Original Country Music from the Era 1920 ~ 1950 (Luckenback Texas, Waylon Jennings)

The Demise of Original Country Music

Original Country Music (OCM) is a type of music that has a unique sound and style with a blend of musical forms originally found in the Southern US. It evolved from folk music, gospel music and old-time or hillbilly music in the 1920s. The term country music began to surface in the 1940s when the earlier term hillbilly music was considered degrading. Currently it is referred to as original country music (coined by Ray Price), thereby distinguishing it from the current pop oriented sound.


Traditional artists had a distinctive sound, a sort of brand that made them easily identifiable from their peers. The music was presented in a heartfelt and professional manner. The industry fostered respect and it was exemplified by the method the artists presented themselves on and off stage. There were no faded or torn jeans, unmatched apparel or exposed cleavage. The Grand Ole Opry had stringent rules that not only governed the aforementioned, but also the type of musical instruments allowed on stage. Until the mid-1950s, the Opry didn't allow drums on stage and initially drums were placed back stage behind curtains. By the early-1990s, Opry executives loosened the rules regarding onstage presentations and today it appears they have little involvement in that aspect of the business.


Country music began to drift away from its traditional roots and transition toward a soft pop alternative sound in the Eighties. By the early-1990s, a flurry of new artists helped transform country music beyond its original identity. Garth Brooks played a key role in reshaping country music by setting records for both record sales and concert attendance throughout the decade. He also had a role in altering the untainted image of country music when he began swinging from ropes and busting up expensive guitars during his act.


Alternative country evolved from a diverse group of musicians, songwriters and singers operating outside the traditions of OCM. Today, most lyrics are sort of a cookie cutter type, often bland, dull and weak on substance. During the emergence of alternative country music, the Nashville establishment got caught between greed for generating huge revenue and exercising sound judgment and in the process, they decided to cast aside the established artists and the traditional sound and promote new artists and the outlandish sound they then and now pass as country music.

While its understandable that the music industry is in business to make a profit, they chose to commit all resources to the new trend and bury the past. Their decision to change course was evidently driven by what they thought would generate the highest revenue and with budget constraints, they probably lacked resources to promote new artist as well as the established. However, during that time, there was a huge demand for traditional artists, such as, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrel and Dolly Parton. 'These artists were drawing substantial concert crowds and sales of their music remained steadfast. Accordingly, there seemed to be an opportunity for the industry to make reasonable profits by promoting established artists.


Without the support of the music industry, the traditional artists had no chance of survival and their careers diminished. Despite objection from many sectors of the music and entertainment arena and country music fans, the Nashville establishment stayed the course.


The real country sound, so common back then, is rarely duplicated today. That sound is forever lost in a maze of over produced, assembly-line music that passes for country music. While there is still significant interest in OCM, its becoming increasingly difficult to locate on all media types. Most of what is available is only a sparse selection of the artist bigger hits. Some radio stations across America devote a few hours each week for airing OCM. However, the broadcasting of the music is usually done during non-peak time, such as late night or weekends. OCM is aired on satellite radio, but the biggest outlet for the music at present is YouTube. Young people are discovering the music on YouTube and surprisingly, many are amazed it even exists. YouTube is the source for fans to stay connected with a musical genre that has an exclusive identity. Thanks to YouTube original country music may never fade into oblivion and become a footnote in history books.

~ RJB, Country Music Historian 8/2010

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[legostarwarsfan250]

ok im watching a really weird show my bro watches and i have the weirdest boner right now

[LordGauche]

Blues/jazz have a lot of European influence in them, too. But if you unravel the threads far enough, you get one big category: American roots music. I do think Swedish/Scandinavian songs play an overlooked part in the development of American folk. Euro church hymns, Anglo/Scots/Irish ballads and African rhythms/gourd instruments are obvious, but just scratch the surface.

[ATSF1927]

I remember everyone of these entertainers, they were great and I miss hearing their voices.

[vwbug1971]

A noticeable number died in their 50s. Probably tobacco was at fault in most cases. I'm a musician, having started in honky tonks in the 70s. "This old smoke filled bar is something" I never got used to. At the end of every night my clothes and band equipment reeked so badly that I had to wash my clothes right away and close the door to the room that held my equipment. Today, I play a variety of music genres in restaurants and smokeless clubs. What a welcome change.

[thatkid1011]

Country does have black influence in it though---blues/jazz. Since you're doing an origin video, it should be mentioned...just saying...Nonetheless, It's a great American sound

[bossmanwe]

@SkateborderX12 lmao your funny

[SkateborderX12]

Dear god:please bring back our greatest country music artist's!and in rturn,you'll get Justin bieber!

[buddyrimbuddy]

i WANTED TO KNOW IF ANYONE KNOWS THE SONG. "BORDER PATROLER DON'T STOP THE MOTOR CAUSE TEXAS IMMERIGANTS ARE HELPING AMERICA GROW. i SURE COULD USE YOUR HELP. PLEASE.

[glennhar11]

I love this! People that are into old school should rule the world. Times were much better then they are now. Too many cheifs, not enough indians.

[jtls8]

It was sure great to see the photos of these great country artist! Never will be music

made like that again!!!