The Art of Country PopBy: Jaime Leal

Timeline1950- A blend of Country Politan and Soft Rock, Country

Pop is invented by two studio executives, Chet Atkins and Owen Bradley.

1950’s- During the 50’s, two male Country Pop artist emerged, Jim Reeves and Eddy Arnold.

1960’s- Patsy Cline is the first female Country Pop artist to emerge. She and Jim Reeves and Eddy Arnold were among the popular artists at this time.

1970’s- Country Pop finally finds widespread acceptance. Helping build it’s reputation were pop artist’s such as Glenn Campbell, Anne Murrary, John Denver and Olivia Newton John.

1974- Olivia Newton’s John hit, “Let Me Be There” becomes a big pop/country crossover. This song helped her to win “Female Vocalist of the Year” at the CMA (Country Music Awards).

1974- The Association of Country Entertainers was formed. This was a group of artists who were troubled by the trend of Country Pop.

1975- After reaching it’s apex, The Association of Country Entertainers came to an end.

1977- Kenny Rogers conquers the Country pop charts with his song, “Lucille”. Kenny Rogers continued his reign and influence on Country Pop with more hits.

1980- Dolly Parton, along with a few other Country artists decided to jump ship and began to play under Country Pop influences. One of Dolly Parton’s major Country Pop hits was “9 to 5”.

1980s- Fans of traditional Country had began to become restless with the Country Pop genre. Some artists, such as Alabama, Dolly and Ronnie Mislap still had success.

1990- After some time, Country Pop began to find it’s way back to the hearts of audiences with new Country Pop artist such as Garth Brooks, LeAnn Rimes, and Shania Twain.

1995- Shania Twain rival’s Garth Brooks’ song sales with her album, “The Woman in Me”.

1997- LeAnn Rimes is able to achieve Country Pop success with her song, “How Do I Live”. Along with “How Do I Live”, Rimes was able to gain more success through the songs, “Can’t Fight The Moonlight” and “I Need You”.

1998- Faith Hill releases “This Kiss” Late 1990’s- After the success of Rimes, Twain, and Brooks, more artists such as

Billy Ray Cyrus, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Lonestar, Reba McEntire and Sara Evans joined the Country Pop Genre.

2000’s- The success of these artist were joined along with new artist such as Lee Ann Womack, Dixie Chicks, Carrie Underwood, and Taylor Swift.

2000- Lee Ann Womack’s song, “I Hope You Dance” is a great success in Country Pop music and hits number 1 on the Country billboard.

2001- Lonestar’s album and song “I’m Already There” hits number 1 on Country music charts.

2002- In 2002, Shania Twain released her highly successful album “Up!” The album was certified at 11.00 X multi platinum. This album made her the first and only female to have three consecutive diamond albums.

2005- Rascal Flatts release their version of “What Hurts the Most” which hits number 1 on Country charts.

2005- Carrie Underwood wins American Idol and produces her hit song “Before He Cheats”.

2008- Keith Urban releases the song “You Look Good In My Shirt”. It became Keith’s 8th number 1 song.

2008- Also in 2008, Taylor Swift released her song “Should’ve Said No”. Even though it was disliked amongst critics, it was able to make it to number 1 on Country charts and was positively received among her fan base.

2009- Lady Antebellum releases their hit song and album “Need You Now”. The album garnered positive reviews and 3X platinum.

2010- Taylor Swift releases her album “Speak Now”. Within it’s first week, “Speak Now” sold 1,047,000 albums and also had the strongest digital sales.

2011 & on- Country Pop is still hanging strong and will most likely continue on with it’s art

and greatness!