FM Dallas

by Thomas Hawk

Essential Country Music Listening For Beginners

If you are just starting out listening to Country Music, you may not know where to start, or who to listen to, choose the wrong artist and risk being put off country forever. And with the diverse genre that is Country Music, it’s best to start with the best. So here’s a list of some essential c. music to aid a smooth initiation into the country genre. Enjoy.

Hank Williams
Start with a bit of traditional. Country how you would expect it to be – Hank Williams: Hank is considered to be the backbone of country and the pioneer of Honky-tonk a subgenre of country. Hank was born Hiram King in 1923 and tragically died in 1953 at just 29. He recorded greats such as “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” and “Hey Good Looking,” he had 11 number 1 hits and his influence on this genre was widespread and is still felt even today.

Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash was a well known and well loved country music artist, his work is frequently seen to be very commercial in comparison to some other singers and he managed to live a long and lucrative career. His work has spanned many other genres, perhaps with some controversy for those who prefer ‘pure country’, but with success in rock and roll, blues and even gospel, he truly must be considered a multi-talented artist. There is a great sense of grief and redemption in his songs and with hits such as “I Walk the Line” and “Ring of Fire” under his belt, Johnny Cash is likely to never be forgotten.

Dolly Parton
Love her or hate her, Dolly should be listened to, if only to decide where you stand on the love/hate border, she is after all one of the most successful female Country artist of all time. With 25 number one hits and she wrote “I will always love you,” which was covered by Whitney Houston,” With the success she has managed and the songs she has written, Dolly Parton will always be remembered, for better or for worse.

The Carter Family
The Carter Family were early pioneers and the first proper Country vocal group; they recorded in the late 1920’s up until the late 1950’s. Much of their music has been covered by other Country and non Country artists, and they wrote the well known “Keeping on the Sunny Side,” for their influence on the world of Country they will always be remembered, and are essential listening for those who are complete beginners this.

Once traditional Country Music, such as these listed here, have been explored, then modern is likely to tempt you. The world of modern C. Music is wide and varied, with sub genres leading off into the pop world, so it can take some time to find what you like, don’t be put off however by one or two artists that you don’t like or find annoying, because just like in any genre of music, there are many more artists to explore.

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