Country

Maybe, when you visit your grandpa's house in the countryside of the United States, you will find him listening to the old radios, and slow music with folk tunes is played. Perhaps, what your grandpa listens to is the country music, the popular genre originated from the Southern area of the United States. Accompanied initially with acoustic guitar, banjos, and sometimes fiddle and harmonicas, country music has become one of the favorites genres across United States among many generations. Often, country music usually employed the simple forms, influenced by ballads and dance tunes. Listening the country music will often remind you of the countryside of United States in past times, maybe partly due to the strong relationship with hillybilly music as its predecessors. Hence, how this country music becomes the music that we know now?

It actually has a long history which formed country music that we know these days. It is believed to have the ballads and popular folksongs of European people who live in the Appalachian mountain range. Fiddlin’ John Carson can be considered and widely acclaimed as the first country musicians because of his first recording in 1923. And Hence, with his contributions, the country song started to form and spread in the United States, and even worldwide. Hollywood films also contribute towards the fame of country music, and also makes the country music identical to the western genre of Hollywood movies. In fact, many musics in the United States after being rooted in country music, such as rockabilly, western swing, country pop, country rock, and many more. Hence, many subgenres emerged from country music, creating a vibrant style of the genre.

The first influential artist of the country is of course, Fiddlin’ John Carson, with his Little Log Cabin in the Lane, become the first generation of country music. Carson uses his fiddlers and sing in most of his songs, and also, his lyrics originated from American folk songs. Vernon Dalhart also gives the contributions for the development of country music for that era. However, maybe one of the most well-known country musicians, and also the best artists in the world, is Johnny Cash. His deep, baritone singing voice become one of the trademarks of his. Try to listen to I Walk the Line, Man in Black, and You are my Sunshine to seek the greatness of this Johnny Cash. No wonder these songs become the world hits, and inevitably, become one of his greatest hits up to this time.

Although Johnny Cash is my personal best, I cannot be biased by not mentioning the other influential person who also contributes to the country songs. Among the country legends, Hank Williams will be my next pick. Although he died at his golden age of the musician (29 years old), his music influences last long, and his yodeling become one of his trademarks. Listen to Lovesick Blues to listen to how Hank Williams yodeling. Other recommended songs include Jambalaya, Move it on Over, and Long Gone Lonesome Blues. Last but not least, if you prefer to listen to the younger country music artist, try Luke Combs’ works and Cody Johnson’s On My Way to You to taste the modern country songs. Enjoy listening!