Genre research - Country

Where it originated from

Country is a genre of American popular music which originated in Southern united states, in Bristol, Tennessee in the 1920’s.

It takes its roots from the south eastern genre of American folk music and western music.

The origins of country music are the fold music of mostly white, working class Americans who blended popular songs, Irish and Celtic fiddle tunes, traditional ballads, cowboy songs and various musical tradition from European immigrant communities.

Country was born by musicians who were brave enough to wear their heart on their sleeves from happiness to heartache.

Because of country icons like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and jimmy Rodger, this southern soulful genre has grown to be loved by so many.

Main artists The first country singers 1928 – ‘Blue Yodel’ – became famous for his style of yodelling. (Jimmie

Rodgers) 1955 – Johnny Cash 1957 – Elvis Presley (with a sub genre of rock)

Now Although Dolly Parton has been around for a long time doing country

singing, she is still a current country singer now. Lady Antebellum Brad Paisley Carrie underwood

Johnny Cash – Ring of Fire - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkRUTryzRSs

Elvis Presley – Suspicious mind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBmAPYkPeYU

Dolly Parton – Jolene https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1plvBR02wDs Brad Paisley – country Nation https://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tjg5c7Wo4g Carrie Underwood – Smoke Break https://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ealNayCkaU

British Country Singers

Sarah Jory https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoMgfa2wZG0

Sally Timms https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkRUTryzRSs

Awards The main country awards are the ‘CMA’ awards ( Country music

association). At these awards a range of awards are given out for country artists such as personal excellence, male/female vocalist etc.

Key features of country music

Typical instruments that are used in country music are; Vocals, acoustic guitar, drums, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, double bass,

pedal steel guitar, harmonica.

Country music consists of ballads and dance tunes with generally simple forms of harmonies accompanied by mostly string instruments.

Styling/ Clothing/ attitudes

Clothing Denim (loose clothing) Shirts Boots (or bare foot)

Attitudes Manners Love and pride (especially of country) Proud Reach out (big hearts)

Evolution of country music Johnny Cash - Ring of Fire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It7107ELQvY

Dolly Parton – Home https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-ifWeaSdrc

Johnny cash ring of fire is a performance music video and the outfits worn are smart and not the typical stereotypical dress for country artists.

Dolly Parton, home is predominately also a performance based music video, similar to Johnny Cash. However, it has a slightly more country film due to the slightly more basic and country instrument. However, it still doesn’t portray typical country stereotypes.

Evolution of country music Clay walker - She wont be lonely long https://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3n9HtxzuBI

Brad Paisley – Country Nation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tjg5c7Wo4g

Clay Walker’s music video is a performance and narrative based music video. This music video follows conventions and is a much more stereotypical country music video than older ones. It is set in the country and peaceful locations (beach), he is wearing more country clothing (cowboy hat) and a horse is involved.

Brad Paisley's music video follows conventions much more and as the most recent is the most stereotypical to what audiences would expect a country music video to be as it includes; cowboy boots, hats, set in the country, music instruments, animals

Evolution of country music

The four examples of country music videos I have used have clearly shown an evolution over time.

It can be seen as since time has gone on, the stereotypes have become more and more fixed and a part of peoples views and therefore the music videos have conformed to these stereotypes more and more over time.

Conventions of country music videos

Country music videos usually enhance or reinforce they storyline being portrayed in the song, in order to bring it to life visually.

Commonly, country music videos follow a narrative. The artist themselves are usually expected to feature in the music video. There are many things which often feature in country music videos

which audiences stereotypically associate with country music such as trucks, country side, cowboy boots, denim etc.