Country music Archives - EllMusic-IsRob https://robertellismusic.com/category/country-music/ Blog about American pop, country, and jazz Fri, 15 Aug 2025 14:42:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2 https://robertellismusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cropped-monster-geeadb374d_640-32x32.png Country music Archives - EllMusic-IsRob https://robertellismusic.com/category/country-music/ 32 32 How Soundproofing Preserves the Authenticity of Country Music https://robertellismusic.com/how-soundproofing-preserves-the-authenticity-of-country-music/ Fri, 15 Aug 2025 08:40:10 +0000 https://robertellismusic.com/?p=151 Country music has always been about truth. The creak of a wooden porch. The twang of a steel-string guitar. A voice telling stories that come […]

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Country music has always been about truth. The creak of a wooden porch. The twang of a steel-string guitar. A voice telling stories that come from real life — heartbreak, hope, and everything in between. That raw, unfiltered sound is what defines the genre. It’s not polished pop. It’s not overproduced. It’s honest.

And because of that, how country music is recorded matters just as much as what’s being played. The room becomes part of the sound. The space around the artist — the air, the walls, the silence — all of it gets picked up by the microphone. When that space is noisy or acoustically wrong, the recording loses something essential. It stops sounding real.

That’s why proper soundproofing isn’t just a technical decision. It’s an artistic one. In cities like Nashville, Austin, and New York, many modern studios work with experts like New York Soundproofing to create recording environments that protect the purity of the music. These professionals help build spaces where country artists can sing the way they’re meant to — without competing with car horns, HVAC hum, or neighbors upstairs.

Why the Sound of Country Music Depends on Its Environment

From the beginning, country music was shaped by the spaces it came from. Barns. Living rooms. Churches. Front porches. These places weren’t soundproofed, but they had character. They added warmth, echo, and a kind of handmade texture to early country recordings. And back then, a little imperfection wasn’t a problem — it was part of the charm.

But when country music entered the studio era, something shifted. Suddenly, engineers had to decide how much of the “real world” to let into a track. The wrong room could kill a song’s spirit. The right room could make a recording timeless. That’s still true today.

When an artist steps into a space that’s been properly soundproofed and acoustically treated, something important happens — they relax. They don’t have to fight the noise. They don’t have to oversing to be heard. They can trust that every breath, every pick of a string, will come through clear and honest.

The Role of Modern Studios in Protecting the Raw Country Sound

The best country recordings feel close. Personal. You’re not just hearing a voice — you’re hearing someone. That kind of intimacy can’t be faked in post-production. It has to be captured at the source.

Today’s studios are more aware of that than ever. They know that great sound isn’t just about having expensive microphones or vintage gear. It’s about having a space that lets the music breathe. That means blocking out outside noise. Controlling reflections. Tuning the room so the performance shines without needing too much polish later.

Soundproofing is what makes all that possible. And not just for commercial studios. Independent musicians recording in home studios face even greater challenges. Apartment walls are thin. City noise is constant. Without proper acoustic isolation, even the best take can be ruined by the wrong background sound.

What Noise Does to Country Vocals and Acoustic Instruments

Noise doesn’t just interrupt — it dilutes. A faint buzz in the background might seem harmless, but it masks detail. You lose the subtle vibrato in a singer’s voice. You miss the natural decay of a banjo note. The storytelling gets fuzzy.

And when engineers try to remove that noise afterward, they often take parts of the performance with it. The result is a flat, lifeless recording that sounds processed — the opposite of what country is supposed to be.

Vocals are especially vulnerable. Country singers rely on tone, breath control, and emotion more than heavy effects. That kind of performance needs a clean space to land. No echo bouncing off concrete walls. No background rumble sneaking in from the street.

Instruments suffer too. Acoustic guitars, fiddles, upright basses — they all have natural resonance that reacts to the space around them. If the room isn’t controlled, you get muddiness, uneven frequencies, and that dreaded boxy sound.

Proper soundproofing doesn’t just eliminate problems. It creates a space where these instruments can sound their best — warm, rich, and true.

Common Soundproofing Techniques Used in Country Studios

The good news is, getting the sound right doesn’t mean building a million-dollar studio. It means making smart choices — and understanding how sound behaves in a space.

One of the most effective methods is the room within a room concept. Basically, it’s building a second set of walls, floors, and ceilings that don’t touch the original structure. This separates the recording space from outside vibrations. No more low-end rumble from passing trucks or bass bleed from the building next door.

Sealing gaps is another big one. You’d be surprised how much sound sneaks in through tiny cracks in door frames, windows, and vents. Solid core doors, heavy curtains, and acoustic caulk can go a long way in shutting out the outside world.

Then there’s internal treatment. Acoustic panels absorb mid and high frequencies to prevent harsh reflections. Bass traps help control low-end buildup — something especially important in country music, where upright bass and kick drums play a foundational role. Ceiling clouds (panels suspended from the ceiling) can also absorb sound overhead and reduce unwanted echo.

But here’s the trick: you don’t want to kill all the sound. A dead room can make vocals feel flat and lifeless. The goal isn’t total silence — it’s balance. The room should still breathe. It should have a little character. It should support the performance without stepping on it.

Artists and Producers Who Prioritize Acoustic Integrity

Some of the most respected names in country music are deeply aware of how space affects sound. Producers like Dave Cobb — known for his work with Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, and Sturgill Simpson — are big on capturing real performances in real spaces. They choose studios not just for the gear, but for the vibe, the silence, the way the walls respond to the music.

Many legendary records were tracked in places that nailed this balance. RCA Studio B in Nashville. Sun Studio in Memphis. Even modern rooms like Blackbird or The Sound Emporium. These spaces are built to enhance what the country does best — let the music speak for itself.

Even independent artists recording at home are catching on. With a few smart upgrades — basic soundproofing, acoustic panels, rugs, and some patience — they’re turning bedrooms and garages into spaces where meaningful music can happen. The gear is more accessible than ever. The only missing piece is understanding how to treat the space.

Why Soundproofing Is an Investment in Musical Honesty

Country music, more than most genres, relies on trust. The listener needs to believe what they’re hearing is real — not overproduced, not smoothed over, not fake. That kind of honesty doesn’t happen in a noisy room.

Soundproofing is a way of honoring that honesty. It says: this performance matters. It deserves a space where it can exist without interruption. Where the emotion behind the words won’t be drowned out by someone flushing a toilet upstairs.

It’s not just about making a track sound better. It’s about preserving the moment. When a singer delivers that one perfect take — the one where the emotion hits just right — the last thing you want is a siren or a neighbor’s dog in the background. You want clarity. You want space. You want the truth.

Creating the Right Space for the Right Sound

Every artist, whether they’re recording their first EP or their tenth album, deserves a space that supports what they do. That doesn’t always mean a fancy studio. It means a place that respects the sound. That understands the role silence plays. That gives the music room to be what it is.

The truth is, great recordings start before the red light goes on. They start with the space. With the decision to block out the noise — literally and creatively — and let the music take the lead.

Whether you’re working in a big-name studio or carving out a quiet corner at home, soundproofing isn’t a technical afterthought. It’s a creative choice. One that can make the difference between a song that feels distant and one that hits right in the chest.

Country music was born from quiet places — long roads, front porches, still mornings. It deserves to be recorded in rooms that remember that. Rooms where nothing gets between the artist and the listener. Rooms that know when to step back and just let the story be told.

And that’s what soundproofing, at its best, really is. It’s not just construction. It’s care.

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Jazz in the Casino: How Music Creates the Atmosphere of the Game https://robertellismusic.com/jazz-in-the-casino-how-music-creates-the-atmosphere-of-the-game/ Tue, 30 Jan 2024 14:33:15 +0000 https://robertellismusic.com/?p=123 When you step into a casino, you are immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. The ringing of slot machines, the shuffle of […]

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When you step into a casino, you are immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. The ringing of slot machines, the shuffle of cards, and the murmur of voices all contribute to the sensory experience. But there’s another element that plays a crucial role in shaping the ambiance of a casino – music, particularly jazz. Jazz has found a natural home in the world of casinos, where it serves as a backdrop to the gaming experience. In this article, we will explore how jazz music is carefully selected and strategically employed to create the perfect atmosphere for gamblers.\

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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Bill Hayes — «The Ballad of Davy Crockett» https://robertellismusic.com/bill-hayes/ Sat, 25 Feb 2023 13:51:00 +0000 https://robertellismusic.com/?p=39 It's funny that one of the most famous country hits of the 1950s wasn't created in the people's thicket, but at Walt Disney Studios.

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It’s funny that one of the most famous country hits of the 1950s wasn’t created in the people’s thicket, but at Walt Disney Studios. At the end of 1954, the studio released the mini-series Davy Crockett – King of the Wilderness – about a brave scout, a marksman (they say he hit a bullet in the axe blade, which split the bullet in two), a defender of Indian rights, in general, an exemplary American patriot.

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 origins of the style https://robertellismusic.com/the-origins-of-the-style/ Thu, 20 Oct 2022 13:29:00 +0000 https://robertellismusic.com/?p=28 Music is a priceless gift to man and plays an important role in everyone's life. It is music that gives birth to feelings and emotions in human souls, which color life with bright and precious colors.

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Music is a priceless gift to man and plays an important role in everyone’s life. It is music that gives birth to feelings and emotions in human souls, which color life with bright and precious colors. Everyone at one time or another in life has their own preferences in music. It is conditioned by character, situation, mood and some events. Among the many musical styles, there are special directions that can create the perfect soulful mood. Country music is one of them.

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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Best Country Albums https://robertellismusic.com/best-country-albums/ Wed, 01 Jun 2022 14:00:00 +0000 https://robertellismusic.com/?p=45 Country music became a commercial product almost 100 years ago. It happened after the so-called Bristol Sessions of 1927 with the Carter family and Jimmy Rogers.

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Country music became a commercial product almost 100 years ago. It happened after the so-called Bristol Sessions of 1927 with the Carter family and Jimmy Rogers. That is to say, the genre is older than soul and even rock and roll.

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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The best country singers https://robertellismusic.com/the-best-country-singers/ Sun, 15 May 2022 13:40:00 +0000 https://robertellismusic.com/?p=34 Country music is a light genre. It is easy because it is easy to listen to, it is pleasant to the ears. Easy-to-remember motifs take the listener out of the city

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Country music is a light genre. It is easy because it is easy to listen to, it is pleasant to the ears. Easy-to-remember motifs take the listener out of the city, where the rumble of the metropolis does not drown out the sounds of the wind in the field, the birds in the woods, where you can see the beauty of butterflies flying and breathe fresh air with a full chest. That’s why country music has gained widespread popularity among city dwellers and non-urban dwellers alike. We know many examples of country singers who have chosen this genre, created country music and succeeded in this field.

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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Lonnie Donegan — «Rock Island Line», «Cumberland Gap» https://robertellismusic.com/lonnie-donegan/ Tue, 04 Jan 2022 13:55:00 +0000 https://robertellismusic.com/?p=42 Now we take an unexpected turn and move from the U.S. to Great Britain, where Lonnie Donegan's star rose in 1956.

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Now we take an unexpected turn and move from the U.S. to Great Britain, where Lonnie Donegan’s star rose in 1956. Not only did Donegan popularize many American folk songs, but he also became the “king of skiffle,” a very curios musical style.

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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Country style feature https://robertellismusic.com/country-style-feature/ Tue, 08 Jun 2021 13:36:00 +0000 https://robertellismusic.com/?p=31 Country music has been around for a long time, but it hasn't dissolved or been forgotten. Heartfelt ballads in the style of country music still top the charts and are loved by all.

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Country music has been around for a long time, but it hasn’t dissolved or been forgotten. Heartfelt ballads in the style of country music still top the charts and are loved by all. Today it is a completely independent genre, which is successfully performed throughout the world.

What is the phenomenality of the genre? Each style, as a rule, has its own characteristics, thanks to which this or that music finds its fans. How do you know if a song that is played belongs to the country music 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 with deep meaning, reflecting real events, tells a life story familiar to everyone.
Country music performers have always been simple open people.
At the same time, musicians always try to be close to their audience.

The musical acoustic accompaniment is filled with the use of simple and familiar to everyone instruments. It can be a guitar, violin, banjo, harmonica.

Country singer penetrates into the soul, not by the power of the voice or with an exemplary academic singing, but with a heartfelt and soulful performance.
The demonstration of feelings and emotions, life story, heartfelt experiences are much more important. Country is a folk genre, the music of the provinces, cowboy saloons, the embodiment of simple romance, a tribute to the centuries-old folk traditions. Today, old country compositions can be safely attributed to the most important values of the musical heritage.

Instruments in Country Music
The format of the genre was originally conditioned by a special and original in sounding music. Instruments play a special role in creating an atmospheric mood:

Banjo. Strangely enough, it is such an unusual instrument for Americans is the title instrument in the creation of unconventional folk music. The banjo is known to be one of the folk instruments of the peoples of Africa. In America, during slavery, it fell in love with the “white masters” and was borrowed from their slaves. Since then, it is the banjo that creates the very character that country music has.

Guitar. By the way, the performance uses an acoustic guitar exclusively, creating a simple and clear melody.

Violin. Such an instrument is often used to enhance the romantic mood, tenderness and melody.

Such a refined instrument as the violin is surprisingly harmonious with the rustic cowboy music.

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

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

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