Country Music: The Most Diverse Genre?

Abstract The genre of country music rose to prominence and notoriety during the golden age of radio in the early 1900s due to the reach of AM radio and the popularity of Nashville, Tennessee’s WSM radio show the Grand Ole Opry. Broadcast from the historic Ryman Auditorium, the early pioneers of the genre included artists Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe, and Uncle Dave Macon. Among the mostly white early Opry stars, harmonica wizard DeFord Bailey, a black man from a farming family in Smith County, Tennessee, was one of the fan favorites and draws of the traveling show associated with the popular radio program. Until recent years, very few black artists like Bailey have risen to prominence in the country market; however, black music was, and still is, a major influence in the overall genre. In addition to Bailey’s early contributions, the roots of country music stemmed from many different musical styles, including blues, jazz, gospel, western, folk, and hillbilly music. As the genre grew and progressed to the current era, it has continued to be influenced by various music styles while maintaining its distinct description as country music. Explored in this paper are the diverse influences on the genre from its birth to the current era, making it arguably one of the most diverse genres of music.