Country music as a recorded genre has been in existence commercially since the 1920's. But it was the Bristol Recording Sessions by RCA-Victor in the 1930's that really propelled the genre. From these sessions in Bristol, Tennessee, the general listening public were exposed to A.P. Carter & The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers. Springing from these two folk/hillbilly acts came artists like Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and The Louvin Brothers in later decades.

A newcomer to Country music should begin with the early Nashville Sound including artists like Webb Pierce, Faron Young, Kitty Wells, Ray Price and Hank Williams. This music journalist does not recommend any of the new junk being recorded in Nashville simply because it is not Country music. For a good representation of modern Country music, listen to Dwight Yoakam, George Strait and Dave Cox.

For the best representation of what Country music really is, just listen to Merle Haggard, Vern Gosdin, Buck Owens, Wynn Stewart and others from the 1960's Country music scene. That era was the most definitive for Country music as any other in the history of the genre.

The 1990's up to today has seen Country music decline in artists' talent, songwriting ability and radio airplay. Honestly, Music Row does not even know who their target market is anymore. The majority of young people (13-18) do not listen to Country music today. The 18-34 age group leans more toward Rap, R&B and Modern Pop. It is the 35 and older age group that is best targeted for Country music, but this age group seems to be disenchanted with the new brand of country. The 35 and older age group tends to buy only classic country cd's and merchandising.

For the best in sampling real Country music, check out the Country Music Hall of Fame website along with XM Radio's Channel 10 (America) and Channel 13 (Willie's Place).

Learn more about this author, Timothy Edward Jones.
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