Country music

Country music is an American popular musical form, with roots in traditional folk music. Initially derived from the same Appalachian and celtic folk tradition as bluegrass, country music is now one of the most popular forms of music in the world, particularly in the southern United States. Country music often includes steel guitar, fiddle (violin), and acoustic guitar although drums and electric guitar have become standard instruments also. The term "Country & Western" is now considered obsolete.

At the time of its early popularity, country shared America's affection with swing music, a type of jazz and enterprising musicians such as Bob Wills fused the two to form [western swing]?.

During the 1960s, country music became a multi-million dollar industry centered on Nashville?, Tennessee. Under the direction of [Chet Atkins]?, the [Nashville sound]? brought country music to a diverse audience. Although country music has great stylistic diversity, this diversity is not usually well-reflected in radio airplay and the popular perception of country music is still dominated by maudlin ballads.

Early Innovators:

• [Jimmie Rodgers]?
• [The Carter Family]?
• [Hank Williams Sr]?
• [The Grand Old Opry]?

Popularisers

• Johnny Cash
• [George Jones]?
• [Willie Nelson]?
• [Tammi Wynette]?
• Gram Parsons
• [Charlie Rich]?
• [Charley Pride]?

Present Performers:

• [The Judds]?
• [Emmylou Harris]?
• [Lyle Lovett]?
• Dolly Parton
• Garth Brooks
• Shania Twain
• [Dixie Chicks]?
• [LeAnn Rimes]?
• Sherrié Austin
• [Steve Earl]?

Television and radio shows of note:

• [Grand Old Opry]?
• Hee Haw

/Talk