Country
It has been around for decades, growing back in the 1920′s with such artists as ‘Eck” Robertson and Jimmie Rodgers, but this has come far since them, in leaps and bounds and has become unrecognizable to some and unpalatable to others. It can be hard to imagine how the two eras of Country Music could be so different yet the same. With such diversity among artist and sub genres such as Pop and Rock, just what makes Country Music Country?
Instrumental
Is it the instruments? Traditionally it had fiddles and even high spirited instrumentals, and later slow simple chords, but if that makes, then it definitely rules out almost all the top Country artists on today’s top ten, and even many older artists.
Lyrics
Traditionally this Music had very recognizable lyrics. The song would tell a distinctive story, of loss, pain and life lessons, this set it aside from many other genres of music, but this ‘old’ style seems lost in today’s modern world, and even the ‘story telling’ lyrics seem to be lost among more commercial type songs.
Country music made its mark in the early twentieth century. It was initially popular amongst the people in rural areas of the west and the south. This genre of music has developed from ballads and famous folk tunes. From the days of Hillbilly music, country music is now simply referred to as country, western or country and western. Classic country music is an assortment of tunes from diverse cultures and music patterns.
Each style is different and unique in style. The use of rhythms, chord structures and musical intonations vary. Though modern country music may use contemporary beats, they are adaptations of classic versions. Classic country music has an individualistic character that was developed to suit the artist’s voice modulation capacity and style. These classics are unique and offer inimitable singing styles. This includes the styles of music legends Jimmy Rodgers and Hank Williams.
Vernon Dalhart was one of the first renowned country singers to render an all time hit. Other significant country music artists were Riley Puckett, Don Richardson and Fiddling John Carson. Ernest Stoneman, Charlie Poole, the North Carolina Ramblers and The Skillet Lickers were others who made their presence felt in the field of country classic music in its early days.
Country music is getting popular nowadays. With huge names such as Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood and Sugarland, no doubt this type of music is listed as one of the top music genre of this time. It’s amazing how country has turned into something as gigantic as it is today amidst the modern times wherein pop music and techno music are popping out everywhere.
The best thing about country music is said to be the songwriting. These songs seemed to have more passion and heart when listened to. It sparks this connection among its listeners that makes it as one of the most celebrated music genre. This type of music usually tells a story more that people tend to relate to.
As country music is on its continuous rise to popularity, the acoustic guitar is also becoming one of the most widespread musical instrument that everyone wants to play. Acoustic guitars are the common type of instrument used in country music which makes the stringed instrument really earning the spotlight as well. Country superstar, Taylor Swift, for example, is well-known for being the doe-eyed country sweetheart who is best of friends with the guitar. This then spark an interest among innumerable fans in learning how to play the acoustic guitar.
The origin of country music can be traced back as far as the 1920′s. Many people especially those from outside the USA often think that it is a new music genre due to the rise of young country singers and groups such as Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum who brought the genre back to life and introduced it to the world once again. For those who are interested in the history of music and its many different genres, they should also be interested in finding out the history of country music. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular music genres in the USA today. It is even popular outside the USA such as in Canada and Australia, as numerous American country singers and musicians today have also gained fame outside of their home country.
