This week we are donning our stetsons and grabbing a cold one, as we discuss the most rootin’ tootin’ American music genre of them all. From Dolly Parton to Taylor Swift with a little bit of Footloose, country has come to epitomise the US, but as the genre’s popularity booms internationally, does its Americanness still endure? So in this episode I’m asking… what makes country music so American?
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Special guest for this episode:
- John Collins, Head of Radio Operations at CountryLine Radio and, conveniently a huge fan of both country music and American culture.
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Highlights from this episode:
(03:10) A Brit and a Scot talking about country music...
(05:07) Breaking down the stigma
(08:41) Is country music still a white person genre?
(12:20) Earning your country chops
(15:43) US vs international appeal of country music
(20:06) Southern representations
(22:43) The biggest threat to the genre
(25:18) How to keep the country in country
(28:31) Women empowering women
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Additional Resources:
CountryLine Radio
The Country Music Association
Cowboy Carter by Beyonce
Charley Pride discography
Country to Country
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Makes Country Music so American?
Are the Oscars Still Relevant?
Why Does Everyone Love Disney?
Could Friends BE Any Bigger?
How Accurate is Forrest Gump?
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Mentioned in this episode:
This episode is brought to you by Fletchy's Debut EP Tha Colossal Apostle
So much of America's cultural history, specifically the African American and black experience, has been defined and shaped by music, which is why you should check out the phenomenal new EP from Fletchy. His debut record is personal and powerful. I listened from start to finish, and I'm not your typical rap fan! Listen to Tha Colossal Apostle right now.
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Be on the Show!
What would you put in a US time capsule? We're creating a virtual one on the podcast very soon, and we want to hear from you. Visit https://www.speakpipe.com/AmericaAHistory right now to record your contribution... and you might just make it on the show.
Be on the Show!
What would you put in a US time capsule? We're creating a virtual one on the podcast very soon, and we want to hear from you. Visit https://www.speakpipe.com/AmericaAHistory right now to record your contribution... and you might just make it on the show.
