Quite Recently, I have become a big fan of 'Country Music'. The latest hits by Lady Antebellum, Sugarland and Darius Rucker are true melodies to the heart. And that calls for some digging up - yes! the history of country music.
For starters, according to Music Encyclopedia, Country Music is 'an American style of music, developed from folk music of the rural Southern USA and used to be known as Hillbilly music. It became commercial after 1920s, and after World War II, Nashville became the center of country music. In 1960s and 70s, with the fusion of south-western and south-eastern elements, it became popular but the subject matter of the songs continues to be love, prison, hard work and home'.
More can be explored about its history from the Country Music Hall of Fame in Tennessee, USA that has preserved the history and traditions of country music over the years. Some great names are associated with this genre of music like the icon of Rock n Roll, Elvis Presley, known as 'Hillbilly cat' started out with country music; Jimmy Rodgers also known as the 'Father of Country Music', was famous for his rhythmic yodeling; George Jones has a long list of hits, Loretta Lynn and her hit single 'Success' in 1962, Red Foley and his 1951 hit 'Peace in the Valley'; and Chet Atkins and Owen Bradley created the country music style of 'Nashville sound', Jim Reeves and hit single 'He'll have to go' and Gram Parsons and many more famous names.
The more recent crop of country musicians includes Taylor Swift, George Strait, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Trace Adkins (from the Apprentice fame), Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban, Sugarland, Uncle Kracker, Brad Paisley. Their music is amazing. Some of my favorites are 'Smile' by Uncle Cacker, 'Need you Now' by Lady Antebellum, 'April Showers' by Sugarland and 'Fearless' by Taylor Swift.
Country Music 'Rocks'.
More can be explored about its history from the Country Music Hall of Fame in Tennessee, USA that has preserved the history and traditions of country music over the years. Some great names are associated with this genre of music like the icon of Rock n Roll, Elvis Presley, known as 'Hillbilly cat' started out with country music; Jimmy Rodgers also known as the 'Father of Country Music', was famous for his rhythmic yodeling; George Jones has a long list of hits, Loretta Lynn and her hit single 'Success' in 1962, Red Foley and his 1951 hit 'Peace in the Valley'; and Chet Atkins and Owen Bradley created the country music style of 'Nashville sound', Jim Reeves and hit single 'He'll have to go' and Gram Parsons and many more famous names.
The more recent crop of country musicians includes Taylor Swift, George Strait, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Trace Adkins (from the Apprentice fame), Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban, Sugarland, Uncle Kracker, Brad Paisley. Their music is amazing. Some of my favorites are 'Smile' by Uncle Cacker, 'Need you Now' by Lady Antebellum, 'April Showers' by Sugarland and 'Fearless' by Taylor Swift.
Country Music 'Rocks'.