Urban vs. Rural Dichotomy Part 1: Early & Classic Country Music

In this section we’ll be looking at: Going back to the dichotomy between rural vs. urban culture with a focus on the rural aspect Looking at how country music became the spirit of “individualism” Major artists coming out of country who would influence much of pop music

Country Music Today In 2014, 30.46 million country albums were sold, outselling such genres as pop or dance (http://www.statista.com/statistics/188910/us-music-album-sales-by-genre-2010/) The CMAs (Country Music Awards) one of the largest and most watched awards on TV – 2015 CMAs Artists like Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, have all “crossovered” from country to pop

Urban vs. Rural American Identity (1939-1945) The Wild West! Americans, both urban and rural “romanticize” the simpler times of the wild west “Hillbilly” music of the 1930s comes to be known as country and western music

Urban vs. Rural American Identity (1939-1945) “Rugged Individualism” The success of “country-western” music became an important part of U.S. identity 19th century westward expansion was part of “ethno centric” Anglo American culture Americans learned to put much value on the idea of the “rugged individual” Westward Expansion

Turning Country Music into Success Gene Autry: The singing Cowboy “It ain’t in the country no’ more!” Stars like Gene Autry, Will Rogers, Roy Rogers made it big portraying a sparkling version of the 19th century image on radio and TV "Back in the Saddle Again"

Turning Country Music into Success Gene Autry: The singing Cowboy “It ain’t in the country no’ more!” Gene Autry made country popular by appealing to the public with sincere songs of the struggles of the man in the west He was on TV, film, and radio Only entertainer to have a “Hollywood star” for music, radio, TV and film in history

Other Famous Country Stars… Roy Acuff Hank Williams "Freight Train Blues" "Your Cheatin Heart"

And In Comes the Man in Black… Johnny Cash Earlier stars of country were very “polished” artists with “clean cut” looks and sound Music that Mom and Dad and little sister can listen to…Cash was the opposite… "Cry Cry Cry"

Changing the Look, Sound, & Attitude of Country The “Bad Boy” of Country Cash brought a new texture and attitude to country music Singing about the “real” struggle and blues of the working man Lyrics depicted the tough life he led with pain, sorrow, regret, & loss This had mass appeal to a wide audience of listeners and musicians "Ring of Fire"

The Bad Boy of Country From an affair with fellow singer June Carter while being married w/ kids Arrest for smuggling drugs from Mexico Public drunkednness Signing a new record contract giving him ALL royalties for his songs To dressing in ALL BLACK A big F You to the world! "Folsom Prison Blues"

Influence on modern music “American” Recordings A total of SIX albums Produced by Rick Rubin, founder of Def Jam Records American V & VI released after death American VI- Last album "Hurt" "One“ "Personal Jesus“