Creating Country Music: Fabricating Authenticity

Country music is often thought of as a genre of music that is rooted in authenticity. However, the reality is that country music is a product of the music industry, and like any other product, it has been shaped by the forces of marketing and commerce.

In his book Creating Country Music: Fabricating Authenticity, author Richard Peterson explores the history of country music and how it has been shaped by the music industry. He argues that the idea of authenticity in country music is a myth, and that the genre has always been a product of artifice and calculation.

Creating Country Music: Fabricating Authenticity

by Richard A. Peterson

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10180 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Peterson begins his book by tracing the origins of country music back to the early 20th century. He shows how the genre emerged from a variety of sources, including folk music, blues, and gospel. He also shows how the music industry played a key role in shaping the sound and style of country music.

In the 1920s, the music industry began to record and market country music. This led to the emergence of a new generation of country stars, such as Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family. These artists helped to popularize country music and to establish it as a major force in the American music scene.

However, Peterson argues that the music industry's embrace of country music also led to a decline in the genre's authenticity. He shows how the music industry began to impose its own standards on country music, and how this led to a gradual erosion of the genre's traditional values.

In the 1950s, the music industry began to market country music to a wider audience. This led to the emergence of a new generation of country stars, such as Hank Williams and Patsy Cline. These artists helped to make country music more popular than ever before, but they also further diluted the genre's authenticity.

By the 1960s, country music had become a major force in the American music scene. However, the genre was also facing a crisis of authenticity. The music industry had imposed its own standards on country music, and this had led to a gradual erosion of the genre's traditional values.

In the 1970s, a new generation of country artists emerged who sought to return to the genre's roots. These artists, such as Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, helped to revive country music's authenticity. However, the music industry continued to exert its influence on the genre, and the idea of authenticity in country music remained a myth.

Peterson concludes his book by arguing that the idea of authenticity in country music is a myth. He shows how the genre has always been a product of artifice and calculation, and how the music industry has played a key role in shaping its sound and style.

Creating Country Music: Fabricating Authenticity is a fascinating and insightful book that challenges the traditional view of country music. Peterson's research shows how the genre has been shaped by the forces of marketing and commerce, and how the idea of authenticity in country music is a myth.

Creating Country Music: Fabricating Authenticity

by Richard A. Peterson

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10180 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE