Luke Bryan’s line dance hit, “Country Girl (Shake It for Me)”, or Carrie Underwood’s emotionally raw ballads are surefire ways of moving fans; club DJs know this better than anyone, making mashups their specialty.
As settlers immigrated to America, they brought with them English country dancing traditions which blended seamlessly with indigenous and immigrant forms to form a timeless American folk tradition that still continues today.
Origins
Country music arose out of old-time and blues traditions in the American South and quickly rose to national attention through broadcasts of a radio show called Grand Ole Opry that showcased virtuosic string instrument players and singers across America. Country’s nostalgic theme of rural poverty, orphaned children, bereft lovers, and lonely workers far from home particularly resonated during Great Depression and World War II, when large numbers of rural whites relocated to industrial centers where large-scale migration took place; country music was carried along into these social circles while becoming further influenced by influences like gospel and blues music influences.
Over the 20th Century, country music has evolved into several distinct styles. These styles include bluegrass music characterized by acoustic strings and close harmonies similar to what can be heard with the Bill Monroe band; outlaw country that captures artists like Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson; contemporary country that incorporates elements of pop music, R&B, and jazz into its production;
Nashville became known for producing a smooth style of country music known as The Nashville Sound in the 1980s. While this approach proved to be popular with country fans, some musicians preferring rougher sounds such as honky tonk and outlaw country disliked this approach and its implementation caused controversy among musicians who preferred honky tonk or outlaw country styles. As a response, neotraditionalist country was born – artists such as George Strait and Randy Travis revived more authentic sounds of past decades while rock bands such as Uncle Tupelo or REM added mandolins to create alternative country style which became mainstream.
Country music in the 2000s reflected America’s political division. On one side of the political spectrum, “bro-country,” featuring masculine themes that criticize gun control, feminism and minority rights; on the other side of politics was americana: an amalgam of traditional country and working-class folk music genres.
Styles
Country music is a broad genre with numerous subgenres that fall under its purview. These range from bluegrass with fiddles and banjos, through honky tonk, country-pop, alternative country and even bluegrass-influenced honky tonk to its more obscure forms such as honky tonk. Each sub-genre is easily distinguished by the distinctive sound produced by its guitar twangs or vocal drawls that distinguish each style.
Country music remains one of the world’s most beloved genres despite having various styles. This popularity can be attributed to its appeal across age ranges – from young kids to adults – as it provides something for everyone from young children and adults. Furthermore, its family-friendly nature often means it has few or no offensive lyrics which could turn off parents. Plus its catchy rhythms allow dancers to easily pick up this genre!
Early 20th-century country music saw many stars emerge, from iconic singers like Patsy Cline and Kitty Wells to contemporary figures like Gene Autry and Johnny Cash. As commercial influences increased, artists increasingly rejected these changes – leading them to forsake them all together and form outlaw country, known for its rebellious themes and refusal of conformity.
By the 1980s, pop musicians had begun to incorporate country influences into their music, which resulted in “countrypolitan”, which gained widespread appeal. Countrypolitan is known for having smoother sounds and more complex compositions with strings and choirs featuring prominently. Artists such as Shania Twain and Faith Hill epitomized this genre.
Newgrass and Jamgrass music styles feature more traditional instruments like fiddle and banjo. Although more progressive than traditional country, Newgrass/Jamgrass songs sometimes incorporate horn sections. Some modern acts, like Band Perry have created sounds which combine these genres.
In 2010, a new subgenre of country music known as ‘Bro-Country’ emerged, featuring artists like Jason Aldean and Sam Hunt that blend pop and rap influences to produce contemporary sound while keeping with country themes such as courting women and overcoming challenges.
Influences
Country music’s origins date back to 1930s barn dances and 1950s sock hops, which served as an incubator. But as America underwent rapid social and technological change during these decades, other influences began expanding country’s scope while deepening its roots.
Immigrants from Europe and Africa introduced Celtic music, traditional folk stylings and African-American gospel into country’s sound, leading to its evolution as we know it today. Combining these roots with its signature twangy guitars created what has come to be known as country.
With the dawn of Hollywood cinematic film, country music transcended its rural Appalachian origins and found new life on film screens around the world. Thanks to movies such as Gone With the Wind and The Searchers, moviegoers were introduced to country music for the first time, expanding its reach among a broader section of audiences while creating demand for different kinds of country songs.
These new demands led to the creation of various subgenres within country music. Bluegrass, named for Bill Monroe’s band of Blue Grass Boys, popularized fiddles and acoustic guitars into mainstream audiences; Honky-tonk emerged as a countercultural country movement; rockabilly brought rhythm and blues influences together with honky-tonk sounds for an unique take on honky-tonk; while rockabilly combined both styles in an infectious mix that eventually led to rockabilly’s creation alongside country roots; both styles helped contribute to rock n roll’s rise.
As social change spread across the globe, country music grew increasingly inclusive of various voices. Female artists and members of minorities entered the limelight, reflecting an evolving America more accurately than ever. Unfortunately, however, this also caused its composition to undergo change: Johnny Cash and others followed his lead to embrace rebellious elements of country music in outlaw country; an offshoot subgenre inspired by blues and rockabilly that took influence from its source genres.
The 2000s witnessed an array of country artists collaborating with hip-hop, dance, and other genres to form innovative hybrid songs. Lil Nas X and other rappers took advantage of country music’s immense popularity to enjoy massive song charts; artists like Maren Morris explored its links with dance music by teaming up with Zedd in 2018. Additionally, Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, Big & Rich, and Lonestar all found great pop success by producing country-influenced tracks during this era.
Listening
Country music’s comeback this year has been one of the biggest surprises in American music. Long considered homogenous and dominated by white male artists, country now finds itself front and center with various artists offering diverse perspectives in contemporary country. Luke Combs or Sam Hunt; contemporary country is full of artists offering new perspectives to this longstanding genre.
Country’s popularity is further increased by streaming music’s widespread adoption. Country artists have taken advantage of its marketing power, while its immense appeal has spawned new artists and hybrid genres combining country with other musical forms, which allows the genre to appeal to a younger audience while maintaining its sense of authenticity.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that country music caters to a specific audience. Not all listeners may connect with it due to differences in culture, socioeconomics and geography; and some themes within its songs could offend some audiences (for instance rebellious lyrics which encourage listeners to break laws or harm others).
Country music remains an excellent way to entertain a wide range of audiences at any event or venue, thanks to its variety of instruments that can create different moods from soothing ballads to wilder frenzies. Additionally, country dance lessons are relatively accessible.
Music from this genre can be heard everywhere from radio broadcasts and live concerts to streaming services like Spotify; digital retailers such as iTunes and Amazon; as well as CDs and vinyl records containing this style of music. Therefore, dancers need to become well informed of the genre so that they may enjoy it even further and help ensure its development in future years.