1. Country Pop Artists of the 90s!

2. Background: Country Music
It is believed to have started in the rural areas of Southern United States or the “South”
1920s
formed from Western music and American folk music
Ballads and dance tunes
Use of harmonicas, banjos, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, fiddles
Use to be called hillbilly music until 1940s
The term country music today is used to describe different styles
Rock, pop, ballad, alternative, southern rock, classic rock, etc.

3. Country music topics Some songs are about love
Some songs are about heartbreak
Some songs are about dancing
Some songs are about something sad
Some songs are comical or light-hearted
“How Can I Miss You If You Won’t Go Away”
“I Liked You Better Before I Knew You So Well”
“I’m So Miserable Without You; It’s Like Having You Here”

4. Successful Country Music Stars of the 90s
Garth Brooks
Toby Keith
George Strait
Alan Jackson
Shania Twain
LeAnn Rimes
Faith Hill
Clint Black
Sammy Kershaw
Aaron Tippin
Travis Tritt
Brooks & Dunn
Patty Loveless
Martina McBride
Deana Carter
Mindy McCready
Lorrie Morgan
Mary Carpenter

5. Toby Keith
Began his career in the 90s as an artist focused on a more pop feel
Popular songs from Keith include
Pull My Chain
How Do you Like Me Now

6. George Strait Straight’s career began in the 1980s
Experienced a great deal of success even in the 90s
Known for “neotraditional country”
Has a somewhat authentic cowboy persona
Known as “King of Country”
Popular song is “Love Without End, Amen”

7. Leann Rimes Started her career in 1996 Debut album, Blue
Popular hit single from this album is Blue
Became more country pop with her 1997 album, You light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs
Known for her strong vocals

8. Alan Jackson
Started his career in the late 80s after working in the mailroom at The Nashville Network.
His first No. 1 hit single was “I’d Love You All Over Again”
Other No. 1 hit singles include “I’ll Try” and “Tall, Tall Trees”
Known for combining honky tonk and mainstream country

9. Shania Twain From Canada
Became famous after producing The Woman in Me in 1995
Her 1997 album Come On Over
Was the best-selling studio album of all time by a female act
Was the best-selling country album of all time, selling over 40 million
Known for country pop
Sometimes mentioned as “The Queen of Country Pop”
First No. 1 single was “Any Man of Mine”
Very popular song, Man! I Feel Like A Woman

10. Faith Hill Known for singing Country and Country pop
Became a household name after first two albums:
Take Me As I Am (1993)
Matters to Me (1995)
Her first international hit was “This Kiss”
One of her most well known songs is “Breathe”
Earned Hill three Grammy Awards

11. Garth Brooks Troyal Garth Brooks Started his career in the late 80s
Really popular for live performances and adding rock elements into his music
Took over the country single and album charts
Broke many records for concert attendance and sales
One of his most well-known songs is “Friends in Low Places”

12. Boot Scootin Boogie By Brooks & Dunn
Recorded on the album Brand New Man
The song is a tribute to the Texas style honky tonk’s line dancing
Very popular song to play during line dancing

13. Your assignment!
You are to create a skit using the lyrics of a 90s popular country song
Skit is to be at least 3 minutes long
Be creative
Skit doesn’t have to do much with the song
Use at least 10 lines
Everyone needs to have a speaking part
Have Fun
Must be school appropriate
No Profanity
No Obscene gestures