Questions and Answers
What is a session musician?
What are demo recordings?
Short for demonstration recordings where musicians experiment with a song.
Shania Twain was primarily influenced by traditional country music.
False
Who developed the character known as Minnie Pearl?
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What was unique about the Outlaw Movement in country music?
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What was Waylon Jennings' hit album from 1974?
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Kenny Rogers is known for the song 'The Gambler'.
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The _____ Act of 1996 deregulated radio stations in the United States.
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What genre did Taylor Swift originally pursue before shifting to pop?
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Match the following artists to their contributions:
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Who became a big star at the Opry in 1943 and also had a record shop?
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Who was the first major songwriter in country music?
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What was the significance of the song 'Sallie Gooden'?
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What role did Singing Cowboys play in movies?
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What song is known as the country version of a blues song about a guy who committed crimes?
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Which artist is known as the 'yodeling ranger'?
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Who was the only singing cowgirl?
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What did Woody Guthrie believe music was useful for?
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What was the name of the band originally formed by Roy Rogers, Bob Nolan, and Tim Spencer?
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What was 'The Prisoner Song' known for in country music?
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What significant event did the Bristol Sessions mark in 1927?
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What was the main focus of the music industry building blocks in Nashville?
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Which of the following artists was part of the Class of '89? (Select all that apply)
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DeFord Bailey was the first African American artist on the Opry.
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________ is known for the song 'Friends in Low Places.'
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What is the title of the song that is characterized by its traditional feel and became a hit for Randy Travis?
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Who was idolized by Jack White and recorded 'Van Lear Rose'?
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What song did Loretta Lynn say was too revealing for her?
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Nashville became known as 'Music City' in the 1930s-40s.
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What was the primary shift in Nashville's music scene in the 1940s?
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Who were influential in changing the language of country songwriting in the 1970s?
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What was known as the 'Great Credibility Scare'?
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Who is known for the song 'Guitar Town'?
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Rodney Crowell was the husband of Rosanne Cash.
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What was Rosanne Cash's notable song about her marriage troubles?
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What significant song did Dolly Parton write about her breakup with Porter Wagner?
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Who is recognized as the 'Father of Bluegrass'?
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What was the first major bluegrass band formed?
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Patsy Cline had a significant role in popularizing country music in Las Vegas.
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Who wrote the song 'Crazy' which was recorded by Patsy Cline?
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What was the format of 'Answer Song'?
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Which artist was known for the hit 'Young Love'?
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What genre did Earl Scruggs significantly contribute to?
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Alison Krauss is known for playing the banjo.
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Which artist's song 'Walking the Floor Over You' helped define a new style in country music?
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Study Notes
Loretta Lynn
- Idolized by Jack White; collaborated on "Van Lear Rose" at Eric McConnell's house in East Nashville.
- Known as a country music heroine; preferred conversational songwriting, found poetry in music excessive.
- Moved to Nashville in the 1970s, became a Grand Ole Opry member.
- Most famous song: "Coal Miner's Daughter," which inspired a biographical film.
Nashville 1930s-40s
- Emerged as a music hub, gaining prominence due to WSM radio and the Grand Ole Opry.
- Transitioned from local performers to national acts around 1940.
- Shifted focus from bands to solo artists, culminating in Roy Acuff's rise as "King of Country Music".
Changing Language of Country Songwriting (1970s)
- Kris Kristofferson and Tom T. Hall aimed to elevate country music with literary influences.
- Inspired by poets like William Blake, they sought depth in lyrical composition.
The "Great Credibility Scare"
- Occurred in the 1980s; country music saw a decline in quality and credibility.
- Restored by producer Tony Brown alongside artists like Rosanne Cash, Rodney Crowell, Dwight Yoakam, and Steve Earle.
Steve Earle
- From the Northeast, inspired by Texas songwriters like Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark.
- Experienced a career low due to contractual constraints and substance abuse; rebounded with the album "Guitar Town".
- Formed a strong rivalry with Dwight Yoakam, later reconciled and toured together.
Rodney Crowell
- Married to Rosanne Cash; member of "The Hot Band" with Emmylou Harris.
- Authored a memoir titled "ChinaBerry Sidewalks" and produced successful albums despite early failures.
Rosanne Cash
- Daughter of Johnny Cash; faced high expectations due to family legacy.
- Gained recognition with "Seven Years Ache," addressing marital struggles.
Dolly Parton
- A leading figure in 1970s country music; moved to Nashville after high school despite warnings.
- Famous for her vibrant image, wigs, and hits like "I Will Always Love You" and "Jolene".
- Gained widespread popularity through her work with Porter Wagoner and subsequent solo success.
The Nashville Sound
- Pop-influenced country music developed in the late 1950s to appeal to broader audiences.
- Key producers included Chet Atkins and Owen Bradley; artists like Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, and Dolly Parton were prominent figures.
Merle Haggard
- Celebrated friendships with Tom T. Hall; described as one of America's greatest artists.
- His songwriting often reflected personal struggles; famous for "Okie from Muskogee".
Lefty Frizzell
- Challenged Hank Williams in the country music scene; mixed influences of Acuff and Jimmie Rodgers.
- Known for hits like "If You Got The Money, I Got The Time".
Charley Pride
- Discovered by Cowboy Jack Clement; contributed to a racially inclusive atmosphere in Nashville amidst Civil Rights protests.
Ray Charles
- Known as the "Genius of Soul"; transcended racial barriers in the music industry.
- His album "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music" helped integrate country music.
Alison Krauss
- Violinist and fiddle player; formed Union Station at a young age, revitalizing bluegrass music.
Elvis Presley
- Rose to fame after a pivotal record session at Sun Records in 1954.
- His emergence shifted the music landscape towards Rock 'n' Roll, impacting traditional country music.
Sonny James
- Significant artist of the Nashville Sound, known for the song "Young Love"; faced criticism from country traditionalists.
Marty Robbins
- Known for "White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation," contributing to the Nashville Sound.
Patsy Cline
- One of the first country musicians to perform in Las Vegas; known for her hit "Crazy".
- Died tragically in a plane crash despite her success.
Bluegrass Music
- Originated on the Grand Ole Opry stage in 1945, defined by two-part harmonies.
- Influenced by traditional sounds; lacked female representation until artists like Emmylou Harris emerged.
Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys
- Bill Monroe, dubbed the "Father of Bluegrass," collaborated with Earl Scruggs, creating a unique sound that launched the genre.
Chet Atkins and Owen Bradley
- Key Nashville Sound producers; signed and developed several influential artists in country music.
Flatt & Scruggs
- Pioneers of mainstream bluegrass music; known for their presence on "The Beverly Hillbillies".
Jimmy Martin
- Known as "The King of Bluegrass"; faced controversy and was denied a spot on the Opry due to his unpredictability.
Kitty Wells
- First female country star to achieve major success; gained fame with "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky-Tonk Angels".
Hank Williams
- Key figure in country music; died tragically at a young age, his music reflected deep personal struggles.
- Known for songs like "Lovesick Blues" and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry".
Hank Snow
- First major solo star in country music; fame rose with "I'm Moving On" and "I've Been Everywhere".
Webb Pierce
- Popularized honky-tonk music with hits like "There Stands The Glass"; known for his distinctive vocal style.
Answer Song
- A musical phenomenon where songs respond to each other, often using the same melody.
Hank Thompson
- Wrote the hit song "Wild Side of Life," known for its melodic connection to "Great Speckled Bird".
JD Miller
- Writer of the answer song "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky-Tonk Angels".
Ernest Tubb
- Influenced by Jimmie Rodgers; pioneered a unique sound merging traditional and electric instruments.
- Achieved success with hits like "Walking the Floor Over You".
Stephen Foster
- The first major American songwriter; wrote songs intended for publication before the era of records.
Eck Robertson
- Early fiddle virtuoso with influential recordings; best known for "Sallie Gooden".
Singing Cowboys
- Actors and singers in Western movies; played significant roles in popularizing country music.
Tex Ritter
- A prominent movie cowboy; helped establish the Country Music Association (CMA) and known for his deep voice.### Gene Autry
- Renowned for making movies in California.
- Famous for rewriting the song "Back In The Saddle Again."
Roy Rogers
- Originated from Ohio and often featured his horse, Trigger, in films.
- Member of the band Sons of the Pioneers; released the iconic song "Tumbling Tumbleweeds."
Jimmie Rodgers
- Associated with the Bristol Sessions; struggled with tuberculosis, impacting his career.
- Known as the "yodeling ranger;" inspired many singing cowboys.
Patsy Montana
- The first prominent female singing cowgirl from Arkansas.
- Created the song "I Want to be a Cowboy's Sweetheart," which showcased yodeling.
Woody Guthrie
- Influential songwriter from Oklahoma, supported civil rights and communism.
- Known for the song "This Land is Your Land," created as a response to "God Bless America."
Sons of the Pioneers
- A band that began with members Roy Rogers, Bob Nolan, and Tim Spencer; still active today with new members.
Elton Britt
- Notable for the song "There's a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere," reflecting wartime changes.
- The economy during WW2 improved due to the demand for munitions, boosting music sales.
Bob Wills
- Regarded as the "king of Western Swing;" known for his loud banjo playing.
- Led The Texas Playboys, popularized "San Antonio Rose" with added vocals.
African-American Influence on Country Music
- African-American artists, like DeFord Bailey, significantly shaped country music, though often overlooked.
- The banjo's origins trace back to West African lutes, integral to southern slave culture.
DeFord Bailey
- The first African-American artist on the Grand Ole Opry; known for "Ice Water Blues."
- Faced segregation challenges, worked as a shoeshiner later in life, feeling forgotten.
Opry and Radio Business
- The Opry served as a revenue-generating organization for song plays but restricted local music exposure.
ASCAP
- New York-based organization selective about writer membership; paid for national broadcasts only.
BMI
- Allowed open registration for songwriters; compensated for local and national performances.
Music Industry Building Blocks
- The Grand Ole Opry attracted instrumentalists, songwriters, and publishers, fostering a creative hub.
Vernon Dalhart
- Classically trained singer who transitioned to country; "The Prisoner Song" became the first major hit in country music.
Bristol Sessions
- Marked a pivotal moment in 1927 for country music; set up by Victor Talking Machine Company to capture Southern talent.
The Carter Family
- A.P. Carter, Sara, and Maybelle created a lasting country music legacy; known for innovative guitar techniques.
Jimmie Rodgers (Second Mention)
- Known for his travels; prolific yodeling and inspiration for future musicians; significant works include "The Soldier's Sweetheart."
Roy Acuff
- Emotional performer; popularized the term 'country music' and founded the successful Acuff-Rose publishing company.
Don Schlitz
- A key songwriter of the '70s; "The Gambler" notably revived his career, writing over 30 hit songs.
Lloyd Green
- Celebrated steel guitarist, influential in Americana music; faced health challenges but continued to innovate.
Tony Brown
- Worked with Elvis Presley; prominent as a producer for major artists, including Reba McEntire and Vince Gill.
Class of '89
- Refers to influential country artists like Garth Brooks, Travis Tritt, and Clint Black who rose to prominence.
Garth Brooks
- The top-selling solo artist in country history; known for hits like "Friends in Low Places."
Travis Tritt
- Influenced by rock music; emerged in the Class of '89.
Clint Black
- Initially popular in Hollywood; released the successful album "Killing Time."
Alan Jackson
- Traditional sound; gained recognition for "Chasing That Neon Rainbow."
Mary Chapin Carpenter
- Ivy League-educated artist from New Jersey; part of the Class of '89.
Neo-Traditionalism
- A movement in the early '80s blending traditional sounds with marketable elements; key artists included George Strait and Randy Travis.
Randy Travis
- Modern and respectful of traditional country; faced earlier rejections but became a major figure in neo-traditional music.
George Strait
- Released an album annually since 1981; notable songs include "Amarillo By Morning."
Ricky Skaggs
- A master mandolin player from a bluegrass background who contributed to the neo-traditionalist movement.
Reba McEntire
- Overcame early struggles; achieved fame in the 1980s with hits like "Whoever's in New England."
Brooks & Dunn
- Successful duo formed to fill a gap in the market; their single "Brand New Man" quickly became a hit.
SoundScan
- Introduced barcode scanning to track album sales accurately; influenced the direction of the country music industry.
Producer
- Key decision-maker for albums, influencing song selection, session musicians, and post-recording processes.
Session Musicians
- Provide instrumental support for artists, contributing creatively without credit or additional compensation.
Demo Recordings
- Short for demonstration recordings; musicians create lower-cost demos to showcase their work for potential contracts.
Shania Twain
- Blended rock and country influences; her partnership with Mutt Lange led to commercial success and changes in country music norms.
Sara Ophelia Colley Cannon
- Known as Minnie Pearl, a beloved comic character on the Opry, noted for her unique storytelling style.
Cowboy Jack Clement
- Established the first home studio in Nashville; discovered Charley Pride and wrote for Johnny Cash.
Outlaw Movement
- Featured artists like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings; allowed greater creative control but faced challenges from industry pressures.
Willie Nelson
- From Texas; evolved from a songwriting background to a solo career while pioneering the Nashville Sound.### Waylon Jennings
- Originated from Texas, gaining significant popularity in Phoenix during the 1960s.
- Collaborated with Cowboy Jack Clement; produced the acclaimed 1974 album "Dreaming My Dreams" featuring "I'm a Rambling Man."
- Signed to RCA following a performance that caught Bobby Bare's attention; experienced issues with creative control, leading to a departure and eventual return under Chet Atkins.
- Struggled with cocaine addiction by 1978.
Bobby Bare
- Discovered Waylon Jennings and facilitated his signing with RCA through Chet Atkins.
- Later produced his own records after leaving RCA.
Tompall Glaser
- Established a studio and social hub named "Hillbilly Central" in reaction to music industry control.
Emmylou Harris
- Rose to fame singing with Graham Parsons; transitioned to a solo career post-Parsons' death.
- Released first album "Pieces of the Sky" in 1974, recorded with the first mobile studio.
- Achieved success with "Two More Bottles of Wine," written by Delbert McClinton, hitting number one in 1978.
- Instrumental in the Americana movement, pioneered non-traditional country music.
- Released the best-selling bluegrass album "Roses on the Snow," showcasing female vocal dominance in a male-centric genre.
Alabama
- Southern rock band known for exceptional vocal harmonies, comprised of cousins.
- Notably distinct as a full band in country music, breaking the trend of frontmen-driven groups.
- Achieved record sales milestones with hits like "The Closer You Get," utilizing quiet synthesizer drums.
Kenny Rogers
- Revitalized his career with the iconic song "The Gambler," written by Don Schlitz.
Telecommunications Act of 1996
- Deregulated radio ownership, allowing companies to acquire multiple stations, leading to corporate dominance by Cox, Cumulus, and ClearChannel.
- Resulted in homogenized programming with reduced diversity, focusing on maximizing advertising revenue.
Dwight Yoakam
- Raised in Kentucky and Ohio, heavily influenced by country music; sought a record deal in Nashville in the late 1970s but faced obstacles.
- Successfully carved a niche in Los Angeles’ honky-tonk scene with his unique sound.
- Gained attention with "Guitars, Cadillacs," featuring an uncommon extended guitar solo.
- Achieved a deal with Warner Brothers after self-releasing albums.
Dixie Chicks
- Emerged from the Americana movement with a record deal at Columbia Records, fronted by Natalie Maines.
- Redefined radio expectations, leading to increased airplay despite initial resistance.
- Noted for classic country influences and entrepreneurial spirit, launching their imprint "Open Wide Records."
- Controversy arose following Natalie Maines' criticism of the Iraq War, illustrating their impact on country music discourse.
Tommy Collins
- Influential songwriter and mentor to Merle Haggard, whose first successful single garnered attention from Collins.
Don Light
- Talent agent known for discovering Jimmy Buffett; maintained a long-lasting friendship following their professional split.
- Managed troubled artists like Keith Whitley, providing extensive support and rehabilitation.
Taylor Swift
- Pioneered songwriting in country music for younger audiences; adapted personal experiences into relatable songs.
- Initially signed to RCA but was dropped after failure to release recordings; redefined her career focus on a younger demographic.
- Experienced backlash from older country fans but achieved substantial success, transitioning to pop music for greater creative freedom.
Shel Silverstein
- Notable songwriter for Bobby Bare, Johnny Cash, and Loretta Lynn; initially sought to showcase his music talent in Nashville.
Dierks Bentley
- Vanderbilt University student known for performing at Station Inn, representing old-style music with a fresh appeal.
- Took a hiatus to produce a bluegrass album, releasing "Prodigal Son's Prayer" as a hallmark of bluegrass artistry.
Ann Soyars
- Talent scout at Station Inn, known for discovering Chris Stapleton and Dierks Bentley.
- Recognized for her spirited determination in an industry dominated by men.
Johnny Cash
- Unique artistic presence with deep influences from his brother's death and war experiences.
- Renowned for his "Boom-chicka-boom" sound with the Tennessee Two; transitioned from Sun Records to Columbia after creative disputes.
- Experienced a decline in popularity in the 1970s and 80s, revived by Rick Rubin's American Recordings, which featured a stripped-down style.
- Authored the song "One" about his relationship with June Carter Cash, reflecting his personal life through music.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Loretta Lynn, an iconic country music artist. Explore her influence on music and her collaboration with Jack White. Discover her unique approach to songwriting and how it shaped her legacy in the music industry.
