...Country music has its roots in the very foundation of the United States. In fact the roots go far further back. The modern country music as it is today was in the southern Appalachian Mountains as a form of storytelling. The groups would travel from town to town singing their rhymes. To this day, modern country singers tell tales of hardworking Americans. They travel from city to city singing their tales. Whereas the groups have changed, the traditions have stayed somewhat untouched. Today’s country music is more popular than ever and as long as the artists continue to push the artistic boundaries should continue to grow in popularity. In medieval Europe a bard provided music and entertainment going from town to town singing and telling stories and informing people of news from other towns. The rhyme schemes and lyrical content of medieval bards and country music are similar (Country Music and the Myth of the American West, n.d.). Bard lyrics and country music lyrics reflect culture and the society of the time. In the 18th century Europeans began to emigrate to the colonies or America. Many immigrants from Ireland and Scotland settled in the Appalachian region. Immigrants brought music and instruments like the fiddle to the area. The fiddle became the central instrument of country music from Appalachia adopting from the cultural use of the fiddle from the British. Early country music roots in the cultural traditions of the traveling show. In the middle 18th century American...
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...2014 Country music and American culture When you walk along the street, you may hear Taylor Swift’s new album kept playing again and again; When you pass by a truck, you may be attracted by the euphonious ‘country road’ by Johnny Denver; When you step into a bar, country music will frequently appear among many energetic Rock songs. Undeniably, country music has been everywhere and even gained worldwide popularity in recent years. Caught by the beautiful sound and moving melodies of the American country music, I decided to lift the veil of American country music to people who have a passion for it. Besides the superficial acoustic enjoyment, the American country music is a perfect embodiment of American history, culture and customs. Once you could profoundly understand and sincerely appreciate the American country music, you are offered a golden opportunity to comprehend what the American truly value. In this paper, I will discuss how country music reflects the American culture in three dimensions, including American rustic culture, American family culture and view of marriage, and American urbanization and contemporary value. From where I stand, country music is more than a kind of popular music, but also the epitome of American culture. To achieve this goal, I have organized my paper into five main sections. Firstly, the background knowledge of country music will be provided. Secondly, I will focus on the American rustic culture which is contained in country music. Thirdly...
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...Draft) The genre of country music has brought about many controversial issues, like in the example of Carrie Underwood’s catchy tune, cheating and retribution. The bluntness of this enriched genre of music, based on our patriotic roots as Americans, gives off a distasteful and bitter taste to those who don’t see themselves above country- loving or uneducated ‘hicks.’ Critics of country music in the article ‘Acting Naturally: Cultural Distinction and Critiques of Pure Country’ cannot comprehend what is portrayed in this type of music, something of which us ‘hicks’ like to refer to as the ‘simple life’. Country music may be controversial, but it has been able to overcome the stereotypes so that now even those who aren’t living the ‘country life’ can enjoy its passion- filled quality. Country music has always been a very popular form of expression that has been loved by people since its’ beginning in the stereotyped, southern sound form. Also considered to own the fastest growing audience in America, country music has certainly earned its place being the favorite form of music in many people’s hearts. However, just because we as we choose to listen to this music, does not mean “we're all store-bought cowboys and armchair hillbillies.” In fact, classifying a person according to the music they decide to listen to does little to describe the actual person. These people are found in all different types of music; limiting these trend lovers to just country music is certainly a sign...
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...Blues vs Country music According to Etta James in an interview with American Chronicle: "The Blues and country are first cousins ... What I look for in a song is for the story to be for real. I like a blood and guts kind of thing. That's what you find in the lyrics of country music." Blues and country music both developed in the 19th century in the Southern United States. They share a similar history. For this reason, they share many of the same musical and lyrical characteristics. Read more: How to Compare Blues & Country Music | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5888119_compare-blues-country-music.htInstructions 1. * 1 Learn the history behind blues and country music. They are both forms of American folk music influenced by earlier styles brought overseas. Blues music grew out of field hollers and chants sung by African slaves. Irish and Scottish balladeers borrowed the guitar and banjo of blues and thus created "country". According to Reebee Garofalo in "Rockin' Out: Popular Music in the USA", "Terms like country and blues are only used to separate the same kind of music made by blacks and whites ... designations like race and hillbilly intentionally separated artists along racial lines and conveyed the impression that their music came from mutually exclusive sources." Country is an offshoot of blues. They are essentially the same thing. In the PBS special, "Rhythm, Country and Blues," country is referred to as "white man's blues." * 2 Listen to...
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...Music Performance Experience Paper On April 27th 2012 I went to the Stagecoach festival and saw the band Alabama to which I am going to be comparing to what I have learned in class as well as the experience I had during the concert. Alabama is an older country band that is from Fort Payne, Alabama and was founded in 1969. Alabama is known for bringing the country music “band” to the mainstream music scene. In addition Alabama crossed old time traditional country music with southern rock and created a new sound in the early 70s. Alabama uses 2 lead guitars, a rhythm guitar, the fiddle and drums to create their own unique country sound. Alabama sticks to the older country sounds as well as bringing a newer style of music that melds almost seamlessly together, in their song “Mountain Music” they sing about the old country music from the mountains of the east where country music was started and the Carter family pioneered. “Play me some mountain music like grandma and grandpa used to play, then ill float down on the river to a Cajun hideaway,” this opening line from “mountain music” speaks of the old times of country music where Alabama got their sound from. This song sings about the music the artists were brought up listening to with their parents and also gives a little foresight into the Cajun type of country music that came later on after country began spreading from the mountains of the Virginias. “Play some back-home come-on music that comes from the heart, play...
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...The genre of music is made up of many styles and forms that have been shared throughout cultures and traditions. Many styles have caught on quickly and are loved by many whereas others have been more controversial and caused differences among people. No matter what types of music one may listen to it is usually the beat and style that suits that person during that time in his or her life or the mood he or she are in at that moment. The melody and harmony interact to create a masterpiece for one’s ears. The development of music was probably drum related instruments that someone started hitting that made beats and when different objects were hit there were different sounds made. “These simplest of simple instruments are thought to have been used in religious ceremonies as representations of animals. There was no notation or writing of this kind of "music" and its sounds can only be extrapolated from the music of (South) American Indians and African natives who still adhere to some of the ancient religious practices” (Hollis, 2012). Darwin (1871) noted that the human musical faculty “must be ranked amongst the most mysterious with which he is endowed” (Masataka, 2007, p. 35-39). Music has developed and evolved from just a few beats to being one of the most enjoyed past times of all time. Music has evolved from prehistoric music, middle ages, the Renaissance to modern day. After the Renaissance period music developed more from styles other than composers who created...
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...and Country music Roots of Blues and Country music Marc A. Cañas Brandman University Roll Over Beethoven: A Survey of Rock and Roll Professor: Jeanne Mayer, Ph.D April 11, 2010 Blues & Country The Blues and Country Music Blues and country music both developed in the 19th century in the Southern United States. They share a similar history. For this reason, they share many of the same musical and lyrical characteristics. The Blues Blues is the name given to both a musical form and a music genre created primarily within the African-American communities in the Deep South of the United States at the end of the 19th century. The roots. Blues finds its roots from spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts and chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads. Attributes. The blues genre is based on the blues form but possesses other characteristics such as specific lyrics, bass lines and instruments. Blues can be subdivided into several subgenres ranging from country to urban blues that were more or less popular during different periods of the 20th century. Early social importance. The first appearance of the blues is often dated after the Emancipation Act of 1863, between 1870 and 1900, a period that coincides with Emancipation and, later, the development of juke joints as places where Blacks went to listen to music, dance, or gamble after a hard day's work. This period...
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...Music in today’s culture has expanded into many different types of genres. There is jazz, pop, culture swing, gospel, bluegrass classical, contemporary, indie, rock-n-roll, opera, Latino, the list goes on. In the different genres music there are also different sub-genres. For instance in classical music there are different types of classical music, for example the waltz, and also ragtime music. In the Gospel genre there are southern gospel, sacred gospel, contemporary gospel, Christian, hymns, etc… Music has always been a part of different cultures throughout history and around the world. Jazz music was started in Africa, yet developed in Europe, thus giving us the well-known genre of jazz music. According to Wikipedia, a cultures music...
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...Intro With Country Music’s rise in popularity, it is important to note some of the most relevant changes in the music being produced in the genre. This industry is relatively new to the music scene and only began in the 1920s. Since its debut in the music world, Country Music has changed throughout the decades and evolved into what is now known as, “Sixth Generation” Country Music. The most noted difference, becoming more apparent as the genre has progressed, is the themes in the music. Country Music is most famous for telling stories of faith, patriotism, love, sorrow, and of the common workingman. However, the genre is seeing a change in the recent music being produced. It is becoming apparent that lyricists are moving away from the traditional themes of Country Music and introducing its new style, called, “Bro-Country.” This style is defined as contatining lyrics about pretty girls, trucks, beer, alcohol that leads to sex, and scantly dressed women. According to Neff, “…objectification, was the main form of sexism in country music.” According to Rogers, “Most people would assume that country is less sexist or has the least detrimental type of sexism within its lyrical content. However, one might also argue that it is more dangerous when sexism is buried within the lyrics. People might think this is “quality” music on the surface and really take the lyrics seriously. The idea that this is wholesome music is really what makes it necessary to study the...
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...George Strait, better known as the King of Country Music, has been in the country music industry for almost forty years (Hazighurst 12). His hobbies include skiing, golf, fishing, hunting and steer-roping. He has recorded around 280 songs and has released 28 albums. He has become one of the most widespread country music singers to this day. Despite coming from a tough home, he never let that affect him or his ability to be any less than what he knew he could be. He began a long time ago and is still currently going steady today. George became popular in the spring of 1981 when he released his first single, “Unwound.” Strait has more than sixty number one hits, more than anyone else in history does. George Strait has opened the eyes for country...
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...Christian and Country Music Debra Blackwelder Com/155 April 1, 2012 Sherri Shadle Christian and Country Music Chanting and singing hymnals were the earliest form of Christian music. In about the year 112, (Today, 1/01) Roman Christians would chant verses from the bible in honor of Christ. Back then it was hard for some to distinguished early Christian poetry from hymns. The earliest hymnbook was published in America in 1737. During the eighteenth century, hymnbooks did not include musical notes. It was not until 1831 that musical notes were added to hymnals. (Townsend, 7/01) On the other hand, Country music started evolving rapidly in the 1920s and had originally started in the Southern United States and the Appalachian Mountains. Its roots came from traditional folk, Celtic, gospel, and old-time music. The evolution of country and Christian music comes from deep-rooted sounds of Christian worship. Columbia Records began issuing records with “hillbilly” music as early as 1924. (Aces and Eights, n.d.) During the 1930s and 1940s “Western” songs were popularized by films made in Hollywood. In 1939, country musicians began recording boogie. The trickle of what was initially called Hillbilly Boogie was later called Country Boogie became a flood around late 1945 and lasted until 1950s. By the end of World War II “mountaineer” string band music known as bluegrass had emerged. In this period country music was called folk in the trade and hillbilly within the industry....
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...Today there are many different genres of music. There are many types of music for anyone. Country and Rap music may be two most popular types of music. Many people who like country dislike rap music and the other way around. Many people who listen to rap would never listen to country or ever admit to it. On the other hand people who listen to country may enjoy some rap music. In each type of music, they have many sub-genres. There also are many stereotypes that are associated with these different genres of music. Many people think that country music and rap are completely different but they do have some similarities. Country music originates from the southern states. Country music has been around longer than rap music. Country music started to get popular in the 1920’s whereas rap was started in the 1970s. Many people who dislike this kind of music think it’s a bunch of hicks singing about how they lost their girlfriend, dog or truck. Most country songs tell stories, beginning, middle and end. Unlike rap music, many country songs do not include cuss words or very few of them. Rap music contains many cuss words and sexually explicit lyrics. Also where Rappers sing about drugs, country singers sing about drinking beer. Some believe country singers are only white; in contrast there are some Black Country singers. Rap music was first started in New York City. Rap music consists of rhyming and relies on technological tricks to sound good. Most rap singers sing about money...
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...selected for this term paper is Jason Aldean’s “My Kinda Party.” This is his newest album and it was released on November 2nd, 2010. This album is a my favorite country singer and the four songs that I have chosen to write about are “Dirt Road Anthem”, “Tattoos On This Town”, “Church Pew Or Bar Stool” and “My Kinda Party.” I will elaborate on four elements of popular music in each song that meets the terms in our textbook. For the conclusion portion of this album review I will also explain how this “My Kinda Party” represents an example of popular music according to our text “Popular Music in America” written by Michael Campbell. My favorite song from Jason Aldean’s “My Kinda Party” is titled “Dirt Road Anthem”. This song is somewhat unusual for Jason Aldean’s normal performance style. The chorus is sang with his normal sounding “twangy” voice. However the verses are heavily influence by rap and expressed in a fast paced rhythm and a low-pitched voice during his rhymes. The Instrumentation of this song includes the electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, percussion and piano. The chorus contains elements of rock music and uses the electric guitar. The chorus also has an 8-beat rhythm. During each rap verse the beat changes to a 16 beat rhythm. Another song I really enjoyed on this album is track number eleven titled “Texas Was You” on Jason Aldean’s 2010 album “My Kinda Party.” This song contains elements of both country music and rock music. “Texas...
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...The earliest roots of country music are based in the folk songs from the British Isles. As these people settled in the South, where they were more isolated than their Northern counterparts, they continued to preserve the music of their home. However, it was significantly adapted to the social and ethnic influences of the other people in the south including African Americans, Mexican Americans, and immigrants from Poland, Germany, France, and other countries. For example, the cowboy song, “Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie” was based upon the English song “Ocean Burial” and was adapted during cattle drives during the late 1800s. Country music as we know it originated in the late 1910s with Appalachian fiddle players. However, it didn’t gain...
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...This is the paradox that’s increasingly devouring country music. Artists are singing more than ever about how country they are, yet they’re doing it with songs that sound less country than ever. Perhaps all of these “loud and proud” country identity songs are a reflection of the country lifestyle being fully swallowed up by suburbia, and “country” is now more of a chosen lifestyle than it is something homegrown. But “country music” has almost completely shifted to “music about being country.” You don’t have to sound country, you just have to revel in being country. Superstars are hard enough to come by as it is, and when you think about the ones who have emerged from country music in recent years – Sugarland, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum – their tenuous links to country music as a distinct art form are virtually nonexistent. Ten years ago, Carrie Underwood would’ve been grouped as a pop-country diva. These days, she’s the only recent superstar that even seems to care that her music sounds identifiably country. And while there is no shortage of alternative country acts who are connected to the genre’s roots, their very existence on the outskirts of the mainstream prevent them from having a meaningful enough impact to carry on country music’s rich legacy. Without a new generation of country stars breaking through enough to really captivate the interest of the public, I see no way for country music to continue as a viable art form and culturally relevant presence...
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