The history of country music exhibits the fascinating growth that genres experience from each decade. You can trace it’s roots to 19th-century settlers in the Appalachian Mountains, where extensive use of banjos and guitars shaped what became known as “folk” music. It was only the beginning of a category that eventually spawned many illustrious artists. Here’s a chronological peek at country’s heritage.

The Beginning

1922 marks the first time a radio station broadcasts a folk song on the air. This shift is due to Fiddlin’ John Carson, a Georgia man who visited the first radio station in the south, WSB, in Atlanta. Armed with his fiddle, he asked to perform live on the air. He sang several country songs and received immediate enthusiastic responses from listeners.

The public’s appreciation for this sound inspired other artists to make similar music. In 1925, Carl Sprague was the first to record “cowboy” songs. That same year, a Nashville radio station, WSM, premiered a terrestrial program. The scheduled time slot eventually became the famed Grand Ole Opry.

Later Years

The 1950s were significant to country music in many ways. The decade produced prominent figures, including the late Hank Williams, whose song “Your Cheatin’ Heart” earned him the nickname “Hillbilly Shakespeare.”

In 1952, Kitty Wells became the first woman to reach the top spot of the country singles chart with “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels.” Along with Wells, late ‘50s breakout star Patsy Cline paved the way for generations of women in the industry.

During the ‘60s, variety programs introduced more broad audiences to country music. The main one was The Port Wagoner Show. And then the ‘70s brought three of the music world’s most prominent names to the forefront: Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Dolly Parton.

Natural Changes

During the 1980s, crossover artists became far more common, with artists like Barbara Mandrell and The Oak Ridge Boys. They introduced elements of pop and rock. It was a precursor to the vibrant line-dancing phenomenon that swept the ‘90s. Billy Ray Cyrus, Shania Twain, and Garth Brooks were part of this scene. In the present day, diverse country-pop artists like Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts, help shine a new light on the industry thanks to their crossover recordings to mainstream music radio.

 

Country music fans and those excited to explore new sounds will appreciate Elizabeth Barnes Music. Based in Minneapolis, MN, the musician and songwriter recently released her debut record, “IV-Ever Adorer,” in honor of her late boyfriend. Elizabeth is available throughout the area to perform her signature country-pop sound and is excited to share her talents with the world. Visit Apple Music® to find out more about her album, or visit her website for bookings information. You can also call (952) 484-9371.