Country music has quickly become the go-to genre for commuters and festivals this summer.
2023 is shaping up to be an active year for country music tours. Carrie Underwood kicks things off with her Denim & Rhinestones Tour while Morgan Wallen plans his worldwide trek.
Origins
Country music was one of the earliest genres of modern American popular music. It emerged in the US southeastern states during the 1920s, as small radio stations broadcast to rural audiences with live country music programs called Grand Ole Opry that featured popular artists like Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers who would go on to influence later musicians; additionally they introduced Western-influenced songs that featured horse-like clip-clop rhythms with lyrics about lovers and cowboys as new subgenres within this style.
In the 1940s, country music experienced further popularity when singing cowboy film stars were cast as leads in Hollywood cowboy movies. Furthermore, Texas-Oklahoma region of Texas saw the emergence of honky-tonk music, inspired by black jazz orchestras influenced by black music; another form of country music including gospel and bluegrass also emerged rooted in American folk traditions.
Modern R&B music has flourished across America, particularly urban areas like New York City. Artists are drawn to it due to the melodies and lyrics found within its songs; newer artists like Nenni are taking it even further with emphasis placed on storytelling through songs with emotive lyrics.
Nenni has quickly made her mark since debuting with Hell of a Woman in 2017. Critics have lauded her vocal versatility and songs have quickly amassed an enthusiastic following – quickly cementing Nenni as one of country music’s rising female artists with an exciting future ahead.
Country music has seen tremendous growth recently, with younger fans discovering its appeal. While traditionally associated with saloons and Appalachian hollows, country has much deeper roots that go well beyond this limited image: from fiddle tunes and hymns to folk songs from Britain as well as African American gospel music.
Genres
Country music has evolved into an American genre rooted in folk and rural dance music, but its influence extends well beyond jukebox music. Country’s lyrics often reveal tales of love, heartache, hard work, personal pride and family life; its duets between two vocalists often honor this aspect of its repertoire as it draws audiences in concerts or festivals alike.
Hillbilly music traces back to the ballads and folk songs of English, Scottish, and Irish settlers who settled the Appalachians during the 1920s. As string bands from this region began being commercially recorded for commercial release, hillbilly music took shape as its own genre – one distinguished by vigor, realism, and authenticity as opposed to sentimentality of popular songs of that era.
As country music’s popularity increased throughout the 1930s and 1940s, its repertoire expanded with influences from other musical forms. Bluegrass musicians like Bill Monroe favored traditional guitar sounds over more modern rhythms and instruments; their dynamic playing eventually lead them to be known as Blue Grass Boys, giving rise to another important form of country-and-western music: country-and-western.
Johnny Cash played an influential role in shaping country music during the 1950s and 60s, using his fame to champion working people’s rights against prejudice and discrimination while his songs celebrated American patriotism and community spirit. Under Cash’s influence a subgenre known as honky-tonk emerged featuring steel guitars with amplified basses over a rhythmic beat.
Honky-tonk music gave rise to an entirely new genre: outlaw country. Artists such as Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard pioneered this form of country music that sought to move away from commercialism.
Country music remains one of America’s most beloved and enduring genres. It regularly tops pop music charts and industry events like the CMA Awards have only served to increase its appeal further. Acoustic country performers such as Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum have had great success within pop music while Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark’s writing has inspired an alternative country movement which has gained the attention of indie rock fans.
Crossover appeal
From its inception until the early 1950s, country music had an indefinable Appalachian feel that only appealed to a rural audience. The first country-rock crossover occurred during the mid-1950s when artists such as Arthur Smith, Ferlin Husky, Patsy Cline and the Everly Brothers produced pop hits with a country sound – sparking what later became known as “Nashville sound”, an amalgamation of rockabilly with more traditional styles. Artists like Ray Price, Jim Reeves, Kitty Wells, Connie Smith and Loretta Lynn became major stars. Willie Nelson created two movements within Country music in the 70s: Outlaw movement with musicians such as Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson participating, as well as New Country genre with elements of country, western swing and bluegrass music – artists such as George Strait and Ricky Skaggs are examples of this style.
In the 1990s, there was an abundance of crossover artists such as Shania Twain, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Tim McGraw Faith Hill and Lee Ann Womack; others like Emmylou Harris Patsy Loveless Marty Stuart kept to traditional country while Dixie Chicks Jo Dee Messina leant more toward pop/rock sound while maintaining their country roots.
Crossover country music saw unprecedented success during the 2000s. Stars such as Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, and Carrie Underwood found immense fame through their country/pop crossover sounds – popularizing country music to new audiences across different demographics.
Crossover appeal has long been an integral component of Christian music industry. Artists such as Alison Krauss and Carrie Underwood have experienced incredible success within both genres; Christian country is now also recognized as a subset within this genre, which often incorporates themes related to religion and family.
The new Billboard rules have ignited much discussion on country music’s future, especially as streaming and digital downloads challenge radio’s dominance. Proponents of these changes believe they provide more accurate representation of its popularity; additionally, this makes it easier for emerging artists to adjust their sound in order to reach wider audiences.
Venues
Country music offers something for every taste; whether that means emotive vocals, twanging guitars, or an irresistibly catchy melody – Vivid Seats makes finding great country concerts near me easy! Experience all its glory.
Although rock and hip hop venues do not teach their patrons how to dance, country bars like Bushwhackers do. Here, patrons can grab a beer while dancing away to music that ranges from country, Klezmer and Chuck Berry – and more! Additionally, Brooklyn Folk Fest provides another excellent venue where local musicians perform and get your booty moving!
The 2023 country music tour calendar is packed with superstar talent and fresh faces alike, including Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, and Luke Combs to name just a few. Additionally, every show features opening acts so you’re guaranteed an exciting show experience when seeing these performers live!
Acre 121 in Knoxville offers live alternative country and bluegrass performances, and features a barroom and bistro featuring local bands playing all genres of music. The name alludes to its historic significance as an 121-acre plot bought by Sherman Brothers in 1881; now known as Acre 121 it also hosts bistro-style dining options featuring live alternative country and bluegrass performances.
SiriusXM’s Country Channel offers some of the finest country music available today, from classic hits to today’s most sought-after country acts and exclusive tracks from celebrities themselves. Tune in now!
If you love country music, be sure to visit Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum – often referred to as the Smithsonian of country music–with over 350,000 square feet of exhibits, archival storage space, education classes, retail stores and restaurants – not forgetting its 350,000 sq. foot archives!