Country music is one of the widest among the many different genres of music and covers plenty of sub-genres. You, therefore, might not truly know what country music is even when you’re convinced that you know everything about it.

The origins of country music

This genre of music was born when there were several music traditions in the southern parts of the United States. You can trace its origins to the 1920s, when music recording was in its early stages. So, this music genre certainly has a rich and unique history. Over the years, it was influenced by rock, folk, and other genres. While it is quite true that these genres had an effect on country music, it also influenced them.

Mandolins, guitars, and other string instruments were used in the early days while composing country music. Drum was introduced into this genre during the 1930s. The late 1940s saw the introduction of the piano into this music genre.

The first recordings of country music took place in the 1920s. At the time, this genre had a big following among the traditional Christians in the rural south-east. Owing to the growing popularity of radio stations, the spread of this form of music was rapid.

A brief overview of the genre

Usually, this genre is seen as the one that’s simple to produce and listen to. This is one of the major reasons behind its popularity. Often, the lyrical content dominates the musical content in this form of music. Repeated chords are selected together to create harmony. Three chords are commonly repeated, though more than three might be repeated, especially when it comes to chorus.

The lyrics are mostly about the everyday lives of the general public. They often focus on the themes of work, loneliness, and love. Songs in country music have lyrics that tend to be under 150 words. Nevertheless, the messages in these songs are poetic and far reaching.

The instruments used in country music

Most songs in this genre have a twangy sound, which gives them a certain degree of uniqueness. If you observe closely, many songs in the genre use instruments that are common to folk music. The major instruments used in country music include steel guitars, banjos, fiddles, and string basses.

One of the most iconic instruments used in this form of music is the banjo. It may not be as common as before in recent times, but it has played an important role in country music. Because of the unique sound that it produces, the instrument is easily distinguishable. It has also spawned a variety of country music sub-genres.

You can’t ignore the role of fiddle in country music. It was mostly combined with the banjo while making country songs. What makes the banjo, fiddle, and other older instruments unique are the high-pitched sounds and quick rhythms. They make country music easy to identify.

As country music continued to evolve, it was no more a music from the south. It had become extremely popular and included modern instruments such as bass, guitar, and drum.

The core formula

When you study the foundation of country music, you’ll notice three major foundational characteristics. The chord progression, the bridge, and the story form the foundation of this genre. You’ll notice that the chord progression is simple to play and listen. It doesn’t matter whether the song has been written in a pub, a ranch, or a studio. The chord progression is the foundation of a country song.

What makes it catchy and easy to remember are the repeated chords. Some find it hard to follow other music genres such as classical or jazz because of their complicated forms and progressions. Simple chord progressions and catchy riffs form the heart of country music. You can find this type of structure in many of the best country songs of all time. It is enhanced using vocal harmonies, the bridge, and chorus.

Chorus in country songs

Another feature of country music is the bridge or chorus. Songs in this music genre have choruses that are quite touching and memorable. The most successful, inspiring, and beautiful country songs throughout the history of music came with an arrangement that had incredible choruses. The addition of chords, vocals, or instruments enhance the chorus and elevate the entire experience of songs in this genre.

Chorus also serves as the punctuation of the message that’s conveyed through these songs to the audience. Even those who aren’t the avid listeners of country music would tell you that a great chorus is the genre’s defining feature. 

Narration of a story

When you listen to country music, you’ll somehow feel that it has excellent storytelling ability. The songs in this genre were mostly based on the lives of their writers. Most of them lived in rural or poor neighborhoods that showed them a darker side of life.

This served as a motivation for the lyrics and the experiences found expression in words. The story in a country song evokes certain emotions in you and is often inspiring. Many listeners can also relate to such experiences. A country song can be as touching as a poem that has been composed beautifully.

An essential part of country music is the use of a narrative, which provides a compelling element to the songs. It is something that binds all elements of the music together. Most country songs released today also have this feature. The range of experiences and emotions include that of love and loss.

The listeners might have gone through the exact experiences conveyed by the singer. This emotional content of country music, therefore, makes it one of the popular music genres. During live performances of country songs, you can see everyone in the audience swaying as they feel the lyrics.

The cowboy connection

A cowboy has always been one of the popular symbols of the West. Before country music was commercialized, the cowboy was the romantic interest in country songs. A heartbroken cowboy was featured in many of these songs.

The artists were seen in Western clothing or were dressed as cowboys during live performances. The most noticeable symbol was the cowboy hat. In fact, there was a time when very few country artists would perform without wearing it.

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The only other type of music that present a novelistic detail is rap. Their lyrics often tell a story about common people and this is why many among them connect with country and rap songs. Here we present some of the best albums that country music lovers would like to own.

1. Metamodern Sounds in Country Music

This 2014 album by Sturgill Simpson can appeal to anyone who loves music. It includes It Ain’t All Flowers and a country music cover of When in Rome titled The Promise. Simpson is known for mixing the sounds of psychedelia and soul in his work.

He has released several albums as a solo artist and this is his second album. Metamodern Sounds in Country Music received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Americana Album. It was also named among the 50 favorite 2014 albums of National Public Radio (NPR).

2. Car Wheels on a Gravel Road

A 1998 masterpiece by Lucinda Williams, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road was a fusion of country, blues, rock, and Americana. The album came as a commercial breakthrough for Williams and was certified Gold by Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 1999.

It features some of her best songs, including Drunken Angel and Metal Firecracker. The closing track of this album titled Jackson tells the tale of lost love. It stands testimony to the lyrical ability of Williams to evoke pain through a song.

3. Anodyne

Anodyne is a Greek word, which translates as ‘free from pain’. This album is the final studio album by Uncle Tupelo, an alternative country music group. It was released on October 5, 1993, and was re-mastered and re-released in 2003. Before the album was recorded, the original drummer had left this group.

After his departure, three new members were added to the band. They were drummer Ken Coomer, bassist John Stirratt, and multi-instrumentalist Max Johnston. Among the key tracks of this album were New Madrid and The Long Cut. The re-released version of this album had five bonus tracks including Stay True and Wherever.

4. Pieces of the Sky

Released in 1975, this classic album by Emmylou Harris demonstrates her amazing musical range. It was the album that launched her career as a country music artist. Although Pieces of the Sky was her second release after Gliding Bird, it is widely considered as her first.

The opening track Bluebird Wine was originally written by Rodney Crowell. However, Harris recorded her version of the song and injected it with much energy and joy. As a result, it became something new entirely. The album also features her chart-topping duet with Herb Pedersen titled If Only I Could Win Your Love.

5. Grievous Angel

This studio album by Gram Parsons was released in 1974, after his death from an accidental dose of drugs and alcohol. He had released just two albums during his lifetime, but they were among the finest in country music. Grievous Angel is considered his masterpiece and features In My Hour of Darkness, which he sang with Emmylou Harris.

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However, since it was mostly popular in the West, it is referred to as country western music by many. The popularity of this genre can be attributed to many great artists, who took country songs to the masses. Here, we’ll get to know some of these top country music singers of all time.

1. Jimmie Rodgers

He is known among the ardent country music fans as ‘The Father of Country Music’. He was discovered in 1927 at the Victor Talking Machine Company’s renowned Bristol Sessions. What made him one of the genre’s first big stars was his iconic style of yodeling.

He had a significant influence over several country musicians that came after him. Unfortunately, he died in 1933 after his last recording session owing to complications associated with tuberculosis. Nevertheless, he will always be remembered for his hits such as Blue Yodel No. 1 and In The Jailhouse Now.

2. Roy Acuff

Also called The King of Country Music, Roy Acuff was a central figure in the Grand Ole Opry. He played an important role in moving the genre into the singer-driven sound from the ‘hoedown’ format. Hank Williams had once mentioned that Acuff had more drawing power than God in the South.

Acuff’s career began in the 1930s with the Smoky Mountain Boys. He was also a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1938. In the 1940s, he became the co-founder of one of the most important country music labels, Acuff-Rose Records.

3. Jean Shepard

Shepard shot to fame with A Dear John Letter, which released in 1953. She went on to release 73 singles and recorded 24 studio albums between the mid-1950s and the early 1980s. In 1955, she became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Shepard is often regarded as a pioneer for women in the genre.

She was among the very first female superstars in the world of country music. Owing to the national appearances that she made on the Grand Ole Opry, Shepard became a household name. She was also instrumental in taking the honky-tonky country mainstream.

4. Brenda Lee

She is best known for her song I’m Sorry, which was released in 1960. Brenda Lee had more top-ten hits in the 1960s than anyone else other than Elvis, Ray Charles, and The Beatles. Fondly called ‘Little Miss Dynamite’, she was often the shortest person in the room.

Despite her short stature, her voice was the biggest on the radio. Lee was the first woman to be inducted into the Country Music as well as the Rock and Roll Halls of Fame. She also received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.

5. Willie Nelson

Although Nelson got started his career in the 1960s by writing songs, he rose to prominence during the 1970s. For almost his entire career, he has played the same guitar called Trigger. He once stated that when his Trigger can’t be played anymore, he will hang up his hat and retire.

What truly made him a beloved artist of the outlaw country movement was his soft and soothing voice. His most memorable albums include Stardust and Shotgun Willy.

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For one, they equip you with the right skills and knowledge in music. Another great benefit is that you’ll get the opportunity to build a relationship with some key people in the industry. So, if you’re considering enrolling in one of the most reputed music schools in the world, we’ve got a few options:

1. The Royal Academy of Music

Located in London, United Kingdom, The Royal Academy of Music has a 2:1 professors to students ratio. It is one of the oldest and finest music schools in the world for contemporary as well as classical music. This music school was founded by John Fane and Nicolas-Charles Bochsa in 1822.

Eight years later, it received its royal charter from King George IV. With an excellent professors to students ratio, you’ll get closely monitored music lessons. However, it has a low acceptance rate. This is because many music aspirants from different parts of the world want to get into this prestigious institution.

2. The University of Music and Performing Arts

Austria has produced legendary musicians such as Mozart, Strauss, and Shubert. It, therefore, doesn’t come as a surprise that it is also home to a large music school. The University of Music and Performing Arts is located in Vienna, the Austrian capital.

It covers all sorts of music and also awards music, movie, and theater degrees. However, you’ll need to be proficient in the German language to enroll in this music school. The native music aspirants and German speakers probably won’t get a better music school than this one.

3. Conservatoire de Paris

Next in the list is Conservatoire de Paris, yet another music school that’s one of the oldest in the world. It accepts only 30 students from all over the world each year. This is why you’ll need to do some serios thinking before applying to this music school. It was founded in the late 18th century and formerly included drama along with music and dance.

Located in the French capital, Paris, this institution gives you the best education in music. Over the past 200 years, it has produced many famous French musicians, such as Gabriel Faure and Paul Abraham Dukas. Claude Debussy, one of the most influential music composers, was also a student of Conservatoire de Paris.

4. Berklee College of Music

This music school located in Boston, United States of America, is among the world’s renowned music schools. It is well-known for having a modern curriculum and is the world’s largest independent college of contemporary music.

The acceptance rate is quite high in Berklee College of Music, as it can accommodate a big number of students. They also have a wide range of online courses in music. You can learn something new and get certified without having to physically attend the classes.

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Country music can find a way into your heart no matter how old or young you are. To many of the country music fans, the genre is not just about music. For them it is more of a way of life. It brings them joy and gives them some words of wisdom that might stay with them for life. Here are some of the subtle messages that have been conveyed through country music:

1. There is a higher power

Many songs in country music have talked about God or the presence of a higher power. Of course, family and friends are extremely important in our lives. However, we get a lot of inner strength from our belief in The Almighty. Some acknowledge the presence of that unseen force and some don’t. It is always a personal choice.

2. It’s good to have a family and values

At the heart of many country songs are family and values. This is probably because a good family plays an important role in shaping an individual’s character. The family values are passed on from one generation to the other. Often, such families and values are instrumental in producing some brilliant women and men in our society.

3. Every small thing can have a story

The beauty of country music is that it finds value in everything, no matter how big or small it is. Sometimes, you’ll find that a simple daily object is used to tell a story. That simple object then becomes the source of an inspiring message and a melodious song. This is why some country songs have become timeless after having topped the charts decades ago.

4. Women are strong

This might come as a surprise to you. There is hardly any other genre of music that portrays women as symbols of strength and boldness. One of the best examples is the chart-topping single by Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert titled Somethin’ Bad.

Such songs send out a strong message that women are strong and must be treated with respect. Some of these songs are also a reminder that the world has changed. There’s no place for patriarchy in today’s society. This is evident from the top positions in leadership that women are holding in recent times.

5. The importance of summer

There are countless country songs that talk about the significance of summer. Some of these songs talk about summer romance. This is the time of the year when love is in the air. For many individuals, especially those living in colder regions in the world, summer is the best season.

It is a time for enjoying some ice-cold beer, vacations, and pleasant conversations. All such things are often reflected in the lyrics of country songs that celebrate the summer season.

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Country music has influenced other genres

Country music has had a significant impact on other genres, including rock and roll and pop music. Many rock and roll artists, such as Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis, were heavily influenced by country music, and some pop artists, such as Taylor Swift, have incorporated country music elements into their music.

The Grand Ole Opry has been on the air for over 95 years

The Grand Ole Opry, a weekly country music show in Nashville, Tennessee, has been on the air for over 95 years. The show has featured some of the biggest names in country music, including Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, and Johnny Cash.

The first country music song ever recorded was in 1923

The first country music song ever recorded was “The Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane” by Fiddlin’ John Carson in 1923. This song set the stage for the country music genre and paved the way for many of the artists we know and love today.

Country music has its own Hall of Fame

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Nashville, Tennessee, celebrates the history and achievements of country music artists. The museum has over 2.5 million artifacts and is home to many interactive exhibits that allow visitors to explore the genre’s rich history.

Country music has its own dance

The two-step is a popular dance style in country music. It’s a partner dance that originated in Texas and is often seen in country music dance halls and honky-tonks. The dance is relatively easy to learn and is a fun way to enjoy country music with a partner.

Country music has its own awards show

The Country Music Association Awards (CMA Awards) have been presented annually since 1967 to honor the best in country music. The awards show features performances by some of the biggest names in the industry and is one of the most-watched music events on television.

Country music is the most popular radio format in the United States

According to the Country Music Association, country music is the most popular radio format in the United States, with over 2,000 country music stations across the country. This popularity is reflected in the genre’s success on streaming services and social media platforms.

Country music has a long history of storytelling

Many country music songs tell stories, often about love, heartbreak, or small-town life. Some of the most famous examples of storytelling in country music include Johnny Cash’s “A Boy Named Sue”. Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” is another.

Country music has a strong connection to patriotism

Country music has a long history of celebrating America and its values. Many country music songs express pride in the country and its military. In some artists, such as Toby Keith, have even written songs specifically in support of the U.S. armed forces.

Country music festivals are a big deal

Country music festivals are a popular way for fans to enjoy live performances by their favorite artists. Some of the most well-known country music festivals include the CMA Fest in Nashville and the Stagecoach Festival in California.

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