The country singer Dolly Parton wanted to be huge: “Great on the stage”
Kindred spirits.
country music
Country music is a genre rooted in the folk traditions of the American South, blending elements of Appalachian music, blues, gospel and Western styles.
Emerging commercially during the 1920s, country has grown into one of the world’s most popular musical genres through its storytelling, heartfelt songwriting and distinctive instrumentation, including acoustic guitar, fiddle, banjo, pedal steel and mandolin. From pioneers such as Jimmie Rodgers, The Carter Family and Hank Williams to legends including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn and George Jones, as well as modern stars like Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves and Tyler Childers, country music continues to evolve while remaining deeply connected to its traditions.
The dreamy 1958 hit that became the only song to top all of Billboard’s singles charts simultaneously
‘All I Have to Do is Dream’
The 1969 song Keith Richards wishes never existed: “Got it right the first time”
Messing with perfection.
The Killers’ Brandon Flowers taking country turn on first solo album in 11 years, ‘Thrasher’
The album arrives on August 21st.
“He’s always completely stayed true”: The musician who inspired everything Thom Yorke did
“Absolutely inspired everything…”
The 1980s singer Don Henley called the best country vocalist: “One of the greatest”
The most natural voice you could get.
The Story Behind The Song: Johnny Cash and the two lives of ‘Folsom Prison Blues’
A hit in 1955 and 1968.
More About country music
Country music is a genre that originated in the southern United States, characterised by narrative songwriting, strong melodies and influences from folk, blues, gospel and Western music.
Among the most influential country artists are Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Townes Van Zandt and Kris Kristofferson.
Country music has shaped popular culture through its storytelling traditions, crossover appeal and influence on rock, folk, Americana and pop music. Its themes of love, hardship, family and resilience have resonated with audiences worldwide, while artists from Elvis Presley and The Byrds to Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have drawn inspiration from the genre.