Country music has been such a big part of the American music scene for decades. The origins of the genre can be traced back to fiddle players from the Southern Appalachians who started recording their music in the 1910s. Sometime in the 1920s, country music really started to take form and it became a successful music genre.
Jimmy Rodgers and the Carter Family
Jimmy Rodgers is considered by many to be the father of country music and he was a national success. His single entitled “Blue Yodel #1” has the distinction of being the first single to sell a million copies. The Carter Family was the first famous vocal group in country music and the entire family helped to popularize the genre. These two acts were very important in the early days of country music and are considered to be legendary today.
Western Swing
Western swing music started to become popular in the late 1920s. It reached the peak of its popularity during the 1940s. This is a style of country music that incorporated steel guitars, pianos, and saxophones.
Bluegrass
Bluegrass is another subgenre of country music that needs to be recognized. It was brought to popularity by a man known as Bill Monroe. The Blue Grass Boys played old-time mountain hillbilly music.
Honky-Tonk
Honky-tonk country music came to prominence because of Ernest Tubbs in the 1940s. His song “Walking the Floor Over You” became incredibly popular back in 1942. Honky-tonk music is still popular to this day.
Nashville
The Nashville style of country music was something that was developed throughout the 1950s and 1960s. It was more polished than honky-tonk music and featured elements of the big band style. The country stars of the time were often backed up by big orchestras.
Modern Country
Modern country music continues to thrive with many standout artists. There are still popular artists playing pure old school country music. Some of the most popular country artists have mixed in elements of traditional pop music as well. The genre remains healthy and it’s sure to go through many other variations as time marches forward.