1950s Country Music

The 1950’s represent the beginning of the development of the music industry, as it is known today. It is from here on that the genre of ‘popular music’ existed and began to dominate the charts. Of course, there were acts that existed before the 50’s, and made a good name for them selves, acts like Bing Crosby, but it was in the 50’s that certain artists became household names, and idols to the masses.

Country music originated in the 1920s in Tennessee. The genre was influenced by folk music from the Appalachian Mountains and revolved around themes of love, faith,

Rock and Roll was the start of a new revolution in America. It introduced the world to many of the famous artists that continue to be a part of our lives today. "Artists who became popular in the 1950s such as Elvis, began to pave the way for others such as Jerry Lee Lewis and Buddy Holly" (The History of Rock 'n' Roll until 1960). With the introduction of rock 'n' roll, there came many new changes to the lives of many Americans. Rock and Roll was a major contributor for the change in teens' behavior in the 1950s because it encouraged new freedoms for teenagers, encouraged new fads among teenagers, and caused a generation gap.

In the 1950’s and 1960’s, Rock N’ Roll made a steady influential climb into the blossoming generations’ norm. Elvis Presley, The King of Rock, debuted his first number one hit song “Heartbreak Hotel” and it climbed steadily to the top of the charts as the number one song in February of 1956. When Elvis’ popularity first grew, it sparked outrage through the previous generations in fears that his music would intertwine cultures. In the 1950s and 1960s, Rock N’ Roll was classified as “African American” music and those listeners who do not fit that class, would be frowned upon. Mr. Presley was a Nashville native, who sang hard driving rockabilly, Rock N’ Roll dance songs and ballads, and laid a foundation for other rock musicians to follow.

Artist like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Jimmie Rodgers, George Jones, Willie Nelson and many more were are crucial parts in shaping the genre of country music. Each one of these artists had their own spin on country music making it diverse but managed to keep country music as country music. Their influence can be felt today. Country music was born from artists that were able to write anything from heartache to happiness. Patsy Cline was also an important musician who was named the most influential email country artist of all time. Elvis Presley was one of the most iconic artists who mixed gospel, R&B, and country tunes and produced legendary music that will be around

What can be said for the music artist Elvis Presley, other than he is most undoubtedly the reason that Rock and Roll survived past its start, and grew to the massive popularity that it still grasps onto to this day. Although he may have been born a simple white southerner, he masterfully intertwined country music with the raw emotion of gospel and blues in order to create his own breed of unmatchable music. By him taking two vastly different genres of music from two equally different cultures, he successfully managed to blur the prominent color line that divided all of America up until the 1950s. He did all of this while enthralling the youth of America and singlehandedly caused an idea of teenage rebellion that lasted far past his popularity,

Music in 1950s comprised of sweet lyrics, light melodies, feel-good tunes, virtuous and innocuous songs and sensible singers. While parents were listening to the melodies and country music children were attracted to the new beat songs. Rock-n-Roll became popular which was developed newly in 1950s among the high school teenagers. This generation had plenty of time and surplus money compared to the previous generations and could spend money on records and gramophones. The musical style Rock-n-Roll was owned by youth with live performances, lead and follow concerts which influenced the attitudes, lifestyles, fashions and language. Movies during this period were appealing to the families since they reflected the society and the way that families deal with their

There have been many stars throughout the years in country music. Two of the most iconic are Alan Jackson and George Strait. Alan Jackson hit his peak in the late 90s and early 2000s. He has not been as productive as of 2015, but he is still creating some music. George Strait was most productive in the mid to early 90s and like Alan he is at the end of his career. Country music was dramatically affected by these two and they both did it with class. They always made music that was family friendly and anyone could listen to it.

“The warden threw a party in the county jail. The prison band was there and they began to wail. The band was jumpin' and the joint began to swing. You should've heard them knocked-out jailbirds sing.” These lyrics from Elvis Presley’s hit song “Jailhouse Rock” clearly illustrate how teenagers reacted to his new brand of music, Rock ‘n’ Roll in the 1950s. Elvis and his music came in a time when the baby boomers were teenagers and beginning to identify themselves and discover music. The civil rights movement was just about to begin, and the tension between whites and blacks was just beginning to decrease. The two races found companionship when listening to music, and Elvis helped to connect the dots even more. Elvis was a music icon that the

Country music as a whole has developed from hillbilly boogie, to honky tonk, to what we commonly hear on the radio today as Nashville sound, or country pop. The honky tonk

One of the world's greatest country singers was George Jones. country music is known for singers with incredible voices. He has traveled all around the world. From his childhood throughout his late career, he had an amazing adventure.

Country music is one of the most popular genres of music throughout America. There are many influential figures that have changed the way country music sounds, and how people interpret it. Two important people who have made a huge impact on country music overtime are Johnny Cash and Luke Bryan. From their early life, their career, and how society views them, they have opened the minds of people and country musicians all over the country. Johnny Cash’s songs help people to experience his life growing up through the Great Depression and how people lived back then. Through Luke Bryan’s songs people could understand what life was like for Luke growing up in Georgia and all the hardships he faced. Johnny Cash and Luke Bryan are two of the many

Max Fraser explains that “when Nashville was anointed the capital of country music, a true American icon was born” (Fraser15-16).

During the era, Elvis Presley converted over to country music and played a huge role in the music industry. ‘Barn dance shows’ featuring country music were started all over the South, as far north as Chicago, and as far west as California. The most important was the Grand Ole

While Johnny Cash was not the best musical technician, his sound was unforgettable—unmistakable bass-baritone voice, a beautiful blend of country, rock ‘n’ roll and folk music, and a willingness to explore different themes and genres that many other