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

2. 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

3. Country Music Today
In 2014, million country albums were sold, outselling such genres as pop or dance (
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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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"

7. 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

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

9. 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"

10. 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"

11. 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"

12. 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“