MAIN Pop Culture Country Music

With its roots in traditional folk, blues, gospel, and Celtic fiddle music, American country music as we know it today arose as a specific style in the early 20th century.

Bluegrass and honky tonk soon became the dominant and most popular form of American country music promoted on radio stations and live entertainment venues throughout the South. Country music legend Hank Williams would later be credited with moving "country & western" music into the mainstream inspring such other artists as Jerry Lee Lewis and early '50's rock 'n roll acts.

In the 60's and 70's, country music's roots in the blues eventually became fodder for humorists when the genre became most best known for syrupy lyrics and over-the-top song titles. Today, country music is being infused with rock, rap and even hip hop influences (see Big & Rich) while female singers are stretching the boundaries in both attitude and subject matter with such hits as "Before He Cheats" released by Carrie Underwood in 2006.

Now into its second century, country music continues to grow in sophistication and popularity — encompassing blue grass, honky tonk, soft rock, rockabilly, traditional, neo-traditional, and Christian rock — with crossovers to the Top 100 pop music charts.

In Germany, Australia, Russia and in the UK an ardent fan base still exists among a population that remains intrigued with American cowboy culture long promoted by another strong U.S. import, Hollywood movies.

Country Music On the Web

Below, see and hear more about country music on the Web at top sites offering the music videos, streaming radio hits, picture galleries, as well as the latest news & updates on the music country scene. Just up ahead, also check out the most popular American country music artists today with complete bio's, photos, and related resources including where to discover major fan sites & tour dates:

Top Country Music Resources

CMT.com - The premiere place for the latest American country music news, videos, audio & radio hits, star profiles, as well as the complete CMT TV schedule and a busy fan message board.

GAC - Great American Country - The online home of the country music video channel with a goldmine of information on top stars, related videos & photo galleries, country music news, interviews, fan goodies including wallpapers & trivia challenges.

Country Music Hall of Fame - Take the virtual tour of the country music fan mecca in Nashville with visitor information, current event calendar, a look at recent exhibits, and an extensive multimedia library of videos, interviews, slideshows, and audio clips.

Roughstock's History of Country Music - An online encyclopedia of information on the origins of country music with photos and career profiles of famous artists, with special looks at Nashvile and the Grand Ole Oprey, Western Swing and Outlaw Country.

Country Music Lyrics - Comprehensive directory browesable by artist in an A-Z list, with related links and resources.

Australian country music - Great intro to the country music scene Down Under with a history of famous artists up to the present including, photos, related links and resources.

Country Music in Britain - A UK country music guide with information on related clubs, concerts & events, including a directory of popular British country music artists and related resources.

Country Music in Russia - Quick overview with information on the country music scene and popular bands with information on the roots of American country music in Russia.

also see in Pop Culture ->

Grammy Awards | Academy of Country Music Awards

American Music Awards | Country Music Video Awards

Country Music Association Awards | Nashville Star