About Country

History of Country

Country's origins can be traced back to the 1940s and 1950s. Although some would argue it's roots began forming in the late 1930s. It derived from South Appalachian fiddle players. There were also influences from folk music in the 1700 and 1800s. In its early days, country was based on banjos and fiddles. James Gideon Tanner, Clayton McMichen, and even Charlie Daniels made this their staple to their sound. However, Hank Williams and Gene Autry started the "singing cowboys" trend with songs such as "Hey Good Lookin'" and "Back in the Saddle Again". During the 40's a trend known as boogie began to unfold. This brought the rise of artists such as Albert Ammons and Pete Johnson. This also started the rise of swing with artists such as Bob Willis and Milton Brown. After World War II, bluegrass was coming onto the scene. This led to the rise of artists such as Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt, and Earl Scruggs. Rockabilly and the Nashville sound were also on the rise during this time with brought on more instruments and a more upbeat tempo. In the early 1960's, traditional western singer-songwriters began to emerge as a result of two top artists of the Nashvilee Sound, Patsy Cline and Jim Reeves, both having untimely deaths in two separate plane crashes. Michael Martin Murphey and Marty Robbins were two pioneers of this genre. During the 1970s and 1980s outlaw country began to rise as a result of artists revolting against the Nashville establishment. They fought for their creative freedom and sound oustside of the Nashville establishment. The most popular artists during this time were Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson who all went on to form the counry super group The Highway Men. During the 1990's is when Country started playing in big stadiums. Big Artists during this time were George Strait and Garth Brooks. At the turn of the milenium, rock music began to influence country music again with artists such as, Rascal Flatts, Eric Church, and Keith Urban. In the modern era, country music is now becoming more inspired by pop music. Artists leaving there mark during this era are Florida Georgia Line, Carrie Underwood, and Taylor Swift.