For generations, singers and songwriters of country music have been working to evoke emotions in listeners by performing and writing songs that the listeners will be able to relate to. Country music traditionally reveals stories of life, love, death, and values, all of which can be seen in the works of great singers and songwriters like George Strait, Alabama, Brooks & Dunn, and Alan Jackson. One artist in particular, Garth Brooks, forever left his stamp on country music and on the hearts of his millions of listeners with his hit songs, “The Beaches of Cheyenne”, “Callin’ Baton Rouge”, and “The River”. “The Beaches of Cheyenne” has a storyline containing themes of life, death, love, and regret. The themes of this song branch out much further than the reaches of country music, and makes this particular song relatable to each and every person. "The Beaches of Cheyenne" by Garth Brooks is the epitome of country music, and largely contributes to the success and popularity of country music by evoking emotions in listeners through means of a storyline that conveys strong emotions, relatable to each and every person. “Callin’ Baton Rouge” is fast-paced, upbeat love song that is able to evoke emotion in listeners because of the strong instrumentals in the song accompanied by meaningful lyrics. “The River” is a song about following dreams no matter what obstacles may be in the way, which makes it inspirational and very relatable to everyone that listens to it.
Peter J. Rentfrow, Lewis R. Goldberg, and Daniel J. Levitin reveal in their article, The Structure of Musical Preferences: A Five-Factor Model that, "It (music) is composed of specific auditory properties, communicates emotions, and has strong social connotations. There is eviden...
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Brooks, Garth, Bryan Kennedy, and Dan Roberts. The Beaches of Cheyenne. Nashville: Capitol Records, 1995. Google. Web. 12 May 2014.
Brooks, Garth, and Victoria Shaw. The River. N.p.: Liberty Records, 1992. Google. Web. 12 May 2014.
Church, Eric, Jeff Hyde, and Ryan Tyndell. Springsteen. Nashville: Capitol Records, 2012. Google. Web. 12 May 2014.
Linde, Dennis. Callin' Baton Rouge. N.p.: Liberty Records, 1994. Google. Web. 12 May 2014.
Rentfrow, Peter J., Lewis R. Goldberg, and Daniel J. Levitin. "The Structure of Musical Preferences: A Five-Factor Model." Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 100.6 (2011): 1139-57. EBSCO Host. Web. 12 May 2014.
Shusterman, Richard. "Moving Truth: Affect and Authenticity in Country Musicals." Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism 57.2 (1999): 221-33. EBSCO Host. Web. 12 May 2014.
Rosen explains how this song can be noted as turning point between the older generation of country music to bro country. I could not agree more. In the older generation, country had a much more southern feel, usually slower in speed as well. Songs like “Cruise” are prime examples of how the music industry, country music specifically, has had to make changes to entertain newer generations. I believe this is an important piece in history, and should definitely be discussed in
13. Troy, Sandy. Captain Trips: A Biography of Jerry Garcia. New York: Thunder's Mouth Press, 1994.
For almost 90 years, The Grand Ole Opry has withstood the test of time to become one of the tried and true traditions in country music. From the show's humble beginnings as an obscure radio program, to it's renowned place today as one of the premiere stages for music, The Grand Ole Opry has had an extremely colorful and interesting existence. Over the 88 years that have passed since the show's inception, The Grand Ole Opry has featured many talented performers. Those performers, along with social changes and economics, have all contributed to the growth and success of The Grand Ole Opry.
Country music is one of the most popular genres of music throughout America. There are many influential figures that have changed the way country music sounds, and how people interpret it. Two important people who have made a huge impact on country music overtime are Johnny Cash and Luke Bryan. From their early life, their career, and how society views them, they have opened the minds of people and country musicians all over the country. Johnny Cash’s songs help people to experience his life growing up through the Great Depression and how people lived back then. Through Luke Bryan’s songs people could understand what life was like for Luke growing up in Georgia and all the hardships he faced. Johnny Cash and Luke Bryan are two of the many country singers that have influenced country fans to be more optimistic and hopeful.
Presley, Isaac Hayes, and Otis Redman. However, one of that artist that does not get the
Sanneh, Kelefa. "Country Music? Whose Country?" The New York Times. 11 Nov. 2005. Web. 21 April 2011.
Tichi, Cecelia. 1994. High lonesome: the American culture of country music. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press.
Young, Neil. "Country Girl." Perf. Young, David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash. Déjà vu. Atlantic, 1970.
Danker, Fred. “The Musical Impact of Johnny Cash Lives On.” Examiner. Np. Web. 13 March 2014
Waters, Muddy, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Otis Spann, Jimmy Rogers, Elgar Edmonds, and Big Crawford. Hoochie Coochie Man. New World Records, 1977. CD.
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If one were to look back into the world’s history, one would find that an important and consistent element is the world of music. Music has presented itself in various forms throughout its spread and through our identification of its magical realm, people have been fortunate enough to come across a means of relation. Whether it is blues and reggae or rap and pop rock, there is music out there for everyone. Music can serve as a stabilizer for some, a relaxant to others, and to many a form of inspiration.
Roy, William G. “Aesthetic Identity, Race, and American Folk Music.” Qualitative sociology 25, no. 3 (Fall 2002): 459-469.
He and his other three friends played mostly gospel music. To this Phillips said, “go home and sin, then come back with a song I can sell” (SunRecords.com). Cash came back, and eventually won him over with two of hit songs, “Hey Porter” and “Cry Cry Cry,”. Cash deserves recognition for the amazing work in these songs, along with his determination to keep going, and get a record deal.
Livosky, Marilyn et al. Psychology Journal. “Personality and Music Preferences in College Students and Young Children.” Mar2012, Vol. 9 Issue 1, p13-25. 13p