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Maybe you grew up in L.A. but these days
everyone is going crazy over country western
music. Even American Idol
tm is getting in on the
act with this musical genre.
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Why
Is Country Western Music Taking
Over?
Fun Facts About Country
Western Music
Remember, the one thing about
country western music, the lines of attraction and
preference are clearly divided: people can tell you
(and will tell you) they either love it or hate it.
Small word wars are waged across the miles over
country western music.
Tears are shed (for,
against, and because of) country western
music.
I have friends that accept me
despite their disdain and in spite of my love of
country and western. I grew up on it. My father, a
very simple, very quiet man, would make few sounds
when he worked (as a supremely skilled carpenter
and craftsperson).
But when he did speak, it was
to sing old country songs, such as
“Lovesick Blues” “There
Stands the Glass,” or any selection from
the Eddy Arnold or Hank Williams (senior)
repertoire.
My Dad Loved Country Western
Music Songs
When he and Mom had friends
over, there was always a 33 (also known as an LP, a
vinyl disc we put on what was called a turn table,
for you ipod and DVD/CD babies) on, playing either
Tammy Wynette’s “Stand by Your Man,”
Donna Fargo’s “Funny Face,” another
legendary star’s work, or, as
those of you who are country
music fans from way back will swoon, a number by
Patsy Cline. Granted, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton,
and the many who have followed over the
years—
- LeAnn Rhymes with her
pristine warble
- The Judds, with their
stunning harmony
are to be reckoned with, but
Patsy lives forever, with “Crazy,”
“Walkin After Midnight,” and “I Fall
to Pieces….”
The country western music is
of a decade or so ago is, too, moving, engaging,
and alluring. Randy Travis rules. Kenny, Clint,
Alabama, and Willie still reign over a huge plot of
the country landscape.
Vocal Tidbit: What Dictionary.Com tm Says About
Country Western Music ---
"Country music is about
tradition, yet its simple form lends itself to
endless variations on similar themes. Like blues --
the two genres often shared themes, melodies and
songs -- country is a simple music at its core.
Most of its songs are built around three chords and
a plain melody, but these forms are so basic, they
allow for many different styles, from the gritty
sounds of honky tonk to the jazzy improvisations of
Western Swing. Country music grew out of American
Southern folk music, both Appalachian and blues,
and old-time country was simple and folky, with
just guitars and fiddles. As the genre progressed,
old time music evolved into the rhythmic
guitar-and-fiddle driven traditional country that
became the foundation of modern country music, from
honky tonk and Western Swing"
Country And Rockabilly
Music
The Rockabilly artists merged
(or reemerged) genres, so Chris Isaak (the king of
contemporary country crooners) speaks to huge
numbers, while Johnny Cash has made a comeback
posthumously, recalling every word and intonation
for those of us who grew up watching the variety
shows with “Ring of Fire” and “I
Walk the Line” resounding in our heads as if
we were ten again.
And, the new wave of young
country and western stars are giving the charts a
shake, as well. Billy Currington, Gretchen Wilson,
Shania, Kenny C. You can now even see this music on
mainstream talent shows such as American Idol
tm.
But Glen Campbell singing
“Wichita Lineman;” Ray lowing “Take
the ribbon from your hair…;” or Merle
almost crying “Tonight, the bottle let me
down… will always go straight from the head to
the aching center of our hearts.
Then there’s
Elvis…. Don’t let’s get started on
that debate, though. Was he country or western? I
don't know but he crosses pretty much all musical
boundaries. This music is here to stay.
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More Music Notes
....
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Classical
Gas
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No one can deny the presense of this
famous song by Mason Williams. It has
lasted through the ages and is the envy of
many composers who didn't write
it.
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Beatles
Songs
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The 1960s was a "fabulous" time for pop
culture and its music and The Beatles
really cashed in on their unique
sound.
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