Country music is an American genre of music that originated from the West. Another name for country music is Western music. Before its development, the genre was related to the church. Then it became more related to folk music and cowboys. A lot of country songs come from Texas. The country genre mainly includes dancing motives combined with folk melodies. It also uses electric musical instruments and harmonicas. The genre also uses blues motifs in some parts. All these combinations make it an exciting musical genre with a folk atmosphere.

There are a lot of kinds of country music. Western music is divided into categories depending on its topic. For example, it can be about cowboys, Celtic people, corrido, or traditional songs. The country has origins in the past, yet today it is also present in new forms. The modern country music style is closely related to the South of the USA. This is because the music was held by immigrants to the South. Let’s look at what the main features of country music are.

1. Narrative function

One of the main features of country music is its narrative style. The text of country songs reflects a story. The author chants the song to tell the plot. At the same time, we do not talk about ourselves in country music. The story should be about another person, and it is usually funny. It can also be a little dramatic, yet it is narrated in a dancing manner.

2. Simple motives

The primary purpose of country songs is to make people dance and enjoy their lives. That is why songs do not use complicated tunes that not everyone can understand. The main feature of country music is the use of simple repetitive chords. This creates a fast cheerful tempo. The country songs should reflect emotions and stay memorable.

3. The use of jazz

Modern country music has acquired some features of jazz. It created a new rhythm and made the country seem like a swing. Due to this influence, a new kind of country has appeared. It was called Western Swing. It created a new direction in jazz and country music. There were a lot of famous singers who started singing in this genre.

4. Cowboy motives

Most country songs include Western cowboy motifs. The music should be similar to the one a real cowboy would sing. It reflects the Western atmosphere and Western spirits.

5. Special format

Western songs are created in the form of verses with many voices. The refrain is made the most memorable and vivid. It is followed by exciting background music. The music is mainly played at banjos, fiddles, or guitars.

The Main Performers of Country Music

Country music is played by different authors and shown on television. But what are the most important artists of the country genre of all times?

1. Merle Haggard

Merle Haggard has origins in California where he was born in 1937. He listened to country music from his childhood and wanted to create it himself. Merle started his musical work in 1962. He created the most famous songs are ‘Mama Tried,’ ‘Branded Man,’ and ‘Okie from Muskogee.’

2. Hank Williams

Hank Williams created songs on different topics. Some of them included drama; others contained dancing and playful motives. Hank Williams took some of his plots from popular music. His main songs are ‘Your Cheatin’ Heart’ and ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.’

3. Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash is one of the most popular country authors. His main topics were rebels and criminals. His songs contained folk and grunge motives. Johnny Cash also sang songs together with his wife. His main songs include ‘I Walk the Line’ and ‘Folsom Prison Blues.’

4. Loretta Lynn

Loretta Lynn was born in the family of a coal miner in Kentucky. She is one of the most famous women artists in country music. Loretta Lynn was mainly writing songs for the female genre. Her main works are ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ and ‘The Pill.’

5. Carter Family

The Carter Family included Carter, his sister-in-law, and his wife. They created songs together in a trio. They mainly used banjo and guitar for their music. The main songs include ‘Wildwood Flower’ and ‘Keep on the Sunny Side.’