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Country and western music has embraced several different
genres of music including Nashville pop-like music of 1960s; bluegrass, a
fast mandolin, banjo and fiddle-based music; Western encompassing
traditional Western ballads and Hollywood Cowboy Music, Western swing;
Bakersfield sound; Outlaw country; Cajun; Zydeco; gospel; oldtime, a
pre-1930 folk music; honky tonk; Appalachian; rockabilly; neotraditional
country and jug band. Each style when depicted by the rock artists like Alan
Jackson, Allman Brothers, Brooks and Dunn, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Tim
McGraw, and Toby Keith has come out unique in the context of its execution,
use of rhythms, and chord structures. Even though many songs have been
adapted to the different country styles, the country stars have always
showed their spiritual side. Although musicians had been recording fiddle
tunes (known as Old Time Music at that time) in the southern Appalachians
for several years, it wasn't until August 1, 1927 in
Bristol, Tennessee, that
Country Music really started. "Father of Country Music," James Charles
Rodger first record The Soldier's Sweetheart," and a lullaby, "Sleep, Baby,
Sleep," were an instant success. Rodgers, who died in 1933, never appeared
on any major radio show. A great mix of traditional,
Americana, bluegrass & country rock styles, the country music has
virtually entered country music competitions throughout the
US. The Big Apple has always
provided a big night for some of Country Music’s biggest stars. Bluegrass,
country and gospel are influences you could not really escape. The lyrics of
the country music are the most happening and this is what attracts the
listeners. Out of all genres of the music, the country music features the
honest songs. How can you resist smiling on hearing a song that talks about
how alcohol "helps white people dance?"
Country
music will always be honest. Country-for-grownups is no less an art, its
account of human experience [is] just as honest, eye-opening, sensitively
crafted, and unmistakably lived in. The new generation of country music
stars has kind of put that new twist in county music without making it sound
dorky. The condemnations that are levied today when people say they don't
listen to rap music because it's violent and homophobic, but it is worth
mentioning that unlike rap music the country music is conservative and
complacent. When blowhards Big & Rich now pass for the next big thing in
country music, old-school guys such as Alan Jackson ought to qualify as a
precious national resource. In Let It Be Christmas Alan Jackson has signed
standards. It includes Jingle Bells, White Christmas, Silent Night and more.
If you are an Alan Jackson fan, this is a must for your collection. Even if
you aren't a fan of AJ's, you won't be disappointed in his take on the songs
of the season.
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