Originating in the southern United States is a popular music genre called country music or country and western music. After the 1920s it really increased in popularity. Country music was invented by fusing Celtic, folk and gospel styles into a special new form. Hillbilly music was the first name given to country music. The 1940s issued in the use of the term country music when some believed the term hillbilly to be degrading. Today’s country music is a melting pot of styles and ethnic groups.
Best selling music record singers are mostly country musicians in origin. Prior to becoming the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley had his roots in country music. The top selling solo artist of all time in the United States is country singer Garth Brooks. Country music records have defied the trend of declining album sales and are doing quite well on the charts.
Nashville Tennessee became the capitol of country music in the United States at the end of World War II. Acuff and Hank Williams went on to become international stars. Although country music originated in the south, its base grew more broader following the 60s. Later when the 1960s country music was very successful commercially. It’s common to see them now in the city as well as the country.
The themes of country music lyrics has stayed fairly consistent during its long history. the traveling man, prison time, and hard work are included in the common themes of country music Love, religion and many aspects of life are generally the themes on which the lyrics of country music are written. Deep emotions, that have resulted from a broken heart or homesickness, are often expressed in country music. Country music definitely has its own personality even though it comes from a variety of sources. Lear more about lyrics.