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The Beginning of Country Music
On June 30, 1920, Eck Robertson and Henry Gilliland recorded the first country music song with the Victor Talking Machine Company. This event is relevant to the evolution of country music because these gentlemen invented country music. -
Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is relevant to the evolution of country music because it brings in successful country music artists, indicating to them that they have made it. You cannot get higher than that. The Grand Ole Opry also allows up-and-coming artists to perform, which can make them successful. -
The Bristol Sessions
From July 25, 1927, to August 5, 1927, the Bristol Sessions took place in Bristol, Tennessee. Nineteen bands played seventy-six songs. This event is essential to the evolution of country music because the Bristol Sessions were considered the "Big Bang" of modern music. There were a few country music artists who became famous afterward, which would inspire future country music artists. -
The Carter Family
On August 1, 1927, The Carter Family released their first song. The Carter Family popularized numerous songs that became country standards and invented the kind of harmony singing used for years in the music. The Carter Family is significant to the evolution of country music because they crafted one of the genre's best-known guitar styles. -
Western Swing
In the early 1930s, Bob Wills invented the western swing. He combined traditional fiddle tunes, New Orleans jazz, blues, Mexican songs, and big band swing. The invention of Western swing is relevant to the evolution of country music because Western swing helped establish other styles of country music: honky-tonk, rockabilly, and country rock. -
Bill Monroe
Bill Monroe joined the Grand Ole Opry on October 10, 1939. When Bill Monroe joined the Grand Ole Opry, bluegrass emerged. Bluegrass plays a significant role in the evolution of country music in various genres, such as country music, western swing, and fiddle. -
Nashville Sound
Chet Atkins helped originate the "Nashville sound" and played a vital role in turning Nashville, Tennessee, into the home of country music. The "Nashville sound" is relevant to the evolution of country music because Nashville is recognized worldwide as the capital of country music. -
Hank Williams
Hank Williams became famous for "Move It On Over." He sang honest songs about his life, inspiring many artists later on, including Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Jerry Lee Lewis, Merle Haggard, Gene Vincent, Ricky Nelson, and Conway Twitty. Hank Williams helped establish the honky-tonk sound that became the standard for country music for the last half of the twentieth century. -
Female Country Music Artists
On May 5, 1952, Kitty Wells recorded "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels." Females weren't usually music artists. When Kitty Wells became famous and successful, record companies began extending their doors to female artists. This particular event is relevant to the evolution of country music because Kitty Wells opened the eyes of record companies to female artists. -
"New Sounds"
On September 1, 1954, Johnny Cash became famous. Cash used a unique blend of country, rock and roll, folk, gospel, and blues with a distinctively deep, resonant voice that captivated audiences worldwide. He also had a voice like no other. No other musician has mastered such a range of styles. He inspired future artists to do the same and sing in multiple genres. -
Dolly Parton
When Dolly Parton started her music career, she released "Dumb Blonde," which topped country music billboards. Dolly Parton influenced people not only with her music but also with her personality. She paved the way for other country music performers who followed her. Parton shifted from her Nashville roots to a more mainstream country style. Parton is relevant to the evolution of country music because she helped broaden the audience for country music. -
CMA Awards
The very first Country Music Association Awards happened on October 20, 1967. The CMA Awards are relevant to country music history because they award country artists who have impacted the most people that year. This will be the beginning of many influential artists being recognized. -
Loretta Lynn
Loretta Lynn released "Fist City" on April 15, 1968—this song, along with many more songs, inspired and influenced future artists. Loretta Lynn is relevant because she paved the way for women to speak their truth, which made a lasting impact. -
Patsy Cline
In 1973, Patsy Cline was the first solo female artist elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Patsy Cline has inspired numerous singers and has raised the bar for female artists. -
Garth Brookes
Garth Brooks had a breakthrough in 1989-1990. He is relevant to shaping country music because he set sales records and proved no limits to what a country star could achieve.