Are You Ready for the Country?

One of today's popular genres of music is Country, which in the 1960s was still referred to as Country and Western.

There were a few big crossovers (Glen Campbell, Patsy Cline, Roger Miller) and some performers had one or two hits on the pop charts (Skeeter Davis, Bobbie Gentry), but overall, if you wanted to hear most country artists, you had to find a strictly country station.

"And to many people during this decade, country WASN'T cool", recalled Pamela Foster. "My home town only had station at the time that played this music, and that was late at night. I told my family about some of the great music I heard, and they all fell out laughing; they thought it was a joke! I mentioned the music and station to my friends and they became very upset; to them, country was totally 'racist, redneck music'. I ended secretly listening to and enjoying this on my own (I also enjoyed other music genres. At least I was open to expanding my musical horizons!)".

"Now of course, it's a whole different story; some of these same family members are big fans of Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood."

Some of the decade's biggest rock stars had country roots, like The Everly Brothers and of course, Elvis (who was also influenced by early R + B ).

The genre's roots are directly descended from the folk songs, ballads, and popular tunes of the English, Scottish, and Irish settlers of the U.S. southeastern seaboard. It also has connections to other ethnic music in America (Have you ever listened to a country song and thought, "This would make a good R + B or pop record"? Or vice versa? Remember "I Swear" by John Michael Montgomery? Or "If LovingYou Is Wrong" by Barbara Mandrell? These were ALSO successful R + B/pop hits by All 4 One and Luther Ingram. Different arrangements, but didn't these songs work quite well in both genres?).

Country and western music is actually a combination of two area sounds: The Southeast (country music) and the Southwest/West (western music; The two sounds combined in the early 1920s when record companies traveled across the rural areas of the U.S. (basically the South) to record music from various cultural groups (including blues and R + B ). There was further combination when musicians from different sections met and mixed during World War II. The primary traditional difference between the two styles is that country is a simpler form, using fewer instruments, basically just guitar, fiddle, banjo, and harmonica. Southwest/West music leans toward steel guitars and big bands with a 'swing' sound; for example, The Light Crust Doughboys (Don't you just love this name?).

Simple melodies and lyrics that express emotions such as love (legit and illicit, like cheating), loneliness, hard times, a good cold beer, a good running truck (perferably pick-up), and the experiences of poor rural and urban whites (A lot of minorities can also relate to these topics!). But the majority of this genre's performers and audiences remain almost all white.

A notable exception was Charlie Pride, who in 1966 made country AND music history by becoming the first black country star (and eventually, a superstar). "I remember reading about this in one of my teen magazines at the time", remembered Foster. "I was stunned! And I also thought he would get killed! But I think,for the most part, he was accepted, once people got over the shock of it all. Because the man had talent; if you just heard him on the radio, you couldn't tell the difference. Pride was pure country!"

"Now there's Darius Rucker (He also sang lead in the rock group Hootie and the Blowfish). I think he's going to be the next trailblazer and a huge star!"

The 1920s also brought an important development: In 1927, two country music pioneers, Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family, signed contracts to record for Victor Records.

The Carter Family set the standard for many country groups that followed. Through the years, other family members joined the original trio of A.P. Carter, wife Sara, and her sister Maybelle (And yes, June Carter Cash was related to and performed with this group).

Jimmie Rodgers is considered by many to be the "father" of modern country music. He used various popular styles in his music, including blues. His performance style influenced many country performers who followed (He died just six years after recording his first song!).

There are several categories of country: The Honky Tonk Sound was exemplified by its very strong beat; It's louder than traditional country music. Steel guitars and drums are used. Examples of this type are Hank Wiliams. Sr. and Ernest Tubb.

The Western Sound was from the "cowboy movies" of the 1930s and '40s as sung by Roy Rogers (and Dale Evans) ,Gene Autry, and Tex Ritter. At least one part of this genre featured a flute or othe rmellow-sounding wind instrument.

Western Swing, from the Southwest, was a blend of a country string band with blues and jazz. This style was pioneered and popularized by Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys.

Bluegrass evolved in Kentucky, also in the 1930s and '40s. It's played on acoustic instruments, has a quick tempo, a driving syncopated rhythm, high-pitched vocals, and an energetic playing style with emphasis on the banjo, mandolin, and fiddle. Bill Monroe is considered to be this style's creator.

Rockabilly was a mix of the southern hills music and the blues. This genre helped to usher in rock and roll, with its faster-paced sound and constant rhythm. Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Everly Brothers, Conway Twitty, and of course, Elvis, are examples of this sound.

During the late '60s-1970s, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings led the way for "outlaw country". This music is more true to the original country sound, defying the established style of the day.

The Nashville Sound was that style. It developed in the 1950s (Kitty Wells, Chet Atkins, and Johnny Cash, among others, were pioneers of this new sound), but by this'60s decade, the country music format had greatly changed. Now complete orchestras, lush string sections, and vocal backup were brought in to add a softness to the music. Synthesizers, studio effects, and over-dubbing were also used to create a richer, fuller sound. (And there was also a sub-category, the Bakersfield (California) Sound popularized by Buck Owens and The Buckaroos.) This would be the beginning of contemporary country music.

And it enabled performers from many different walks of life and with unique styles to be country music stars (and there were also crossovers from the rock/pop field).

Kenny Rogers (crossover), Loretta Lynn, Garth Brooks, Lyle Lovett, Ricky Scaggs, Rascal Flatts (crossover), Faith Hill (some crossover), Shania Twain ( crossover), Brooks and Dunn, Keith Urban (some crossover), and Roseanne Cash, to name a few-all have very different and unique styles to appeal to a wide range of listeners.

Because of the Nashville sound, country music may well be the "new rock and roll."