Popular country artists. Country music

Country (English Country from country music - rural music) is the most common type of North American folk music, not inferior in popularity to pop music. The origins and formation of the Country genre... Read all Country (English Country from country music - rural music) is the most common type of North American folk music, not inferior in popularity to pop music. The origins and development of the country genre combines two types of American folklore - the music of white settlers who settled in the New World in the 17th-18th centuries. and cowboy ballads of the Wild West. This music has a strong heritage from Elizabethan madrigals and Irish and Scottish folk music. Basic musical instruments This style includes guitar, banjo and violin. "The Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane" is the first "documented" country song, written in 1871 by Will Heiss of Kentucky. 53 years later, Fiddin John Carson recorded this composition on a record. In October 1925, the Grand Ole Opry radio program began operating, which to this day broadcasts live concerts of country stars. Country like music industry, began to gain momentum in the late 1940s. thanks to the success of Hank Williams (1923-53), who not only set the image of a country artist for several generations to come, but also outlined the typical themes of the genre - tragic love, loneliness and the hardships of working life. Already by that time there were different styles: Western swing, taking the principles of arrangement from Dixieland - here the king of the genre was Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys; bluegrass, dominated by founder Bill Monroe; The style of musicians such as Hank Williams was then called hillbilly. In the mid-1950s. country music, along with elements from other genres (gospel, rhythm and blues), gave birth to rock and roll. A borderline genre immediately emerged - rockabilly - this is where they started creative path It is no coincidence that singers such as Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash all recorded in the same Memphis studio, Sun Records. Thanks to the success of Marty Robbins' album Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs (1959), the genre of country and western, which was dominated by stories from the life of the Wild West, emerged as a genre. In the early 1960s. Under the influence of producers such as Chet Atkins and Steve Sholes, Williams's archaic "honky tonk" style gave way to the "Nashville sound" with its polished sound and crystal-clear arrangements, which now important place the piano began to play, not without the influence of Floyd Kremer, one of the architects of this trend. George Jones, Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee, Tammy Wynette were some of the most successful performers of this period. In 1961, the Country Music Hall of Fame was founded in Nashville, by then the center of the country music industry. A number of musicians of the late 1960s. - Kris Kristofferson, Neil Young, Linda Ronstadt, Creedence Clearwater Revival - took an eclectic approach: they successfully combined country with rock, giving rise to such a movement as country rock. Willie Nelson - one of the pillars of country music By the early 1970s. In the country industry, two poles have emerged: on the one hand, there is a connection with the musical tradition and theme of hillbilly, on the other, an attraction to the stage and mass audience. It is the popularity of one of these two biases that will henceforth define the genre in one period or another. Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings began their careers in the traditional country vein. However, the greatest success was in the second half of the 1970s. It was the performers who significantly blurred the boundaries between country and pop music who received it: Conway Twitty, Glen Campbell, Anne Murray, Kenny Rogers, Barbara Mandrell, whose recordings were so little different from pop music performers that fierce disputes arose between country radio stations about how this or that song fits into their format. This type of pop-country reached its highest peak at the turn of the 1970s and 1980s, not least thanks to the film “Urban Cowboy,” which aroused mass interest in country music. A counterbalance to pop country was given in the person of a new generation of performers: George Strait, Gene Watson, Patty Lovelace; It was this trend, called neo-traditionalism, that gained the upper hand in the country music industry by the end of the 1980s. In the 1990s. Country music was defined by such performers as Garth Brooks, George Strait, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson. Canadian singer Shania Twain achieved international success by combining country music with pop and rock. The tendency to infuse country music with elements of popular music, jazz and folk music is even more obvious in the work contemporary performers such as Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes, Carrie Underwood. For example, McGraw's most successful single was recorded in a duet with rapper Nelly, and veteran Willie Nelson recently released an album with pronounced reggae elements. Collapse

Country music is a type of folk music North America. Despite its advanced age, this “rural music” (as the name suggests) still finds many listeners.

Russian folk song the vast majority Russian youth associated with old women and old men singing to the accompaniment. Country folk music in the United States competes with pop music on approximately the same level.

Country music. A little history.

Country music is a form of North American folk music. It includes both songs of cowboys of the Wild West and the music of white-skinned settlers who left the Old World in XVII – XVIII centuries. The acoustic guitar, fiddle and mandolin are the fundamental instruments of country music. Under the influence of black musical culture, the banjo and the banjo are also widely used here.

Country songs and ballads tend to follow a theme rural folklore. The most common themes of such songs are unrequited love, hard work and loneliness.

The poet Harlen Howard, who wrote many hits in this style, said about country music that it consists

“of three chords and truthfulness.”

The main styles of country music are:

• Western swing, based on Dixieland principles and arrangements;
• bluegrass;
• Country and Western, depicting life in the Wild West.

In the fifties of the twentieth century, country music, along with gospel and rhythm and blues, contributed to the creation of rock and roll and rockabilly.

Russian country music performers. Group "Corn".

The Kukuruza group is perhaps the most famous group working in country style. The group received official status back in 1986. Although the history of the group began in the seventies, with the student ensemble “Ornament”.

In 2000, as part of the beat group “Hawaiians”, I had the opportunity to play in the Moscow club “Ku-Ku” near the Rechnoy Vokzal metro station. The musicians of the Kukuruza group were directly related to this club. I remember well that the club was very stylishly decorated in the spirit of a Wild West era saloon.

And who doesn’t remember the wonderful song “Sing, Vasya!” At one of our student parties, one of the participants drank a lot. He could no longer get up, and because of us he was unable to sleep. Because we were quite noisy, and the radio was screaming at full volume. Finally, he begged: “Don’t make noise!” And at that moment the radio sang in response to him:

“But no one even thought of making noise, Vasya sang, because it’s impossible not to sing!”

After that, of course, we fell to the floor in hysterical laughter.

Country music in the work of the beat group "Hawaiians".

Country music was also reflected in the work of the beat group “Hawaiians”. Moreover, quite non-standard and in an unusual way. We can say that the history of this wonderful band began with country music.

In June 1995, Oleg Knizhnik, the future leader of the Hawaiians, called me. He offered to record fourteen country songs that he had written in five days. I agreed immediately after listening to the compositions. They were that good.

None of us really knew how to play back then. And the possibilities for recording were very modest. We only had two Soviet-made microphones. We put these microphones on the table and sat around them. And they wrote it all down this way. And the resulting album was called “ Good man", after the title of one of the songs.

On the recording we used maracas, a harmonica and three acoustic guitars. One of the guitars was connected to an amplifier and used instead of a bass guitar or slide guitar. It turned out wild, but cute.

The themes and harmonies of the songs were very close to the original country music sources. You can draw a conclusion about this from the titles of the songs: “Cattle Death”, “Corydalis”, “ American dream“,” “The field mouse ate the whole harvest,” “Fur-oak-country,” “In Kentucky,” “Ride me, daddy, on a horse,” and the like. However, for true connoisseurs of country music, these songs looked like obvious banter and mockery. In principle, that is what they were. But for us, performing these songs was a real pleasure. There was too much fun and positivity in them.

This recording was a great success among the students of our city. And in the fall of the same 1995, Oleg wrote eleven more similar songs: “In our chicken coop,” “Goose George,” “Grizzly Bears.” The latter, according to Oleg, was written in the style of “country mayhem.” The album was called “Oh, I’ll trample!”

In the second album, a duet was even recorded, where my singer performed as a singer. Native sister. The song was called “You walk me home.” In one of the verses of this song on behalf of male character the following words sounded:

“I’ll give you an ear of corn, don’t think that this is a transparent hint!”

It was with these recordings that the history of the Hawaiian beat group began. The name, by the way, was invented during the recording of the first album. We associated our musical delights with the performance of Captain Vrungel and Fuchs in the Hawaiian Islands. Therefore, on the cassette with the recording it was written: “Semyon Besstrashny and the Hawaiian trio.”

Subsequently, we exploited these songs quite seriously. Ours sounded especially good on . And our audience always received these songs with a bang.

— How to distinguish a popular singer from an ordinary one?
- An ordinary one gathers stadiums, and a popular one attracts 50 people in a restaurant for the same money.

Country is not only about cowboys, prairies and banjo playing, it is also great and respected by many, whose performers still fill huge halls and. Music born from the efforts of the white population living in the rural areas of the West and South of America gave birth to a whole cultural era. We offer you the top 10 best performers country music that has firmly entered it and has no intention of leaving.

1

This is a young performer with powerful vocals, thanks to which she was able to win the hearts of numerous fans. Her debut album was called "Some Hearts". It was released in 2006, sold 6 million copies and became the most successful of that year.

2

The world started talking about Tim McGrov 1994. This country artist has topped America's country charts 20 times and managed to sell more than 40 million copies of his albums.

3

The strong and soulful vocals of this performer gave her the opportunity to be popularly called the new “Celine Dion.” In terms of country music, of course. The singer’s debut came in 1991, and it was associated with the single “The Time Has Come.”

4

Willie Nelson's playing on the "heartstrings" is simply divine. But this singer is not only good at plucking strings, but also composes songs himself and acts in films. Willie starred in more than thirty films, and also co-authored many books.

John Denver began his musical ascent to Mount Olympus by playing in various country bands. However, he found maximum success only when he became a solo performer, recording more than three hundred songs on his own. Moreover, he created 200 of them himself. Now it’s clear why 4 of his albums were platinum and 12 were gold.

6

Hank Williams once gained fame as a true country music legend. His thirty-five singles without any problems or difficulties hit the Billboard music top, and eleven of them took first place.

7

This country singer managed to break all imaginable and inconceivable records set by musicians in record sales. This was in the 90s, but to this day Garth’s albums are very popular and sell out well. He is the owner of two Grammys and seventeen American Music Awards.

8

The love of Shania's fans was brought to her by a record called “The Woman in Me.” But his fame was surpassed by another album of the singer: “Come On Over”, released in 1997, which became the most commercially successful of all country records in history.

9

Brad's first album hit the shelves in 1999 and was called “Who Needs Pictures.” The single “He Didn’t Have to Be” from this record, just seven months later, helped the musician rise to first place in the “cowboy” charts. Over the course of Paisley’s entire career, 16 more of his songs achieved similar success.

10

Roger Miller loves the people with the song “King Of The Road”. It became a wildly popular hit in its time. The story of a tramp who does not complain about his fate, but enjoys life, moving around the country on trains, has captivated the entire country music world. In 1995, Roger was inducted into the Cowboy Instrumental Hall of Fame.

Music is an invaluable gift for a person and plays an important role in everyone’s life. It is she who gives birth to feelings and emotions in human souls that paint life with bright and precious colors. Everyone at one point or another in their life has their own preferences in music. This is due to character, situation, mood and any events. Among the many musical styles There are special directions that can create the ideal mental mood. One of them is country music.

Origins of style

The USA became the birthplace of country music. The style began to emerge at the end of the 19th century and was finally formed by the beginning of the 20th century. Author's songs also became the origin of the style. The first country performers were immigrant colonists from Europe, so initially the sound of such works was somewhat unusual.

Literally translated, the name of the style sounds like “rural, rustic.” It was the agricultural and mountainous regions of America, such as Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina, that for a long time preserved the traditions of country music in its original form.

It was a certain territorial isolation and the impossibility of close communication with other regions of the country that contributed to the development of an original culture and its own traditions. With songs and dances, residents compensated for the lack of education and communication with other regions, which made it possible to preserve the country style, which is special in spirit and nature, in its original and pristine form.

As a separate musical genre, recognizable by the first notes, country music was defined by the beginning of the 20th century, but there is historical facts, which prove that early period The style can be dated back to the 17th century. Each people who settled in the vastness of America brought with them part of their traditions, including in music. So, in the interweaving of different folk cultures, a country style that was soulful and original in nature was born. It was multinationality, originality, rhythm, simple and relatable words that found a response in the hearts of the listeners.

Formation and popularization

Technical progress, the active development of which characterized the period of the early 20th century, played an important role in the emergence of country music as an independent genre. It was the advent of radio, or hillbilly, as it was then called, that ensured the widespread popularity of the style. Lots of unknowns, but talented performers got unique opportunity be heard throughout the country. On the radio, listeners did not want heavy music, so simple, rhythmic, musical composition in a somewhat original way folk style Many people liked it.

One of the first recorded country songs: Henry C Gilliland & A C Robertson - Arkansas Traveler (1922)

After the popularization of country music with the help of radio, first amateur and then professional country music festivals began to be organized. Favorite compositions began to be recorded in studios on gramophone records, which was the beginning of the commercialization of the genre. The performers became famous and favorites of the public. The popularity of the genre broke all possible records, people's love was comprehensive and devoted.

Poet Harlen Howard, a country music trendsetter, once said, “It's all about three chords and the truth!”

Harlen Howard - Busted

The compositions are so sincere, simple and understandable to everyone that even in difficult times During the Great Depression, it was in country music that many found solace and words of support. Gradually, the style continued its development, became more multifaceted, deeper and became a reference point for worldwide popularity.

Country music on television

Style Feature

A lot of time has passed since the birth of country music, but the style has not dissolved or been forgotten. Soulful country-style ballads still top the charts today and are loved by everyone. Today it's absolutely independent genre, which is successfully performed all over the world.

Country music festival in Switzerland

Country music festival in Russia

What makes the genre so phenomenal? Each style, as a rule, has its own characteristics, thanks to which this or that music finds its fans. How do you know that the song you're playing belongs specifically to the country genre? In fact, this genre is recognizable from the first chords of sound.

The characteristic features of the direction are as follows:

• The song is filled deep meaning, reflecting real events, tells a life story familiar to everyone.
  Country singers have always been simple, open people
  At the same time, musicians always try to be closer to their viewers.
• The musical acoustic accompaniment is filled with the use of simple and familiar instruments. It could be a guitar, violin, banjo, harmonica.
  “Standard set” for performing country music
• A country singer penetrates the soul not with the power of his voice or exemplary academic singing, but with a soulful and soulful performance.

Demonstration of feelings and emotions, life story, emotional experiences are much more important. Country is a folk genre, the music of provincial provinces, cowboy saloons, the personification of simple romance, a tribute to centuries-old folk traditions. Today, old country compositions can easily be considered one of the most important values ​​of the musical heritage.

In confirmation of the above - TOP 10 old country compositions

Country instruments

The format of the genre was initially determined by its special and original sound. musical accompaniment. Instruments play a special role in creating an atmospheric mood:

Country guitar

Violin in modern country

Country is an absolutely unique direction. The basis is a synthesis of cowboy and Anglo-Celtic ballads, Irish motifs, folklore and melodic blues.

In addition to the main instruments, harmonica, mandolin, flutes, percussion and keyboard instruments. They help to achieve an original sound, give a special emotional coloring, touching the most delicate strings human soul, giving rise to truly unforgettable feelings of joy, fun, tranquility, sincerity or romance.

Country Harmonica (Solo)

Style subtypes

Melodic folk genre so rich and unique that it gave birth to several styles that embody a special musical character. The most famous include:

• alt-country is the most modern style, more aggressive and topical than traditional country, with a somewhat gothic edge;

Alt-country music selection

• Western swing - early country with characteristic notes of blues, jazz and swing, characterized by a dense and rich sound, complemented by a melodic ukulele guitar;

Western swing country

• bluegrass is a popular country style, which is a bizarre mixture of African motifs, musical traditions Scotland, Ireland and England.

The “calling card” of the bluegrass style is the composition Foggy Mountain Breakdown

A little about bluegrass music

Country music continues to evolve, acquiring new sounds. Romance, sincerity and freedom remain unchanged in the melody and words.

The country direction is always outside of fashionable musical trends. Despite this, the style does not stand still and develops, filling with new original sound. Thanks to the ethnic musical coloring and the author's performance format, country music is understandable and original. This musical phenomenon is a unique combination of simplicity and folk philosophy, so it is always warmly received by listeners.

Contemporary country music

Country music belongs to the light genres. Easy - because it is easy to listen to, it is pleasant to the ears. Easily memorable tunes transport the listener outside the city, where the roar of the metropolis does not drown out the sounds of the wind in the field, birds in the forest, where you can see the beauty of the flight of butterflies and breathe in Fresh air full breasts. That's why country music has gained wide popularity among both urban and non-urban residents. We know many examples country singers who chose this genre, created country music and have achieved success in this field.

Today we'll talk about Top 10 Country Artists.

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood ranks first on our list. She has amazingly beautiful powerful vocals, which is why, despite her youth, she won great amount fans. Debut album "Some Hearts" was released in 2006 and became the best-selling album of the year (more than 6 million copies sold). After the release of the first album Carrie Underwood pleased her fans with 5 new singles - "Inside Your Heaven", "Jesus Take The Wheel", "Don't Forget To Remember Me", "Wasted" and "Before He Cheats". Moreover, each of them different time took first place in various country charts.

At the 2008 Grammy Awards Carrie Underwood won in the “Best New Performer” category, and was nominated in two categories (the second was “Song of the Year”). One of her hits "Before He Cheats", spent 64 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the third-longest-running single in the chart's 50-year history.

Tim McGraw

In second place on the list of most popular country singers– Tim McGraw. The world first started talking about him in 1994. During my career Tim rose to first place more than 20 times country charts USA, sold more than 40 million copies of albums, released a huge number of hits, including a duet with his wife Faith Hill. Winner of 3 Grammy awards, 14 Academy of Country Music awards. Another famous one country singer at the beginning of her career she dedicated a single to her favorite artist "Tim McGraw". Three singles Tim McGraw became the Best country songs of the year: "It's Your Love", "Just To See You Smile" And "Live Like You Were Dying".

Martina McBride

In third place on our list Martina McBride– singer and songwriter. She is known not only as country singer with strong, clear vocals, but also amazing person. Every time you watch a video of the singer or see recordings of interviews at social gatherings, it’s hard to disagree – she’s sweet, charming and nothing more. Martina McBride called "Celine Dior in Country Music". Her debut took place in 1991, when Martina released a single "The Time Has Come". Since then, the singer's singles have regularly topped the Billboard country charts. During my career Martina McBride released 11 studio albums, which sold 14 million copies. The singer received the Country Music Association award 4 times in the “Best female vocals"and three times - the Academy of Country Music Award in the category "Best Female Performer". Her powerful vocals are easy to appreciate in "In My Daughter's Eyes". And she is especially romantic and touching in her performance "How Far":

Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson takes an honorable 4th place, but not thanks to his voice or manner of performance. This performer cannot leave anyone indifferent with his guitar playing. Willie Nelson– singer and songwriter, poet and actor. He took part in more than 30 films and co-authored several books. Willie Nelson- a prominent representative of the so-called outlaw country, one of the directions country music, which became widespread and popular in the late 1960s. The singer is the winner of many prizes and awards, including Grammy awards in the “Record of the Year” categories (1982, for a new interpretation of a classic song "Always on My Mind"), « Musical legend"(1990) and "For lifetime achievements" (1999).

John Denver

In fifth place of ours country hit parade– John Denver. With the help of his voice, through his songs, he shared his feelings and experiences with listeners. His performances were difficult to forget. He started his musical career consisting of several country bands, but achieved the greatest success and popularity precisely in solo career. Over the years, he has recorded and released more than 300 songs, 200 of which he wrote himself. Most of his songs are about the beauty of nature, love for music, and trials in love. 12 of his albums went gold and 4 went platinum.

Hank Williams

Hank Williams- one of the most famous country singers of all times. This amazing musician has become a legend country music, an inspiration to many musicians around the world and an icon to fans country. 35 singles Williams hit the Billboard top, 11 of which reached number one. He lived short life, only 29 years old, but left a big mark on history country music. He managed so little and at the same time so much in 5 years of active creative life. Unfortunately, with the rise of his career, the personality of the performer began to disintegrate. The 29-year-old singer died in the back seat of his Cadillac. A bottle of whiskey was found next to him. It is noteworthy that his last single was "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive"(“I will never get out of this world alive”).

Garth Brooks

Garth Brooks- one of the most successful performers country music. Brooks used rock elements in his studio recordings and concerts, which allowed him to expand his audience of fans. He broke every possible record for album sales and concert tickets in the 1990s. Albums Brooks are still selling out successfully; as of 2011, more than 68 million copies were sold, which is 5 million more than albums were sold. Brooks– winner of 2 Grammy awards and 17 American Music Awards. On March 6, 2012, the inclusion was announced Brooks to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Creation Brooks is an alloy of measured country and energetic rock, but here is the single "I Love the Way You Love Me" – good example more like calm and good country.

Shania Twain

Beautiful, sexy and talented Shania Twain simply must be in the top ten country singers. The album brought her first fame "The Woman in Me", and in 1997 the album was released "Come On Over", which became the best-selling country album of all times (its circulation was more than 40 million copies). Twain– winner of 5 Grammys, she is the only singer in history whose three albums in a row reached “diamond” status. More than 85 million albums have been sold worldwide. Listen "You're still the one" performed Shania Twain. Diva, and nothing more!

Brad Paisley

Next Top 10 Artist country music takes Brad Paisley. Talented singer, who knows how to captivate listeners, showing sincere emotions while performing songs in which many recognize themselves and events related to their lives. His first album was released in 1999 entitled "Who Needs Pictures", and after 7 months Paisley was in first place in country charts with single "He Didn't Have to Be"" Over the course of his entire career, 25 singles made it into the top ten. Brad, 16 of which reached first place. He also holds the record of 10 consecutive singles reaching the top of the charts.

Roger Miller

And finally Roger Miller– singer, composer and musician. The cheerful, witty singer was consummate master performance of songs in style country. He owns the phrase: “The human brain is an amazing organ that starts working from birth and doesn’t stop until you sit down and write a song.” He hosted his own humorous TV show, wrote both light, frivolous songs and philosophical ballads. Business card Roger Miller- song "King Of The Road", which became a hit in 1965. This is the story of a tramp who enjoys life and travels by train. For my creative career Miller won 11 Grammy awards, and in 1995 he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Although the singer passed away 20 years ago, his songs are still remembered and loved.

Have you heard the songs of these artists? Who would you put on this list?

Top 10 Country Artists updated: April 13, 2019 by: Elena