. This new, more commercial sound helped to fuel the popularity of country music and bring it into the mainstream.
Country music becomes more mainstream in the 1980s
In the 1980s, country music became more mainstream with the help of such artists as Alabama, Barbara Mandrell, Kenny Rogers, and Dolly Parton. These artists brought country music to a wider audience by appearing on such shows as The Tonight Show and MTV. In 1982, Willie Nelson’s song “Always on My Mind” won a Grammy for Record of the Year, and in 1984, Nelson won again for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before”, a duet he performed with Julio Iglesias.
New subgenres of country music emerge in the 1990s
In the 1990s, two new subgenres of country music emerged: contemporary country and alternative country. Contemporary country was a fusion of traditional honky-tonk country music with more modern elements such as rock and pop. Alternative country was a more experimental form of music that incorporated elements from other genres such as punk rock, indie rock, and folk.
Country music continues to evolve in the 2000s and 2010s
The early 2000s saw a return to more traditional country sounds and themes. Artists such as Alan Jackson, George Strait, Brad Paisley, and Brooks & Dunn enjoyed great success with songs that hearkened back to the honky-tonks and cowboy songs of the past. At the same time, a new generation of artists was emerging who would help take the music in new directions.
The Dixie Chicks became one of the most successful groups in country music history with their 1998 album Wide Open Spaces. The album featured a more pop-oriented sound, and the group’s outspoken political views generated controversy among some fans. In 2003, the group released their follow-up album Home, which featured an even more eclectic mix of styles and earned them critical acclaim.
In 2005, Carrie Underwood won the fourth season of American Idol, becoming one of the most successful singers to come from the reality TV show. Her debut album Some Hearts was released later that year and featured a mix of traditional country sounds and more modern pop influences. The album was a huge success, selling over seven million copies in the United States and spawning several hit singles.
In 2010, Lady Antebellum won five Grammy Awards for their second album Need You Now. The group’s blend of country, pop, and R&B influences helped them reach a wider audience than many traditional country artists. In 2013, they released their follow-up album Golden, which featured another batch of crossover hits such as “Downtown” and “Compass.”
Today, country music is as popular as ever, with artists old and new finding success both on radio and streaming platforms such as Spotify. Whether you prefer the sounds of traditional honky-tonk or more modern pop-influenced tunes, there’s sure to be a country artist out there that you’ll enjoy listening to.
