Country-zene és line dance

Country-music and line dance
- Essential elements of a true Western celebration

It is likely that everyone is aware that the music associated with cowboy hats is none other than country music.

But do we know how this musical style developed and how deeply it is rooted in American society?

Country or Western music is a blend of several musical genres that originally characterized the southern United States and the Appalachian Mountains along the eastern coastline.

Its roots trace back to traditional folk music, Celtic melodies, gospel, and the music of the old times (known as old-time music).

Did you know?

...that the modern form of country music developed around the 1920s, but the term "country music" itself became popular only in the 1940s, replacing the previous and increasingly derogatory term "hillbilly music."

Nearly 300 years ago, immigrants reaching the eastern shores of America brought many things with them, including their music and instruments.

Among them, the Irish fiddle, the German dulcimer, the Italian mandolin, the Spanish guitar, and the African-origin banjo were the most common.

 

Over time, the sounds of these instruments blended harmoniously, leading to the emergence of a unique musical world that is characteristic of North America alone.

The bands of the early 20th century typically played the fiddle, guitar, and banjo. This early version of country music is often referred to as old-time music. Drum sets were not commonly used during this time, and in fact, early country musicians had a particular disdain for this instrument, considering it too loud and impure.

It was only in 1935 that Bob Wills had the courage to include a drummer in his band, the Texas Playboys. However, even in 1940, conservative country events would often not allow percussionists on stage. By the 1960s, drum-less bands became more of a rarity.

The first commercially available country recording was made in 1922, and it was "Sallie Gooden" by A. C. (Eck) Robertson, who played the fiddle.

However, the era of successful records declined with the onset of the Great Depression. The role of providing musical entertainment was taken over by radio channels, and dance parties in barns on farms became increasingly popular throughout the states.

Among them, the most famous institution that still exists to this day is the Grand Ole Opry, a stronghold of traditional country music.

When we talk about the great personalities in the history of country, there are two individuals we must mention, who also happen to top the list of solo artists with the most records sold.

One of them is Elvis Presley, who was initially known as the Hillbilly Cat at the beginning of his career and, needless to say, became a massive star in the rock and roll genre.

The other is Garth Brooks, who is still alive today and can boast the highest album sales as a solo artist in the United States, with 128 million albums sold.

Did you know?

...that while most music genres have experienced significant declines in album sales in recent years, country music had its best year in 2006 when it increased sales by more than one-sixth.

Over its nearly century-long journey, country music has undergone tremendous changes, giving rise to numerous new styles.

"Western swing," "country boogie," "bluegrass," "honky-tonk," "rockabilly," and "truck driving country" have all had a significant fan base over the years and continue to provide a foundational base for various music genres.

Country music gained further popularity in the 1990s with the revival of line dance culture when people formed lines facing the same direction and performed choreographed movements.

This folk dance form, found in many cultures, originates from a time when social norms did not support paired dances or close contact between men and women.

However, today, line dance is a form of entertainment that can be enjoyed in many places, including spectacular show performances.

And if we feel inspired to perform the steps of a Cotton Eye Joe, let's not resist the allure of the lively tempo!

Let's put our Western boots on the creaky wooden floor - a good time is guaranteed for everyone!