By the end of the first decade of the twentieth century three streams of music were being distinguished: blues, jazz and country music. Although their origins were similar these three genre’s of music have followed quite different paths. Jazz is performed in classical music halls and has become known as art music, while the blues have gone on to become known for the most part as commercial folk music. Peterson (1997) questions why country music has gone on to become an element of commercial popular music rather than follow the path of jazz or blues. He continues by saying that country music is subject to the laws of supply and demand in the market, yet it has not simply murged, melded and disappeared into mainstream popular music. It has managed to retain its lyrics and images of working class men. So how has this genre remained so individual and not morphed into other genres??
Peterson (1997) suggests authenticity and originality is the reason. Country music is original and believable. Even though it is authentic it is always changing and mixing with other genres, but with in these changes remains familiarity of the songs telling stories about life; love, work, hardships. Country music has managed to keep its identity distinct from popular music, art and folk. We should be proud it is separate from the mainstream music.
Peterson, R. (1997), ‘Creating Country Music’, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago.
By Rachelle Fenning
