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1920's
Ralph Peer of Okeh records the music of Fiddlin' John Carson in an empty loft in Atlanta. Carson's record becomes a regional hit and convinces Peer that there is an untapped market for "hillbilly" music. -
1930's
Virginia Hensley, who will later be called Patsy Cline, is born in Winchester, VA. She will become the most influential female country artist of all time. -
1940's
The year's first issue of Billboard magazine introduces a "folk" chart that mixes country, jazz, and blues -
1950's
Johnny Cash performs his first free concert for the inmates at San Quentin Prison. -
1960's
Dolly Parton releases her first records, "Happy Birthday, Baby" and the tongue-in-cheek "Dumb Blonde." -
1970's
Outlaw country icon Willie Nelson holds his first Fourth of July Picnic near Austin, Texas. The event will become an institution and, like its founder, be associated with a "progressive country music" scene. -
1980's
Urban Cowboy, the John Travolta film that popularized western wear and country western dance clubs across the country, is released. Country music hits the urban mainstream. -
1990's
Uncle Tupelo releases No Depression, the album that will be heralded as one of the definitive statements of alt-country during a decade of radio ready pop-crossover releases from the major artists and labels. -
2000's
The T-Bone Burnett-produced original soundtrack to the popular film O Brother, Where Art Thou? becomes a surprise hit, signaling a popular revival of bluegrass and a return to traditionalism in country music -
2010's
Even though her hit album 1989 has taken her on a pop path, you simply can’t argue the impact of the singer on the country format. Taylor Swift has taken the stage for current Country music.
