Intersession 2013

 Early country music was primarily banjo, fiddle, and guitar. These instruments originated in Europe and were brought to America through immigrants.  Although country is music is thought of as a predominantly “white music”, many of its origins are within African and slave culture. In the South many White and Black people played music together. The banjo was a traditional African instrument.  Country music began to be recorded in the 1920s with artists like Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, and the Carter Family. Jimmie Rodgers

 During the Great Depression, records did not sell very well so radio programs became very important.  The most important for country music was The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN.Grand Ole Opry  Many legendary artists became famous for appearing on the show, including: Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Bob Wills, Roy Acuff, Flatt & Scruggs Gene Autry Ryman Auditorium

 With the emergence of Rock and Roll in the 1950s, Rockabilly became a popular style of country music. Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley  During this time period Nashville became the center of country music producing some of the most important artists of the time. Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves, Eddy Arnold, Loretta Lynn, Willie NelsonLoretta Lynn  With the rise in popularity of country music during this period many mainstream rock artists decided to make country music. Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Rolling Stones, and The Eagles

 Johnny Cash was born in 1932 in Arkansas.  He lost his brother to a tragic accident at a young age and left home shortly after to pursue a career in music.  In 1954 he moved to Memphis and was recorded at Sun Records by Sam Phillips. From this point on Cash became a “household name” and one of the most recognizable figures in the country.  He had another revival in the 1990s that lasted until his death in  His influence stretches far beyond country music. He has even been covered by Snoop Dogg.

 During the 1980s country music began to cross over to mainstream popular culture.  With the transition the music style changed. It became more polished and had more instruments incorporated into it.  Artists like Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton, and Faith Hill caused country music to explode onto the pop charts. Shania Twain

 Country music has maintained its popularity as one of America’s top genres of music.  Artists such as Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, and Blake Shelton have dominated the pop charts for the last few years.Taylor Swift  Alternative country music has been on the rise in popularity in recent years with help from bands like: Bright Eyes, My Morning Jacket and Calexico.