New Orleans: The Birthplace of Jazz

Jazz was born in the culturally diverse and musically rich city of New Orleans. In the late 19th century, this melting pot of cultures brought together African, European, and Caribbean influences, resulting in a unique musical fusion. New Orleans was a city where people from diverse backgrounds intermingled, and the music of jazz emerged as a reflection of this multicultural blend.

One of the key factors in the birth of jazz was the presence of African-American communities in New Orleans. They brought with them their rich musical traditions, including rhythms, blues, and gospel music. These African musical elements, combined with European instruments and harmonies, laid the foundation for jazz’s distinctive sound.

Early Jazz Styles

Jazz in its early years was characterized by its raw energy and improvisational nature. Musicians often played by ear, spontaneously creating melodies and rhythms as they went along. One of the earliest forms of jazz was “Dixieland” or “New Orleans jazz,” characterized by its small bands featuring trumpet, clarinet, trombone, piano, bass, and drums. Iconic musicians like Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, and Jelly Roll Morton played pivotal roles in shaping this early jazz style.

As jazz evolved, it gave birth to subgenres like “Swing” in the 1930s and 1940s, characterized by its smooth, danceable rhythms and big bands. Artists like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman became household names during the swing era, with their orchestras captivating audiences worldwide.

Jazz Goes Global

After establishing its roots in New Orleans and gaining popularity across the United States, jazz began to spread to other parts of the world. World War I played a significant role in this global expansion, as American troops brought jazz with them overseas. In Europe, jazz found a receptive audience, and European musicians started incorporating jazz elements into their music.

By the mid-20th century, jazz had firmly established itself as a global phenomenon. Jazz festivals, clubs, and recordings contributed to its worldwide appeal. Jazz legends like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Charlie Parker pushed the boundaries of the genre, experimenting with new sounds and styles.

Civil Rights Movement and Jazz

The 1950s and 1960s were a time of significant social and political change in the United States, with the Civil Rights Movement at its forefront. Jazz, with its roots in African-American culture, played an essential role in this era. Musicians like Billie Holiday and Nina Simone used their music to address issues of racial injustice and inequality. Jazz became a powerful tool for social commentary and a voice for those fighting for civil rights.

Jazz Fusion and Contemporary Trends

In the late 20th century, jazz continued to evolve and fuse with other musical genres. “Jazz fusion” emerged, blending jazz with elements of rock, funk, and electronic music. Artists like Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea pushed the boundaries of traditional jazz, experimenting with synthesizers and electronic instruments.

Today, jazz remains a vibrant and evolving genre. Contemporary jazz artists draw inspiration from a wide range of influences, including hip-hop, world music, and electronic dance music. The genre’s ability to adapt and incorporate new elements ensures its continued relevance in the ever-changing landscape of music.

Conclusion

The history of jazz is a captivating journey that reflects the cultural diversity, creativity, and resilience of the human spirit. From its humble beginnings in the streets of New Orleans to its global popularity and influence, jazz has left an indelible mark on the world of music and culture. Its ability to adapt and evolve over time is a testament to its enduring appeal and its ability to speak to the human experience in all its complexity. Jazz is not just a genre of music; it is a living, breathing testament to the power of creativity and collaboration.

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Setting the Stage: Jazz as Ambiance

Music has the remarkable ability to influence our emotions and moods. Casino operators understand this phenomenon well and use it to their advantage. Jazz, with its rich harmonies and improvisational nature, is often chosen for its ability to create a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance. The choice of jazz in casinos is not arbitrary; it is a deliberate decision made to enhance the overall experience of visitors. Jazz can be both calming and invigorating, making it suitable for different areas within a casino. From the lobby to the gaming floor to upscale restaurants, jazz sets the tone and encourages patrons to linger and enjoy themselves.

Creating a Relaxed Environment

One of the primary purposes of jazz in a casino is to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. The soothing melodies and rhythmic patterns of jazz can help players feel at ease, reducing stress and anxiety often associated with gambling. When players are more relaxed, they are likely to stay longer and potentially spend more money, a key objective for casino owners. Slow-tempo jazz tunes, featuring instruments like the saxophone and piano, are commonly played near slot machines and gaming tables. This music not only complements the visual appeal of these areas but also encourages players to stay engaged without feeling rushed.

Elevating the Dining Experience

Many upscale casinos boast high-end restaurants where patrons can enjoy fine dining. Here, jazz music is often used to enhance the overall dining experience. Live jazz performances by talented musicians can provide a sense of exclusivity and sophistication, making diners feel like they are part of something special. The combination of gourmet cuisine, fine wine, and live jazz music creates a memorable experience that keeps customers coming back. The music adds an extra layer of pleasure to the meal, making it not just about food but about the overall sensory indulgence.

The Psychology of Jazz in Casinos

The use of jazz in casinos is not solely about creating a pleasant ambiance; it also plays into the psychology of gambling. Jazz music, with its unpredictability and improvisation, mirrors the unpredictability of casino games. This subtle connection can enhance the excitement of the gaming experience. Additionally, jazz often features solo instruments that can symbolize individuality and self-expression, much like the way players at Pin Up Casino aim to make their mark in the world of gambling. This aligns with the idea of personal agency and the hope of winning big – an enticing prospect for gamblers. It’s not just about chance; it’s about crafting a unique solo, whether in music or games, and https://pin-up-chile.cl/ understands the allure of such endeavors.

Adapting to Modern Tastes

While traditional jazz remains a staple in many casinos, establishments are not afraid to adapt to modern tastes. Contemporary jazz fusion and smooth jazz, which incorporate elements of pop, rock, and R&B, have found their way into casino playlists. This diversity allows casinos to cater to a wide range of musical preferences among their clientele. In recent years, some casinos have even embraced electronic jazz and jazz remixes, especially in areas targeting a younger demographic. The flexibility of jazz as a genre allows it to evolve alongside changing cultural trends.

In Conclusion

Jazz music in casinos is not merely background noise; it is a carefully selected tool used to create the perfect atmosphere for gambling and entertainment. Its ability to relax players, enhance dining experiences, tap into the psychology of gambling, and adapt to modern tastes makes jazz an invaluable asset in the casino industry. Next time you find yourself in a casino, take a moment to listen to the jazz melodies in the air. They are not just music; they are an integral part of the casino’s strategy to keep you engaged and coming back for more. So, whether you’re rolling the dice or savoring a gourmet meal, remember that jazz is there, setting the stage for your unforgettable casino experience.

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Minstrel Shows: The Birth of American Popular Music

Minstrel shows played a significant role in the early development of American popular music. While their origins may be controversial, they contributed to the emergence of a unique cultural phenomenon. The shows featured various forms of entertainment, including comedy skits, variety acts, and musical performances that imitated African American rhythmic and melodic styles.

During and after the Civil War period, African Americans also created their own minstrel shows for their black communities. These shows offered an opportunity for African American performers to showcase their talents and celebrate their culture amidst the societal challenges they faced during this time. One of the highlights of these black minstrel shows was a dance segment called a “”cakewalk,”” where the couple with the most outstanding dance moves would receive a cake for their efforts.

JetX: An Immersive Online Casino Game

JetX is an exhilarating online casino game that combines elements of luck and strategy, offering players a thrilling and immersive experience. With its unique gameplay mechanics and stunning visuals, JetX has quickly gained popularity among online gambling enthusiasts.

What is JetX?

JetX is a fast-paced game where players embark on a thrilling journey through a colorful and dynamic universe called Jetx Casino. The objective of the game is to predict the outcome of a ball’s trajectory as it moves through a variety of geometric shapes. Players must strategically place their bets and make predictions to win and multiply their earnings.

How to Play JetX?

Playing JetX is easy and intuitive. Once you enter the game, you’ll be greeted with an array of shapes and colors. To place your bet, simply choose your desired bet amount and select the shape you believe the ball will land on. The ball will then start moving, bouncing off the shapes, and increasing in speed.

To maximize your chances of winning, you can adjust your bet amount or change your predictions while the ball is still in motion. Timing is crucial, as the higher the speed, the more rewarding the outcomes can be. With each correct prediction, your winnings will multiply, offering an adrenaline-filled gaming experience.

The Evolution of Ragtime: A Fusion of Styles

These cakewalk shows later evolved into a style of music called ragtime. Ragtime is characterized by its syncopated rhythms and lively melodies, incorporating elements of African music and European classical compositions. The genre gained popularity towards the end of the 19th century and became a precursor to the emergence of American popular music.

Ragtime musicians, such as Scott Joplin, became prominent figures in the development and spread of this distinct musical style. Their compositions showcased the versatility of ragtime, blending influences from African American folk music and European classical traditions. Ragtime became widely popular, influencing the musical landscape of the time and setting the stage for further developments in popular music.

The Rise of American Pop Music

Following the era of ragtime, American popular music entered a phase of constant evolution. From the early 20th century, new genres and styles began to emerge, catering to the evolving tastes of the American audience. One of the most significant developments during this time was the rise of American pop music.

American pop music encompassed a wide range of genres, including jazz, country, and various forms of popular vocal music. It captured the essence of American culture and reflected the changing dynamics of society. With the advent of radio and phonograph recordings, popular music became more accessible, reaching a wider audience and shaping the collective musical taste.

The Allure of Jazz

Jazz, a quintessential American music genre, originated in the early 20th century and remains a symbol of cultural expression and improvisation. Pioneered by African American musicians, jazz drew inspiration from ragtime, blues, and spirituals. Its infectious rhythms, harmonies, and improvisational nature captivated listeners and created a distinctive identity within the realm of popular music.

The swing era brought jazz to the forefront, with big bands and iconic performers like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald popularizing the genre worldwide. Jazz became an integral part of the American music scene, fueling dance crazes and inspiring generations of musicians.

Country Music: The Soundtrack of Rural America

Originating from the folk traditions of rural America, country music tells stories of love, loss, and the hardships of everyday life. It emerged as a distinct genre in the early 20th century and gained popularity through radio broadcasts and recordings. Country music resonated with people from all walks of life, with relatable lyrics and heartfelt melodies forming deep emotional connections.

From the heartfelt ballads of Hank Williams to the rebellious spirit of Johnny Cash, country music has continuously evolved, adapting to the changing tastes and influences of the times. It remains a significant part of American popular music, reflecting the cultural heritage and traditions of different regions of the country.

Conclusion

From the early beginnings of minstrel shows to the diverse sounds of pop, country, and jazz, American popular music has constantly evolved and adapted, showcasing the creativity and artistry of its musicians. The fusion of different cultural influences, the desire to connect with audiences, and the power to reflect societal changes have made American popular music an integral part of the country’s cultural fabric. As we continue to explore and celebrate these genres, the legacy of American pop, country, and jazz will undoubtedly inspire future generations of musicians and continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

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Albert Eiler is an American free-jazz and avant-garde saxophonist, singer and composer.

Anthony Braxton – American composer and multi-instrumentalist (saxophone, clarinet, piano and flute), known in the free-jazz genre, music educator and university lecturer.

Arthur Blakey – popular jazz drummer of the second half of the 20th century, famous as one of the “fathers” of bebop, played in an aggressive swing manner. Blakey first came to prominence when he played with the Fletcher Henderson and Billy Eckstine big bands in the 1940s. He continued to take off, collaborating with such jazz greats as Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. In the mid-50s Art Blakey and Horace Silver formed the legendary Jazz Messengers with the famous drummer playing for 35 years.

Arthur “Art” Tatum (October 13, 1909 – November 5, 1956) was an American jazz composer and pianist. Experimentalist and innovator, possessor of phenomenal “Stride” style performance technique – which involves changing the harmony of standards, using scales and arpeggios of the entire keyboard. It is believed that it was his way of playing that anticipated the emergence of the harmonic language of bebop.

Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday, American vocalist of the “golden era of jazz.” Born in April 1915, she died in July 1959. She was not only a performer but also a songwriter. Her friend and collaborator on stage, Lester Young, coined the vivid stage name “Lady Day” for her, which would go on to make her a part of American and world jazz history. Billie Holiday had a huge impact not only on jazz vocals, but on the development of world pop music as well.

Marshall Checker, one of the legendary Checker Brothers, first discovered them in the rough blues clubs of Chicago’s South Side in 1969 and helped them during the big break nine years later by introducing them to music industry coryphaeus and Rock Concert show host, Don Kirchner. It’s not really all true, but that’s what Paul Schafer told the world’s Saturday Night Live show on April 22, 1978, announcing the debut of a guest band, the Blues Brothers, a not entirely real, not entirely fake musical creation of SNL members…

Robert “Bobby” McFerrin is an American jazz singer and conductor and ten-time Grammy Award winner.

Col Chader – American jazz vibraphonist, drummer, pianist, percussionist, best known for his work in Latin jazz.

Julian Edwin “Cannonball” Edderly – jazz alto saxophonist who played hard bop.

Charlie Haden is an American jazz double bassist and composer. He went down in jazz history as a contrabass pioneer.

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Despite the fact that the hero of the show is a highly mythologized and idealized figure, there was a very real historical personality behind it.

David Crockett (1786 – 1836) was indeed a scout, fought many wars, was twice elected to the Tennessee legislature, and opposed the Southeastern Indian Removal Act to the West (unsuccessfully, though). Crockett ended his life as a true “jigger” – defending the Alamo Fortress (one of the most tragic and heroic episodes during the war for Texas independence from Mexico)… D. Chapman, “Portrait of Davy Crockett”

Disney asked George Bruns and Thomas Blackburn to compose a song for the series. And “The Ballad of Davy Crockett” was born, the full version of which had 20 (!) couplets about the exploits of the hero (however, as a rule, their number was reduced to six).

Born on top of a mountain in Tennessee.

• The greenest state in the free country.
  Grew up in the woods, where he knew every tree,
  And killed his bear when he was only three years old.
  Davy, Davy Crockett King of the wilderness outskirts…

In the promo that preceded the series, the song was sung by Fess Parker, the lead singer (though the character singing about himself is a bit odd).

But the real fame to the ballad came in 1955, when Disney released a full-length film based on the series. After that, a real “crockettomania” began in the United States. Imitating the beloved hero, schoolchildren began to universally wear raccoon hats with a dangling striped tail. Even Tennessee Senator Estes Kefover wore it during the presidential campaign.

As for the song, at the beginning of the year it was released one after another (!) by three singers: Bill Hayes, the above mentioned Fess Parker and Tennessee Ernie Ford (the deep baritone of the latter is familiar to many people from the song “16 tons”). Though the record of Hayes turned out to be the most successful (No.1 in the USA), the other versions didn’t get far behind either and occupied the 6th and the 5th places respectively.

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The processes of blending African music culture with European music culture, which has undergone serious changes, began in the eighteenth century, and in the nineteenth century led to the emergence of a new musical trend. That is why the history of jazz is inseparable from the history of American jazz.

The history of the birth of jazz begins in New Orleans, in the American South. This phase is characterized by the collective improvisation of several versions of the same melody by the trumpeter (main voice), clarinetist and trombonist against the marching accompaniment of the brass bass and drums.

In the 20’s the main features of the future styles were found: equal pulsation of the double bass and drums, contributing to the swing, virtuoso soloing, the manner of vocal improvisation without words with the help of individual syllables (“scat”). A significant place was taken by the blues. Later, both stages – New Orleans and Chicago – are united by the term “Dixieland”.

A coherent system called “swing” emerged in American jazz in the 20s. Swing was characterized by the emergence of a new type of orchestra – the big band. With the growth of the orchestra had to abandon collective improvisation, move to the performance of arrangements recorded on sheet music. Arranging became one of the first manifestations of the composer’s beginning.

The big band consists of three groups of instruments – sections, each can sound like one polyphonic instrument: the saxophone section (later with clarinets), the “brass” section (trumpets and trombones), the rhythm section (piano, guitar, double bass, drums).

A solo improvisation based on “square” (“chorus”) appeared. “Square” is one variation, equal in duration (number of bars) to the theme, performed against the same background as the main theme, chord accompaniment, to which the improviser adjusts new melodic turns.

In the 30’s became popular American blues, became widespread song form of 32 bars. In the swing began to be widely used “riff” – two to four bars of rhythmically flexible cue. It is played by the orchestra while the soloist improvises.

American jazz of the 1930s was becoming commercialized. So among fans and connoisseurs of the history of jazz’s origins there was a movement to revive earlier, authentic styles. A decisive role was played by the small Negro ensembles of the ’40s, which discarded everything calculated for external effect: variety, danceability, songfulness. The theme was played in unison and hardly ever heard in its original form, the accompaniment no longer required dance regularity.

This style, which opened the modern era, was called “bop” or “bebop”. The experiments of talented American musicians and jazz performers – Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and others – actually started the development of an independent art form, only outwardly related to the pop-dance genre.

From the late 40s to the mid-60s, the development took place in two directions. The first included the styles of “cool” – “cool”, and “west coast”. They are characterized by extensive use of the experience of classical and contemporary serious music – developed concert forms, polyphony. The second direction included styles “hardbop” – “hot”, “energetic” and close to it “soul-jazz” (in translation from English “soul” – “soul”), which combined the principles of old bebop with traditions of Negro folklore, temperamental rhythms and intonations of spirituals.

Both of these movements have much in common in their desire to free themselves from the division of improvisation into separate squares, as well as to swing waltz and more complex dimensions.

Since the early 60s, active experimentation with spontaneous improvisation, not even limited to a specific musical theme – Freejazz – begins. However, the harmony principle becomes even more important: each time a row of sounds – a harmony – is chosen anew, rather than clearly distinguishable squares. In search of such harmonies musicians turn to the cultures of Asia, Africa, Europe, etc. In the ’70s come the electric instruments and rhythms of youth rock music, based on a more shallow fractured measure than before. This style first gets the name “fusion”, i.e. “fusion”.

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The birthplace of country music are in the United States. The style began to emerge in the late nineteenth century and finally took shape by the beginning of the 20th century. The sources of the genesis of the style were folk music and authors’ songs. The first performers of country music were immigrant colonists from Europe, so initially the sound of such works was somewhat unusual.

The literal translation of the name of the style sounds like “rural, rustic. It was the agricultural and mountainous regions of America, such as Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina for a long time kept the tradition of country music in its original form.

It was a certain territorial isolation and impossibility of close communication with other regions of the country that contributed to the development of the original culture and its own traditions. Through song and dance, residents compensated for the lack of education and communication with other regions, which allowed the original and pristine form to preserve the special in spirit and nature country style.

As a separate musical genre, recognizable by the first notes, country music was defined by the early 20th century, but there are historical facts that prove that the early period of the style can be dated back to the 17th century. Each people who settled in the vastness of America, brought with them a part of their traditions, including, and in music. Thus, in the intertwining of different folk cultures, a soulful and original in its nature country style was born. It was the multinationality, originality, rhythmic, simple and close to everyone lyrics, that found an echo in the hearts of listeners.

The formation and popularization of country music
Technological progress, the active development of which was characterized at the beginning of the 20th century, has played an important role in the formation of country music as an independent genre. It was the emergence of radio, or hillbilly, as it was then called, provided a wide popularity of the style. Many unknown, but talented performers got a unique opportunity to be heard across the country.

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

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

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However, country singers have long remained something of a limitation. In the sense that they were only listened to by pub-goers for those “over 40” and their occasional younger visitors. So the albums didn’t sell even among fans. They were exclusively songwriting artists.

The album era of the genre didn’t come into vogue until the late sixties and then began to flourish in the seventies. Now country music successfully competes with hip-hop and pop music.

Country singers already have their own legends, many of whom even have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Dolly Parton, for example. And some are consistently among the top 5 most popular musicians every year. Taylor Swift, for example, has not only become a teen idol, but also one of the best-selling singers in history.

The question “what is country music” has been and will continue to be asked endlessly, and there are many definitions. As a rule, it is always songs about the personal. If you compare it with Russian music, it is close to chanson, but without the prison lyrics and jargon.

The authors of the rating note that there is no alt-country and country-rock. There are albums that can be called classics of the genre.

The best country albums – the top 20:
Dolly Parton – Coat Of Many Colors (1971)
Waylon Jennings – Dreaming My Dreams (1975)
Willie Nelson – Red Headed Stranger (1975)
Ray Charles – Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music (1962)
The Chicks – Fly (1999)
Lucinda Williams – Car Wheels On A Gravel Road (1998)
Merle Haggard – Serving 190 Proof (1979)
Shania Twain – Come On Over (1997)
Randy Travis – Storms Of Life (1986)
Taylor Swift – Fearless (2008)
Johnny Cash – At Folsom Prison (1968)
The Judds – Why Not Me (1984)
Miranda Lambert – The Weight Of These Wings (2016)
George Jones – I Am What I Am (1980)
Patsy Cline – Showcase (1961)
Tom T. Hall – In Search Of A Song (1971)
Loretta Lynn – Coal Miner’s Daughter (1970)
Gary Stewart – Out Of Hand (1975)
George Strait – Strait From The Heart (1982)
Rosanne Cash – Seven Year Ache (1981)

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Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood tops our list. She has amazingly beautiful powerful vocals, so despite her youth, she has won a huge number of fans. Her debut album “Some Hearts” was released in 2006 and became the best selling album of the year (over 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”. And each has topped various country charts at various times.

Tim McGraw
Second on the list of most popular country singers is Tim McGraw. The world first talked about him in 1994. During his career Tim has climbed to the top of the US country charts over 20 times, sold over 40 million albums, and released a huge number of hits, including a duet with his wife Faith Hill. Winner of three Grammy Awards, 14 Academy of Country Music awards. Another famous country singer, Taylor Swift, dedicated the single “Tim McGraw” to her favorite performer in the early days of her career. Three of Tim McGraw’s singles were 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 is a singer and songwriter. She is known not only as a country singer with strong, clean vocals, but also as an amazing person. Every time you watch the singer’s videos or see taped interviews at social gatherings, it’s hard not to agree – sweet, charming and nothing more. Martina McBride has been called “Celine Dior in country music.” She made her debut in 1991, when Martina released the single “The Time Has Come.” Since then, the singer’s singles have regularly reached the top of the Billboard country charts.

Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson holds the honorable No. 4 spot, but not because of his voice or the way he performs. This performer can’t leave anyone indifferent with his guitar playing. Willie Nelson is a singer and songwriter, poet, and actor. He has taken part in more than 30 films and co-authored several books. Willie Nelson is a prominent representative of the so-called Outlaw Country, a strain of country music that became widespread and popular in the late 1960s.

John Denver
At number five on our country hit list is John Denver. Through his voice, through his songs, he shared his feelings and experiences with his listeners. His performances were hard to forget. He began his musical career as a member of several country bands, but it was in his solo career that he achieved the greatest success and popularity. During that time he recorded and released more than 300 songs, 200 of which he wrote himself. Most of his songs are about the beauty of nature, love of music, and the trials of love. Twelve of his albums have gone gold, and four have gone platinum.

Hank Williams.
Hank Williams is one of the most famous country singers of all time. This amazing musician has become a country music legend, an inspiration to many musicians around the world, and an icon for country music fans. Thirty-five of Williams’ singles reached the top of Billboard, 11 of which reached number one. He lived a short life, only 29 years old, but he left a big mark on country music history. He managed so little and yet so much in five years of an active creative life. Unfortunately, with his career rise began the disintegration of the performer’s personality. The 29-year-old singer died in the back seat of his Cadillac. A bottle of whiskey was found next to him. Notably, his last single was “I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive.”

Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks is one of country music’s most successful performers. Brooks has used rock elements in his studio recordings and live shows, which has allowed him to expand his audience of fans. He broke every record possible for album sales and tickets to his concerts in the 1990s. Brooks’ albums continue to sell well, with over 68 million copies sold as of 2011, 5 million more than The Beatles albums were sold. Brooks is the winner of two Grammy Awards and 17 American Music Awards. On March 6, 2012, Brooks’ induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame was announced. Brooks’ work is a fusion of measured country and energetic rock, but the single “I Love the Way You Love Me” is a good example of rather laid-back good country.

Shania Twain.
The beautiful, sexy, and talented Shania Twain just has to be in the top ten country singers. Her album “The Woman in Me” brought her first fame, and in 1997 she released the album “Come On Over”, which became the best-selling country album of all time (its circulation exceeded 40 million copies). Twain is a five Grammy winner, the only singer in history whose three consecutive albums have achieved “diamond” status. Over 85 million albums have been sold worldwide. Listen to “You’re still the one” performed by Shania Twain. A diva, that’s for sure!

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Post-war Britain was going through bad times, and most young musicians could not afford to buy expensive instruments. As a result, they began to play on everything they had at hand: acoustic guitar, comb with paper, jug, cardboard box, etc. In fact, that’s how the skiffle style was born.

Listening to Lonnie Donenan, I personally find it hard to believe that such unpretentious songs became very popular in Britain. But the fact remains…

In 1956 Donegan recorded his first big musical hit, “Rock Island Line,” based on an American song recorded in the 1930s by such singers as Clarence Wilson and Ledbelly. The song has been around in many different variations. Donegan based it on the version that told of a machinist smuggling pig iron and deceiving a customs officer by assuring him that only livestock were in the wagons (for which he did not have to pay a penalty at the checkpoint).

He said:
“It’s okay, kid, you don’t have to pay a surcharge,
You can go through.”
And he drove through the checkpoint,
And as he was going through, he started adding a little bit of speed,
Adding a little bit of steam,
He drove through, and he turned around and yelled to the janitor:
“I tricked you!
I tricked you!
I’ve got cast-iron, I’ve got cast-iron, I’ve got old cast-iron…”

Our listener is unlikely to find this song with its long opening recitative appealing. But the single “Rock Island Line” was a great success not only in Britain (No 1), but also in the USA (No 8).

Donegan’s other American folk song, “Cumberland Gap”, which topped the British top in 1957, was much funnier. The singer sings it with such frenzy that it will either make the listener laugh or get him extremely annoyed.

The song dates back to the late 19th century and tells the story of the Cumberland Pass, located in the Appalachian Mountains on the border of Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky. In the eighteenth century settlers marched west through this pass, and during the Civil War there were fierce battles for control of it.

The first recording of “Cumberland Gap” was made back in 1924 by Gid Tanner, and the song has since been recorded by such American folk singers as Woody Guthrie (1944) and Pete Seeger (1954).

There was nothing special about the original lyrics-just a description of the difficult trek through the pass and the formidable beauty of the mountains. Donegan, however, turned “Cumberland Gap” into true English nonsense.

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