The Origins of Country Music

Country music is deeply rooted in the folk traditions of the British Isles.

When immigrants began moving to America they brought their instruments and culture with them.

Way back yonder

The Irish (Ireland = British Isles) brought the fiddle and its rich tradition.

German dulcimer Italian mandolin Spanish guitar West African banjo

In the new world these music and ethnic roots began to become entangled.

In the South, folk music was a combination of cultural strains, combining musical traditions of a variety of ethnic groups in the region◦ some instrumental pieces from British and Irish

immigrants were the basis of folk songs and ballads that form what is now known as old time music, from which country music descended

In the Appalachian Mountains immigrants from Northern England, Scottish Lowlands, and the Irish province of Ulster settled the region. ◦ In this region the British and Irish folk music

predominated.

Country music is not the sole creation of European Americans.

a great deal of style—and of course, the banjo, a major instrument in most early American folk songs—came from African Americans.

Throughout the 1800s immigrant groups from Ireland, Germany, Spain, and Italy moved to Texas. These groups interacted with Mexican and Native American groups already established in the region.

South West

Early country music can be divided three parts◦ 1st Generation (1920s)◦ 2nd Generation (1930s – 1940s)◦ 3rd Generation (1950s-1960s)

The Country Industry Takes Shape

First Generation1920s

During the 1920s Atlanta music scene played a major role in the success of many artists.

During the 20s many people from Appalachia moved to ‘Hot Lanta’ to work in the cotton mills.

Much like with immigrants to America, these people brought their musc.

With the developing music scene, some of the present record companies realized that musicians such as Fiddlin’ John Carson fit demographic of these agricultural workers

The first commerical tracks that could be considered ‘country’ we “Arkansas Traveler” and “Turkey in the Straw” by fiddlers Henry Gilliland & A.C. Robertson.

This music was initially know as hillbilly music.

In 1924 Vernon Dalhart became the first country singer with a nationwide hit. The track, which has been covered many times since then, was “Wreck of the Old ’97”.

In April of 1924 “Aunt” Samantha Bumgarner and Eva Davis became the first females to release country tracks.

First Female Vocalists

By 1922 the steel guitar was introduced to country music.

The Carter family, an important early country music group, were first recorded in Bristol Tennessee on August 1, 1927.

A similar scene to this recording can be scene in ‘Oh Brother…’

Over the next 17 years the Carter family will record some 300 old-time ballads, traditional tunes, country songs, and gospel hymns.

Second Generation1930s-1940s

The Great Depression’s effects were certainly felt by the recording industry. During this time of financial crisis record sales declined.

Instead, the emphasis on music shifted to radio and “barn dance” shows

The setting

On November 28th, 1925 the historical Grand Ole Opry launched on WSM.

The Opry was live “barn dance” radio program which featured many famous country musicians such as Roy Acuff.

The Opry was broadcast 50,000 watts, which enabled it to be heard across the nation.

Grande Ole Opry

“Cowboy songs”, which had been recorded since the 20s, became popular with Hollywood.

The popularity of cowboy songs were furthered by musicians/ actors Roy Rogers and Gene Autry.

1930s & 1940s

Country music and western music were often played on the same radio stations, which led to the term ‘country western’.

Bluegrass emerged onto the music scene after WWII when Bill Monroe joined Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs at the Grand Ole Opry.

Bluegrass

Stripped down and raw sounding, honky tonk was made up of a guitar, dobro or steel guitar and later on, drums.

Music of poor whites living in Texas and Oklahoma.

Honky tonk music is typically assoicated with the barrooms in which it was payed and performed.

Honky Tonk

Notable Honky Tonk musicians:◦ Ernest Tubb◦ Hank Williams (Broadcast from the Opry)

Honky Tonk

Honky Tonk would later be known as “Traditional” country.

Honky Tonk

In 1935 Western swing band leader Bob Wills added drums to his group. Since drums to “too loud” or “not pure”, Will’s drummer was never allowed to appear on stage at the Opry.

As late as 1956 drummers were tucked away backstage playing playing while the band took the stage.

Instruments

Bob Wills added the electric guitar to his band in 1938.

10 years later Arthur Smith recorded “Guitar Boogie”, a top 10 country single that showcase the electric guitar’s potential.

Instruments

As the electric guitar gained in popularity, most musicians preferred to play Gibson and Gretsch guitars.

During the 1950s the Fender electric was the hot new sound. Since that time, Fenders have been the standard of country music.