Genre Definition
What is Country music?
Country is a music genre that originated 1920s--present. Southern USA, 1920s.
Origin of Country
Southern USA, 1920s. Born from Appalachian folk, blues, and western swing. The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers are considered the founding artists, first recorded in 1927. Nashville became the industry centre by the 1950s. Hank Williams defined the archetypal sound; outlaw country later challenged Nashville polish.
Era: 1920s--present
Defining sound of Country
Acoustic and electric guitar, fiddle, steel guitar (pedal steel or dobro), banjo. Narrative lyrical tradition focused on love, loss, place, and working-class life. Vocal twang is a stylistic marker. BPM varies from slow ballad (60) to uptempo honky-tonk shuffle (160).
Pioneers of Country
- Carter Family
- Jimmie Rodgers
- Hank Williams
- Patsy Cline
- Johnny Cash
Key Country artists
Related genres
Frequently asked questions about Country
- When did Country start?
- Country originated 1920s--present. Southern USA, 1920s.
- Who invented Country?
- Country was pioneered by Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash. Southern USA, 1920s. Born from Appalachian folk, blues, and western swing. The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers are considered the founding artists, first recorded in 1927. Nashville became the industry centre by the 1950s. Hank Williams defined the archetypal sound; outlaw country later challenged Nashville polish.
- Is Country still popular?
- Country continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Townes Van Zandt, Emmylou Harris.
- What does Country sound like?
- Acoustic and electric guitar, fiddle, steel guitar (pedal steel or dobro), banjo. Narrative lyrical tradition focused on love, loss, place, and working-class life. Vocal twang is a stylistic marker. BPM varies from slow ballad (60) to uptempo honky-tonk shuffle (160).
- What is the difference between Country and americana?
- Country and americana are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the americana definition page for a full comparison.
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