How Old Time Country Music Legends

 

When one thinks of old time country music, the Grand Ole Opry is probably one of the first associations which come to mind. This weekly radio show, broadcast in front of a live audience, provided a platform for many then aspiring country musicians who have since flourished into legends of the genre. The Grand Ole Opry was formed in 1925 just as country music was making an appearance on American culture. Originating mainly from the South and the Appalachian mountain range, old time country music began as a fusion of many other genres including folk, blue grass and various cultural influences from the influx of immigrants to the United States during this era. From its inception until the 1940’s the genre was referred to as “Hillbilly” music until the presently used “Country” music became a preferred and less offensive term.

 

The Carter family is said to be one of the pioneering families of old time country music and began their music recording career in 1927 as a trio hailing from rural Virginia. The widely successful group continued recording music and touring for the next sixteen years until the legacy was continued by the next generation of Carter women. Performing as a group, and later as solo acts, the Carter sisters continued the tradition of old time country music for years to come. In fact, June Carter Cash went on to marry fellow country music legend Johnny Cash.

 

As with all musical genres, country music has demonstrated a natural progression from the old time country music debuted at the Grand Ole Opry into today’s country which has become of the most widely listened to genres in the United States. However, the roots of old time country music can be detected in the musical styling and narrative lyrics still employed today. Artists such as Garth Brooks, Randy Travis and Alabama were largely influenced by old time country music and cite some of the pioneers of the genre as their largest influences.