Country music was not always as we know it. It originated with the folk traditions of the British Isles. When the new land was discovered, country music came to being due to a mixture between many ethnic sounds of other cultures, mixed with tribal sounds from African slaves.
Apart from what many believe, country music did not begin in the hills of the Southern States.
By the early 1920's, record labels discovered talented artists like Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter family. Their songs swept the nation through three main radio stations: Forth Worth, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; and Nashville, Tennessee.
Soon this "barn dance" music became not only a means of living for the artists, but a large part of the lives of listeners and followers. Early records were diverse in style, but all had the same idea, "a raw, fiddle-driven string band."
Veterans of these string bands were fans of jazz and blues as well, which resulted in "Western Swing." Although many of the genre's artists were hillbillies, the term was considered offensive, which brought upon the cowboy apparel. Cowboys represent romance, heroic activity and strength; which drew in a large female audience.
Throughout the years country has continued to develop and has evolved with every major artist, including June Carter-Cash and Johnny Cash; the iconic couple of Country music.
June Carter is a member of the Carter family, one of the first families, or artists to ever be discovered under the Country genre. She was born in 1929 and became a part of the country world from birth. After two marriages-gone-wrong she married Johnny Cash; who is in my opinion, Country music's king.
He was born in 1932, grew up on a farm in Arkansas, and first knew at 4 years old he wanted to be a country music artist. He was inspired by Jimmie Rodgers, Gospel groups and his wife's family, the Carter's. After losing his brother, joining the American army, and getting married he finally received a record deal with Sam Phillips at Sun Records. His first song was recorded and released within two days of meeting Phillips.
After marrying June Carter in 1968, they had their first son, born March 3rd 1970. He was later inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and deemed a country music legend, in 1980. Shortly after in 1989, he was inducted into the Rock'N'Roll Hall of Fame. However, the award idolized most by Cash was being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
All in all, Johnny Cash is a wonderful example of a man who overcame his difficulties and found great success along with happiness.
Many of Johnny's songs have influenced the way I look at life, and his story has taught so many about
addiction awareness and how easy it is to fall into the dark trap when surrounded by that kind of business. I find that Johnny Cash will never compare to any other artist, he built Country music as a song writer and as an artist because of his personality and experiences and if one helps a genre grow to such an extent, they deserve more than to be members of the Hall Of Fame(s). Cash has influenced so many artists, young artists often idolize him and strive to be as strong as he was, and that is why, in my opinion, he is the King of Country. Without Cash, would Country music even exist as we know it? In my opinion, no, Johnny has changed the world in a way in which no other artist could ever imagine doing.
http://www.biography.com/people/johnny-cash-9240610
Many of Johnny's songs have influenced the way I look at life, and his story has taught so many about
addiction awareness and how easy it is to fall into the dark trap when surrounded by that kind of business. I find that Johnny Cash will never compare to any other artist, he built Country music as a song writer and as an artist because of his personality and experiences and if one helps a genre grow to such an extent, they deserve more than to be members of the Hall Of Fame(s). Cash has influenced so many artists, young artists often idolize him and strive to be as strong as he was, and that is why, in my opinion, he is the King of Country. Without Cash, would Country music even exist as we know it? In my opinion, no, Johnny has changed the world in a way in which no other artist could ever imagine doing.
http://www.biography.com/people/johnny-cash-9240610
I love Johnny Cash! You're so right; he's such a legend! I think part of the reason he’s so timeless is because of his use of his use of blues in his music, which gives him a nice mellow but fun sound. Sometimes his behaviour before June taints his music for me… but then I think of him and June and all is well.
ReplyDeleteYes! I agree. Johnny Cash did have a slightly rough patch in his career, but luckily June helped him over come that stage of his life. I personally believe he remains one of country's biggest stars today due to his success and his growth as an artist that his fans were (at the time) able to follow, and that now we are able to see. His songs for me were not just the basic typical country song about love, trucks or bonfires; he put his real life into his songs and created the story of his life through such. So yes I agree with you, he's timeless!
DeleteI have never been a big country girl but after reading this blog I learnt a lot more about how it all started and I like it! For me, once I know more about the first beginnings of something, I find it so much more interesting. My friends have just started introducing me to some Country music and I think I'm starting to get a feel for it . It is starting to grow on me ! Also to know that Johnny Cash played a big part in the Country music history just made it even better! He is such a legend and the song "Walk the line" will always be a hit ! Can't wait to read more of your posts, country girl! aha
ReplyDeleteJohnny Cash truly is the heart of country music, he was one of the biggest influences in history. Thanks! And yes, we need more country listeners its so relaxing! Keep calm and love some Luke Bryan is always the way to go!
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ReplyDeleteHaha, hey thanks Chris! Yeah emotion plays a big part in Cash's performances and albums, considering he lost his brother at a young age and was so affected by the environment in which he grew up in, later to add only more huge life experiences with his drug addiction and divorce. Strong character builds a very well rounded Country artist.
DeleteGreat Blog! Johnny Cash is the best musician of all time hands down! You can really feel his music by his tone of voice in each song. I love the story of Johnny Cash and June Carter. It's too bad no one makes music with such emotion that makes you feel happy and sad at the same time. Can’t wait to read more posts.
ReplyDeleteI love Johnny Cash. His version of "Hurt" is so emotional and jarring that it can be difficult to listen to without tearing up.
ReplyDeletePlease let us know where you got this information, otherwise it could be labeled as plagiarism. Also, don't forget that we want to hear much more of your opinion in each post. Why is Cash the king of Country according to you? What's your favourite Cash song?
Many of Johnny's songs have influenced the way I look at life, and his story has taught so many about addiction awareness and how easy it is to fall into the dark trap when surrounded by that kind of business. I find that Johnny Cash will never compare to any other artist, he built Country music as a song writer and as an artist because of his personality and experiences and if one helps a genre grow to such an extent, they deserve more than to be members of the Hall Of Fame(s). Cash has influenced so many artists, young artists often idolize him and strive to be as strong as he was, and that is why, in my opinion, he is the King of Country. Without Cash, would Country music even exist as we know it? Does this comment count as adding my opinion because I'd rather not re-word it for my blog?
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