Changes in country Music

LeAnn Rimes, Mindy McCready, Shania Twain have been seen as performers who are drastically changing the face of country music. Many bemoan these changes, wondering where these changes will lead. Some may not believe this but even conservative country has undergone a radical transformation since the early 1900's. With every change their has been critics

Some early country performers began their careers in traveling medicine shows, Jimmie Rodgers (1897-1933), Ernest Tubb(1914- 1984-1984), and Hank Williams(1923-1953).(1)

One element of countries growth during this 1900's was the growth of phonograph industry in the 1920's.(2) The other element would be radio shows, like the "Grand Ole Opry". The Opry began in 1925 when fiddler Uncle Jimmy Thompson sat before a carbon microphone in the studios of WSM (We Shield Millions). WSM was started by National Life & Accident Insurance company as a way of selling insurance. A few years later this show was named the "Grand Ole Opry, and country musicians from all over flocked to Nashville to be were the action is.(3)

Country was again at a turning point during the 1930's. Countries performers where more polished and where more conscious about commercial status.(5) Also during the 1930's music licensing would change dramatically, the dominate licenser "American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers" (ASCAP) attempted to double the fee's radio stations paid. The price hike by ASCAP touch off a 10 month boycott by radio stations of ASCAP licensed music. At the end of the 10 month boycott more country friendly licenser Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) growth had exploded.(6)

Soon after World War II, a full Record industry pop up in Nashville to support, Nashville's growing Country artist community (4).

Another change happened when, Chet Atkins became the head of the music industry giant, RCA Victor records Nashville operations in 1957. Country was no longer a guaranteed winner, in fact the country music industry was in a major slump.(7)

Chet is one of the ones who are credited for pulling country out of its downward spiral, and revitalizing the industry.(8) During the 1960's the number of the full time country radio stations went from 80 to approximately 600. (9)

Country became so popular in the 1960's that, Bakersfield California, became known as Nashville west. Bakersfield became the home of 200 country musicians, 35 song writers, and ten publishing companies, three recording labels, two booking agencies and a half dozen night clubs that played country music.(10)

Many people have defended the changes country went through during this time period.

Bill Hartnet Nashville's manager of Nashville's Chamber of commerce in the late 1960's and early 1970's said "I believe we're going through a revolution" Country artist seemed to "smarter, college educated." (11)

A small time music publisher in Nashville, Lou Stringer said " There'll always be room for a Kitty Wells, Loretta Lynn or George Jones, but they'd better be good. That kind of music won't sell any more unless its good. The market is dying out, shrinking on them".(12)

Decca records's Owen Bradley said about country music different styles "There are all levels of country music."(13)

If country does not expand it's music base, it will dwindle and die. If it dwindle and dies so will the memories, blood sweat and tears of country of all musicians

To my cites

Shania: We're on our way