Get ready for CMA Fest, CCMF, and Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam with this interesting country music trivia!
Time to dust off your cowboy hat and boots and hit the open road for country music’s biggest festivals this summer! Here are some fun country music facts to help you get ready:
- Country music’s roots
- Country music’s First Family
- Reinvigorating country music
- Music City
- Early country music stars
- Taylor Swift makes her mark
- Country music goes Hollywood
Read on to learn more about these country music facts!
Country music’s roots
American country music dates all the way back to the start of the 20th century. It was originally performed by Southern Appalachian fiddle players and was called “hillbilly music,” referring to the hill country of Appalachia.
Country music’s first family
The Carter Family, which consisted of A.P. Carter, his wife, Sara, and his sister-in-law, Maybelle, became the first family of country music. Beginning in 1927, the Carter Family’s recording and performing career spanned four decades and involved many members of their extended family. The legacy continued into the next generation, with Maybelle’s daughter June Carter later marrying and performing for many years with country-folk legend Johnny Cash.
Reinvigorating country music
After the deaths of Patsy Cline and Jim Reeves in the mid-1960s, country music’s popularity began to wane. However, by the late-1980s and early 90s, country music superstars like Garth Brooks, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Shania Twain burst onto the scene and modern country music, often infused with elements of pop, was back.
Music City
Home to the Grand Ole Opry, the Bluebird Cafe, and Music Row, Nashville is indeed the current capital of country music and has earned its nickname of Music City. However, roughly 300 miles across Tennessee is a town called Bristol, which, in 1998, was recognized by Congress as the official birthplace of country music.
Early country music stars
The first inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame were Jimmie Rodgers, Fred Rose, and Hank Williams in 1961.
Taylor Swift makes her mark
In 2012, Taylor Swift donated $4 million to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to fund the Taylor Swift Education Center, home to the museum’s award-winning educational programs.
Country music goes Hollywood
Hollywood helped bring country music to the mainstream in the 1930s and 40s with the popularization of Western movies and “singing cowboys” like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers.
If you’re a country music fan, or even a history buff who likes learning about country music facts, there’s no better way to spend your summer than at festivals like CMA Fest, Carolina Country Music Fest, and Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam. Contact Superior Executive Services today to plan your perfect summer trip to an unforgettable country music festival!
