The Brief History of Country Music
Country music has its roots back in the 1920’s. Early country songs were a blend of folk music, music from churches, and blues. Typical instruments were guitars, fiddles, banjos, and autoharps. This is likely why these particular instruments are associated with country music.
By the time the 1930’s and 40’s rolled around country music was widely enjoyed by families as they gathered around the radio, however, when television arrived on the scene country music became associated with western movies and singing cowboys. As such the genres was renamed to “country and western music” and those who performed country music were dressed in cowboy-like attire.
In the 1940’s music from the Honky tonk was developed. A honky tonk is similar to a piano, it does, however, sound a little different, you may have heard it if you’ve played western games, typically you’ll hear such songs in the taverns of said games.
In the 1950’s a new style emerged it was known as bluegrass. In that same decade, other genres of song and different variations of country started to emerge to appeal to a larger demographic. Country rock emerged in the 1960’s protest songs were also starting to arise as well. Country pop also appeared in the 60’s, an artist by the name of Roy Orbison sand with emotional intensity and had a major influence on artists that came after.
Currently, artists like Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift have been very successful country singers and many are familiar with their songs regardless of whether they are a fan of the genres or not. Regardless of your take on country music is rich in history and the songs typically have a story to tell. So, if you’ve shied away from this particular genre, then give it a listen. You may be presently surprised.