Country Fashion and western style are trends in the International catwalks. The iconic cowboy hats have become the must-wear accessory for fashion celebrities and influencers. And country and cowboy clothing has perfectly integrated very different styles like the boho chic or the urban style. But we can’t forget the essence that lies behind a simple look. The country Fashion has never been a mere temporal style. Has always been the distinguishing mark for a musical genre with a long and rich history. In today’s article will talk you a bit about it, a history that smells to potatoes whiskey, and the south states lands because of its mix of cultures.
Before the country was born
Country was born from the fusion of diverse musical styles from different cultures. That’s why it’s important keep in the loop. At the end of 18th Century, in 1776, a great quantity of British colonist arrived to the American continent moving the first French immigrants that lived in Canada. They ended up settled at the current State of Louisiana and with them they brought their lifestyle and their music. The Cajun music was lively and is specially played for dancing. Later on, train’s arrival added new instruments like the banjo or the guitar.
Meanwhile, at beginnings of 19th Century appeared at the Southern states a kind of song known as “event song”. They were themes that related current histories. And at the ends of that Century “the travel shows” were popularized. Itinerant businessmen that offered miraculous medicines through a mix of music and comedy.
What’s more, we have to add the gospel, the perfect base for the breeding ground to make country music not taking long to appear.
Country music origins
Finally, the country music was born in the southern states countryside during last Century 20’s. In its origins was the result of a combination of folkloric music from European colonials, mostly French and Irish with very rooted Afro-American music forms like the gospel or bluegrass.
In its origins, traditional country was played with string instruments, like the guitar, banjo, fiddle and the double bass, although also participated the accordion (from French influence for Cajun music), and the harmonica.
The first country singer to have success in a national level was Vernon Dalhart in May 1924 with “The Wreck of Old ’97”. And the thing is that was in the first years of 20th Century when appeared a revolutionary invention: the radio. One of the most popular shows was the Grand Ole Opry, from WSM station in Nashville, presented by the legendary George D. Hay.
The musicians started to create new music that played for dances at the barns. And began to be aired at real time, combined with short live concerts that artists performed in the radio.
It was at that time when first record labels and stars appeared. Stand out Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family, considered country music founders because their songs were the first to be phonographically recorded on an historic session on august 1st 1927. In fact, many later artists can still be identified as Jimmie Rodgers or Carter Family followers.
New styles emergence
During the following decades the country music experienced a constant evolution with the emergence of new styles. So, in the 30’s was marked by Western Music appearance, a style popularized by the Western movies and Hollywood singers.
Later on, during 40’s decade Western Swing was born, typical dance music that, influenced by the Rhythm’n’Blues, derived in the Western Bop or Hillbilly Bop. Originated at the honky tonks specially in Texas, this was in fact the most representative country music style as we know.
During the 50’s was rock and roll boom. Together with the blue grass lead to a new style, the rockabilly, whose most famous exponent would be the great Elvis Presley. This is also Nashville’ sound decade.
If there was a really important decade for the country music, were the 60’s. With class artists like Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley or Buddy Holly. This music, fused together with rock, willl be the greatest commercial success among the country music subgenres. Was also the time Southern Rock was born with a fuse of rock and country; or the Outlaw Country, derivation of past decade Honky Tonk that completely shaked up the genre.
During the 70’s a folk revival happenned that encouraged the interest by old string bands and bluegrass records. Following with a new comeback and a back to the roots at the end of the decade and beginnings of the next one with bluegrass, honky tonk or western swing rebirth in a movement known as neo-traditionalist.
The New Country
From the 90’s decade to the present, we live what is called New Country. A style loyal to the origins but adapted to the current times. Some artists that conserve the 80’s style appear but providing new creativity and new figures that revitalize the genre.
We hope you to like this Country Music brief history. We can’t lose our origins! And you know, if looking for country fashion Corbeto’s Boots is your place to go. Due the current situation with the sanitary crisis, we can’t help you at our store in Las Ramblas, but if you look for western clothing or cowboy hats for your honky tonk, will find all you need at our online shop.
