The Oxford Handbook of Country Music

Country music is a genre of popular music that originated in the rural Southern United States in the early 20th century. It is characterized by its simple melodies, often based on folk and blues traditions, and its lyrics, which typically focus on themes of love, loss, and everyday life.

The Oxford Handbook of Country Music (Oxford Handbooks)

by Travis D. Stimeling

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7758 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	587 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Country music has a long and rich history, and has been shaped by a variety of influences, including folk, blues, gospel, and rock and roll. It has also been influenced by the cultural and historical experiences of the people who have created and performed it.

The Oxford Handbook of Country Music is a comprehensive and authoritative reference work that explores the history, traditions, and cultural impact of country music. Written by a team of leading scholars, the handbook provides a detailed overview of the genre's origins, evolution, and contemporary manifestations.

Origins and Development

The origins of country music can be traced back to the late 19th century, when rural musicians in the Southern United States began to blend elements of folk, blues, and gospel music. These early country musicians often performed at dances, parties, and other social gatherings.

In the early 20th century, country music began to gain a wider audience through the popularity of hillbilly music, a style of country music that was characterized by its use of traditional folk instruments, such as the fiddle and the banjo. Hillbilly music was popularized by performers such as Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family.

In the 1940s and 1950s, country music began to evolve into a more commercialized style, known as honky-tonk music. Honky-tonk music was characterized by its use of electric guitars and drums, and its lyrics, which often dealt with themes of heartbreak and loss.

Contemporary Country Music

In the 1960s and 1970s, country music began to diversify, with the emergence of new subgenres such as country rock, outlaw country, and bluegrass. These new subgenres were characterized by their incorporation of elements from other genres, such as rock and roll, blues, and folk.

In the 1980s and 1990s, country music became increasingly popular, with the rise of stars such as Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, and Tim McGraw. This period also saw the emergence of a new generation of country musicians, who were influenced by a variety of musical styles, including rock, pop, and hip-hop.

Today, country music remains a popular and influential genre of music. It is performed by a wide range of artists, from traditionalists to modern innovators. Country music continues to evolve and adapt, reflecting the changing tastes of its audience.

Cultural Impact

Country music has had a significant impact on American culture. It has been used to express the values and experiences of rural Americans, and has helped to shape the nation's identity.

Country music has also been a major influence on other genres of music, such as rock and roll, blues, and pop. It has also been used in films, television shows, and other forms of media.

The Oxford Handbook of Country Music is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history, traditions, and cultural impact of country music. It is a comprehensive and authoritative reference work that provides a detailed overview of the genre's origins, evolution, and contemporary manifestations.

Country music is a vibrant and diverse genre of music that has had a significant impact on American culture. The Oxford Handbook of Country Music is an essential resource for anyone interested in learning more about this important genre of music.

The Oxford Handbook of Country Music (Oxford Handbooks)

by Travis D. Stimeling

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7758 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	587 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE