1970s Country Music

Glen CampbellConsidered one of the icons of country

music.◦ Been in music industry for 50 years.◦ Released more than 70 albums.◦ Sold more than 45 million records. ◦“Rhinestone Cowboy”

The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour

Rhinestone Cowboy

Kenny RogersBegan career in the 50s.Started solo career in mid 70s.Biggest hit “Lucille”“The Gambler”

The Gambler

Charlie RichNicknamed “The Silver Fox”Very popularWon numerous awards“Behind Closed Doors” won 3

CMA Awards.Controversy at the 1973 CMA

Awards

Behind Closed Doors

Dolly PartonBorn in 1946 in Tennessee

◦Began recording at age 11.◦Moved to Nashville in 1964.◦Country music radio and television.

Won the CMA Best Female Singer award in ‘75 & ‘76.

First #1 hit in 1971-JoshuaGrammy Award in ‘77.

More Dolly Parton

Merle HaggardMerle Haggard was born in

Bakersfield, CA in 1937. Bakersfield would later become a country music scene rivaling Nashville. ◦Songs reflected the real problems

many Americans faced to support their families in the economic climate of the 70s. “If We Make It Through December”-song

about poverty around Christmas time.

If We Make it Through December

John DenverFamed singer-songwriter.Most successful album released

in 1971.◦‘Poems, Prayers, and Promises.’◦“Take Me Home, Country Roads” and

“Rocky Mountain High”Many thought of Denver as folk

artist instead of country artist.

Take Me Home, Country Roads

Olivia Newton JohnHad a series of Top Ten country

crossover hits in the 70s.◦“Let Me Be There”◦“If You Love Me Let Me Know”◦“Have You Never Been Mellow”

Won CMA award for female singer of the year in 1974.

Hardcore country fans didn’t like her.Left country to get into oldies music.

◦“Grease”

Charlie Daniels BandWas a mix of country and

Southern rock music.

Fiddle playing.

“The Devil Went Down to Georgia”

Devil Went Down to Georgia

Bakersfield Sound v. NashvilleEmerged as a distinctive sound

of country music.◦Originated in Bakersfield, California◦Influenced by the country Rockabilly

sounds from the 50s.Opposite sound of Nashville

country.◦Nashville country was described as

‘slick’ sounding.

Grand Ole OpryThe Grand Ole Opry began as a

radio show in the 1930s. Held at the Ryman Theater until

1974 when the Opry moved to a larger complex with a theme park.◦Opryland

Radio show was televised live for the first time in the 1970s.

PBS aired the show on TV March 4, 1978.