Country music is the most unique genre of music. This is because it is a genre that was created out of people’s ability to connect and relate with others; moreover, it appeals to a wide range of people who hear their own thoughts, prayers, and experiences in each song. Other genres usually require a specific niche for artists to capitalize on to be successful but more commonly, to last more than a few years. One could argue that Country music is the least popular genre since so many claim to find it repulsive, but I think we all know that deep down everyone has their favorite country songs that they listen to when they need something to connect with. Country is a genre that can be appreciated by all ages and different types of people because after all, it is three chords and the truth.
One of the best examples that can be used to show how popular country music is the concert industry. The country genre by far has the most artists that can continuously go out on tour each year and fill venues. This is even more of an accomplishment because they are competing among themselves. No other genre has as many artists with a solid fan base as country artists do. From personal experience, I know that countless people who claim to not like country music still attend the concerts and have a great experience. This goes back to the fact that everyone can relate to Country music. It isn’t just the music that invites people to the concerts though. It’s the atmosphere. Country concerts are a place of fun, community, and good vibes. They are a place where everyone can let go and have a good time because all those in attendance have the same goal: to have a good time celebrating life.
The backbone of country music is the ability to say what everyone needs/wants to hear in a poetic way that makes you feel a connection. The artists and song writers who do this the best are the ones who are able to create a long-lasting career and be remembered by generations. Country music styles and artists have evolved and changed throughout time, but that is because the people they are singing to have changed. Each generation has their biggest and brightest stars that emerge because those are the artists who most embody the vibe of those listeners. Country artists are not like other singers/celebrities because they genuinely are down home regular people, and all of them will tell you this. Behind all the fame, they live very normal lives, and this is what I believe is the key to the success of Country music.
People who live normal lives are going to write about the same ups and downs that their “regular people” listeners are going through. This only makes them more relatable people, and this is why the genre will continue to exist, evolve, and be successful. Another aspect of the genre that will help it stand the test of time is its immense amount of history. Name another genre that has its own city, mother church (The Grand Ole Opry), and long list of superstars that were all groundbreaking in their own way. Lets not forget to mention the long list of women such as Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, and Dolly Parton that helped pave the way for women in all genres.
Country has its trademarks such as steel guitar, banjo, and twang, but its heart and soul is in its lyrics. Nashville is technically “Music City”, so people from all over travel there to be in the same room as the best songwriters. Because of this, Country music is home to some of the best songs ever written. There is something special about a song where you can clearly understand and resonate with every lyric while you sing along (I can’t even understand what singers are saying half the time in most other genres). The genre also has a way of saying similar things in such a variety of poetic ways that everyone is able to find the one that best fits them.
While I know that this post didn’t dive into the details, I wanted to start off with a broad sense of what country music is and why it is so special. It is something that motivates, inspires, and comforts me on a daily basis, and I hope that others come to feel the same way. God bless America and God bless County music.
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