Country music has long been an accessible genre that resonates with listeners of all backgrounds. Its central themes of great joys and sorrows resonate deeply with most listeners, from small town farmers to families gathered around campfires.
Acuff-Rose Publishing established Nashville’s inaugural country music publisher during the 1940s. Their establishment encouraged more artists to move away from traditional honky-tonk and bluegrass music and towards mainstream popular genres like country.
The 1920s
In the 1920s, country music history witnessed a pivotal moment. String band music from mountain regions became widely commercially recorded and eventually came to be known as hillbilly music or country and western.
As more rural folk migrated into cities to find work, their appreciation of country music increased exponentially. Radio stations developed “barn dance” programs targeting white rural folk that proved enormously successful.
This period also saw the emergence of country songs with western themes due to Hollywood’s success filming cowboy films. Artists like Patsy Montana became famous for her classic tune ‘I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart’ during this era.
The 1930s
From the 1930s on, country music spread nationwide thanks to radio and Hollywood’s love affair with cowboy movies. Artists also made efforts to return country to its roots; one result being bluegrass music which features acoustic string instruments and high harmony singing; it took its name from Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys band who introduced banjo into a leading role and dropped more recently adopted rhythms for this genre.
The 1930s witnessed the emergence of Western country, featuring horse-like clip-clop rhythms and songs about lovesick cowboys and gunfighting outlaws. Popular Western artists included Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Sons of the Pioneers and Patsy Montana who pioneered female country singing. Other genres that came out of this period were honky-tonk and bluegrass music.
The 1940s
In the 1940s, country music established itself as a distinct genre with widespread appeal. Local radio stations could cater to their local audience while helping develop artists such as the Carter family and Jimmie Rodgers; their songs addressed contentious topics like divorce, birth control, poverty and Vietnam War.
This decade witnessed a rise in female performers such as Kitty Wells, Patsy Cline and Jean Shepard. Country producers began mixing more urban styles into performances to form what came to be known as Countrypolitan performances.
In the 1940s, there was also an effort to recover country music’s roots. Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys became leaders of this movement by abandoning more modern rhythms for an unique musical style characterized by high harmony singing and banjo virtuosity – eventually giving rise to bluegrass music as its own subgenre. Bing Crosby also rose during this era.
The 1950s
In the 1950s, country music ruled the airwaves through popular television programs like Star Route and Grand Ole Opry. Artists such as Kitty Wells and Patsy Cline established themselves in this genre during this era.
Music by this band captured the lives of working class Americans by depicting themes such as heartbreak and hardship, with songs filled with energy and realism – providing a refreshing break from the mawkish sentimentality prevalent at that time.
Johnny Cash became one of the greatest icons of country music during this era, blending traditional country with rockabilly influences and drawing attention to social issues such as prison inmates and social injustice. His deep voice and distinctive style set him apart from his contemporaries; At Folsom Prison became an unforgettable landmark album in country music history.
The 1960s
In the 1960s, country music took on an authentic and emotive feel. Artists like George Jones, Conway Twitty and Buck Owens pushed the limits of country music with their soulful vocals and captivating storytelling; their songs moved listeners on an emotional level making them iconic figures within the industry.
Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette emerged as stars. Their unique voices brought an unmatched passion to country music; drawing audiences closer through personal songs about real-life experiences that remain timeless classics today.
Rock and roll were popular during this era, yet country artists managed to adapt and meet demand. Kathy Mattea’s “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” captured older country fans while also expanding the genre with younger listeners; furthermore, Black artists like Charley Pride broke through industry color barriers by breaking their songs through.
The 1970s
The 1970s witnessed a number of country artists become superstars. Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Loretta Lynn each had hit singles that catapulted to number one on the charts; Loretta Lynn particularly stood out with her autobiographical tune Coal Miner’s Daughter which resonated as many rural whites migrated towards industrial centers.
Waylon Jennings led an anti-Nashville backlash, pushing artists like Uncle Tupelo and Wilco to explore untraditional honky tonk and outlaw country styles popular at that time. Their albums included country tunes that also reached #1 on pop charts; Richard Marx, Bon Jovi and Sheryl Crow made an impactful statement during this era; their crossover artistry would pave the way for future country artists who crossed over into rock and pop music – some even remain influential today.
The 1980s
In the 1980s, country music shifted away from its outlaw sound and towards more pop styles to become more appealing to listeners who weren’t already fans of country. Ronnie Milsap and George Strait both experienced tremendous success during this decade with many number one hits being achieved by both singers.
Chris Isaak’s haunting track conveys loneliness and longing, while staying within the darker areas of country and rock music. Featured in 1990 film Wild at Heart, it helped expand its audience even further.
Johnny Lee released this track just prior to the release of Urban Cowboy, featuring John Travolta and Debra Winger, becoming an unexpected success that propelled country music into mainstream culture – as well as creating opportunities for modern country artists who pursued music full time – which have continued into the 2000s.
The 1990s
In the 1990s, country music began to gain some of the audience that had previously gravitated toward rock and hip hop music. Song such as Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart” and Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” made their mark on country music history while classics from Alabama (“I’m In a Hurry”) and Brooks & Dunn (“Boot Scootin’ Boogie”) celebrated line dancing and carefree youth days.
In the ’90s, Wilco and Son Volt’s sound would eventually lead to their critically-acclaimed album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot; these bands challenged traditional country music by incorporating elements of indie and alternative music styles – creating what has since been termed alt-country.
The 2000s
In the 2000s, country music found widespread acceptance both domestically and abroad. Artists integrated more pop-oriented styles into their songs in order to appeal to a younger audience; such as Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, and Rascal Flatts who have all become household names.
As country music evolved further into its contemporary state, a subgenre called bluegrass made its mark. Originating with Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys, this rhythmically driven subgenre brought fiddles, acoustic guitars, and fast-plucked banjos into prominence of country music.
Bro-country music genre was an extremely influential movement during the 2000s. Led by musicians such as Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, and Jason Aldean, bro-country was popular throughout this era.
The 2010s
Country music experienced an explosion of popularity in the 2010s due in large part to a demographic shift: Gen Z listeners took up this genre with relish, fuelling its success on streaming platforms.
Modern country music has evolved alongside R&B and hip hop genres, creating an unlikely combination that broadened country’s appeal, increased record sales and provided opportunities for female artists to break into the industry.
As social changes swept the world, country music diversified into multiple subgenres. From honky-tonk two steppin’ and perfect heartbreak croons to powerful rasps and revenge anthems – country is truly popular! Everyone enjoys its distinctive twangy sound which will continue to develop and develop over time.