Country classic songs

If there is a music for the western world scenery, there is no doubt that this is the Country. It was born in the United States of America around the 20’s, becoming a national symbol that almost a century later still conserves its good reputation.

The western had a decisive influence when the country music was created. That is perfectly reflected in the cinematographic genre where the cowboys, horses, rocky deserts and also the parties with cheerful dances and pretty womens, have as background the country music. In fact it was the cinema and particularly the western genre what contributed country music to become popular beyond the US.

It must be pointed that some films feature country songs in their soundtrack that have become into classics, as for example “I’m Easy” writen and interpreted by Keith Carradine,  that was part of “Nashville” (1975) film soundtrack. This balade was the first country song awarded with an Oscar from cinema’s academy and nowadays it is considered as a classic.

Another similar example can be found in the film “Convoy” (1978), and the theme “Lucille”,  from Kenny Rogers, one of this genre greatest authors and has contributed to popularize the country music all over the world.

Where the country music masterpieces that we must know come from?

Maybe that mix of diversity is what makes country music so characteristic and special. In addition to the western, country music is also result of other influences and cultures fusion, like southern music, canadian folk, hawaiian music, mexican guitar music and Central European music.

An important detail that we should know about country music are its versions or diverse genres: nowadays there are twenty of them. American country, Bluegrass, country folk, Western, Cowboy, Tex Mex, Texas country, country pop, country rock or the alternative country, among others.  

It might be a minority genre in some places or countries, especially the most classical songs. But since some decades and because of its variants, the actual country is conquering to thousands of people. Even so, we must say that it is a different country to the originary, as we will see now.

If we go back on time until 1927, we will find “The Carter Family”, an influential folk group that had a deep impact with country music beginnings.  “Can The Circle Be Unbroken” (1935) would become one of this group’s country music classic songs.

Another big name of this genre is the legendary Johnny Cash, considered as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th Century and one of the most representative country singers. “I walk the Line” (1957) is one of his most classical country pieces.

But the country music is also about the female genre, an example is Patsy Cline and her song “Crazy” (1961), a little wonder of the most romantic country.

If we move forward in the time following is Dolly Parton, considered as one of the best representatives of country music: “Jolene” (1974) is one of her mostfamous themes.

From the classic country to the most actual

Willie Nelson, another of the key representatives of country music, popularized in 1982 a version of the famous Elvis Presley “Always On My Mind” in classic country, getting several awards, a Grammy among others. For many, this song is another country theme that we must have.

In the 90’s decade the spectacular Shania Twain triumphed with her “Come On Over”, another example of a more romantic country that became one of world’s top sellers during that decade.

Another feminine singer that stomp with country songs is Carrie Underwood. In 2005, she debuted with the album “Some Hearts” and was ten times Platinum disc. “We’re Young and Beautiful”  is one of the songs that gave her so much success, introducing the most actual country music to new adepts.

It is impossible to overlook to the latest country figure: the singer Kacey Musgraves, that in the 61th Grammy edition of this year has literally dethroned the rap with the many awards she has obtained: nothing less than four Grammys. “Space Cowboy” is one of her songs, and has been awarded with the Grammy to the best country song.

Maybe the considered country “purists” feel more comfortable with the versions that are closer to the folk from the first times, than with the actual pop: these last are the ones that triumph in the market since some years ago.

But it is true indeed that country music versatility is probably what let it live on during so many years and captivate so many diverse people. It is worth to know it and let you amaze: the surprise can be so pleasing.

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