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Country music history
Culture of country music
How country music affects society today
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Country music is “a branch of American Popular Music (Country Music)” that dates back to the 1920s. The music itself is a combination of folk music arising from the southern United States, with “cowboy” music from the Wild West. The beats, the harmony, and the flow are generally simple and allow for listening at ease. Lyrical analysis separates country music from mixing with other categories, as it is associated with ballads and stories – the songs are fit to tell. Any and all accompaniment is, in general, strings, fiddles, and harmonica. While modern music balances the artist with digital sound, country music remains true with unity of said instruments. When describing country, upon interpretation the term “twang” is used; twang can range …show more content…
The band is based out of Georgia, so they incorporate many of the same values that southern communities appreciate. The lead vocalist, Zac Brown, and his diverse choice of members have created an octet where each member contributes a more adventurous sound and sway to their record. They have four albums and numerous charted singles under their name, and have just released their newest album, Jekyll + Hyde (2015). Together, while remaining true to the instruments and the message behind the music, the Zac Brown Band puts a personal touch on the elements of the genre and redefines country music (Zac Brown …show more content…
For example, going back to the collaborations with reggae superstars Jason Mraz and Jimmy Buffet, charted singles such as “Toes” and “Knee Deep” have been created. The message behind these songs describes a tropical mentality, as it focuses on enjoying the time and the moments by the water. With his “toes in the water, and [toes] in the sand, not a worry in the world, a cold beer in [his] hand,” for example, Zac Brown starts to take the listener on a vacation with him, where he experiences “tequila and pretty señoritas.” While the general stereotype of alcohol is still identified, these lyrics keep country in mind, but add new flare by focusing more on the tropics, rather than the backwoods and country mindset of the genre. With his music in “Knee Deep” the listener forgets about the barnyard sound, and they “find the key to paradise,” because their “mind [is] on a permanent vacation, [where] the ocean is the only medication.” These lyrics are comparatively different to being “up in the mornin’ yawnin’ with those work boot on,” where they have been “heavy liftin’ since the crack of dawn,” for example, in Blake Shelton’s “Country Strong”
Times have changed, and along with the times so has country music. American country music lovers have went from Loretta Lynn and Waylon Jennings, just two of the many classic oldies, to Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan, two very appealing country music artists. However, it is not only the tune of the music that has changed, it is the image, the appeal, and overall the type of icons the media is portraying these modern music stars as. Icons such as Lynn and Jennings had identifiable features within their music as well as their appearance that spoke sweet southern belle and rugged twang. Whereas Underwood’s and Bryan’s appeal now is much more sexualized than it was during the oldies. These changes affect the way modern day singers are marketed compared to former country music stars, instead of focusing on talent it is now looks.
Many would argue that country music isn't country anymore; straying too far from the older generation of fiddles, violins and guitars by incorporating a "pop" feel and focusing more on the beat than the content. Pop music is typically viewed as up-beat and differs from the sad, lonesome sounds of country from the past. I would agree that today's country has a very different sound than previous years, however, still incorporates the down-to-earth feel many of us can relate
Country music is one of the most popular genres of music throughout America. There are many influential figures that have changed the way country music sounds, and how people interpret it. Two important people who have made a huge impact on country music overtime are Johnny Cash and Luke Bryan. From their early life, their career, and how society views them, they have opened the minds of people and country musicians all over the country. Johnny Cash’s songs help people to experience his life growing up through the Great Depression and how people lived back then. Through Luke Bryan’s songs people could understand what life was like for Luke growing up in Georgia and all the hardships he faced. Johnny Cash and Luke Bryan are two of the many country singers that have influenced country fans to be more optimistic and hopeful.
Country music is one of the most popular music genres in America. There is a reason it is called Country music: because it reflects the heart and soul of the entire country. This unique genre of music can trace its roots to the very beginning of Southern culture. Through its rich history, Country music has always represented the life of the American little-man, the working-class hero, and has spawned many other forms of American culture in music, movies, television and style.
Personnel: Jim Creeggan: electric bass, vocals, double bass, and viola. Kevin Hearn: piano, symth, vocals, and guitar. Steven Page: Vocals. Ed Robertson: Acoustic and electric guitars, vocals. Tyler Stewart: drums, vocals, and percussion.
Country music originated in the Appalachian mountains of the Southern United States and has traditional folk roots that date from the early 20th century. The commercial history of country music began in the Southern United States in the 1920’s, during a ‘period of intense modernization’ (Ellison, 1995). It wasn’t until this time that country was considered a viable music genre. It was first identified as ‘hillbilly’ music in 1925 and later became known officially as ‘country’ by its designation on the Billboard Music charts (Shmoop, 2014). Widely considered the ‘Mother Church’ of country, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville became the home of many emerging and already established artists (Tichi, 1994:21). Coupled with the rise of radio and barn dance programs, country’s popularity increased greatly. Ellison (1995) describes country’s evolution from ‘rustic radio programs’ to a genre with an ‘extensive national network of fans unparalled in other forms of popular music’. During the 1930’s, the Great Depression assisted in the spread of country music throughout the US, with many poor unemployed Southerners migrating north, t...
Sanneh, Kelefa. "Country Music? Whose Country?" The New York Times. 11 Nov. 2005. Web. 21 April 2011.
“Fire away. Take your best shot, show me what you got. Honey I’m not afraid (Chris, Lines 4-5)…” Strength, love, heartache, all words that many people can identify with, but what about mental illness, depression, and suicide. These words are those that humans avoid, pretend they are not there, but in reality those three words effect many more people that was ever thought possible. Over 18.2% of United States citizens suffer from a mental illness (Depression), 6.7% of United States citizens suffer from depression (Depression), and each year in the United States there are on average 42,773 deaths by suicide (American). Now, many people can relate to the words love and heartbreak, but many more can identify with the three words that the world
The debate whether commercialism has stripped country music of its authenticity is one that requires further examination into who ultimately holds the power. The sometimes-drastic changes made in music leaves people questioning the tastes of consumers when in fact they are the bystanders of an overpowering industry. Fans are people who buy the albums, go to concerts, and request songs on the radio, not the execs that market the music, and yet their opinions/tastes aren’t taken into consideration. Fans carry a lot of clout in regards to what they define as commercialism gone wrong and acceptable country music. Despite what may seem fair, those who are financially invested in its success drive the commercialization of music.
In conclusion, Appalachian music can be defined as old time music, Appalachian folk music, country music, back woods country music and American Folk Music, but this type of music is and has been a staple in our society and has survived decades and with the beauty of the music it will hopefully continue for all time.
Folk Music is History in song: Tells about daily life. Tells about special events - often tragedies, themes of romance, battle, adventure, and history. Purpose of folk music: Entertainment, recreation, socializing, dancing, games. Teaching, make work go faster, religious. Tells a story (ballads). Origins of Appalachian people: Ireland Scotland England Ireland &n Music influenced by folk and mountain music: Country Bluegrass Modern folk music &nb Musical instruments used (folk instruments): Dulcimer, fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, autoharp, mouth bow, washtub bass.
Country music was brought over by the first European settlers. In medieval times, storytelling was a tradition that allowed history to be recorded when few were able to read and write. When the first British settlers came to America, they brought this tradition with them, along with songs that they had learned in Europe. The people who settled the Appalachian Mountains and the West did not have an easy life and their music gave them an outlet to express their hardships.
Country music can be defined as a unique music genre. ”The songs often have repeated sections or refrains, and the words, are clear and prominent” (Yudkin 274). This helps not only get a song stuck in someone’s head, but makes it become more popular. There are so many voices, origins, and instrumentation that can be used to make pop country original and meaningful. “As one listens, the basic core formula, which consists of a straightforward chord progression, a resonating chorus or bridge, and a memorable story, will most often be the foundation of country music songs” (Turcotte). There are so many themes love, drinking, values, working, and loneliness. The artist also has to make it authentic with intimacy, and heart-felt songs. You hear a lot of different instruments during a country pop song. Mainly acoustic guitar, steel guitar, bass, and fiddle. Artists do not have a good ole country song with out powerful lyrics. Then it is up to the listener to interpret the song. Even with all the other genres out there these day country pop still finds a way to keep it characteristics
The 'Standard' of the 11 November 2006 http://www.worldbookonline.com/wb/Article?id=ar525600>. Wells, Paul F. "Country music." World Book Online Reference Center. 2006.
Country Music is everywhere. It may come blaring from a neighbor’s house, blasting the radio from a car or truck, or even playing quietly in a restaurant; but why exactly is Country Music so popular for people to listen to? When it comes to Country Music, the lyrics comes straight from the artist`s hearts where people can relate to them; the rhythm and beat are unique to the specific song, and the artist knows exactly how to tell a perfect story in the song.