I’ve heard it said from several reputable sources that Country Music as we used to know it, is dead and has been dead for several years now. There was a time Country Music was as distinctive and recognizable as any other form of music and popular culture, probably more so because of all the social ramifications that went along with it.
It wasn’t until the late 1960s where directions were shifting and new sub-genres were encroaching, even on Nashville; that institution of all things C&W, The Grand Ole Oprey. Outlaw country was making its presence known and more elements of Rock were making their way into the ranks of Country artists – more crossover artists came on the scene. Even established Rock Bands like The Eagles were tipping their collective hats to Hank Williams – The Flying Burrito Brothers blurred the lines even further in the 1970s,.
But if you’ve never heard what was considered true Country-Western music, your best bet was probably landing somewhere in the 1950s and giving a listen to what was truly traditional Roots Country.
This broadcast; a half hour program called Tex Mac’s Town and Country Time comes from May 21, 1959 and was originally broadcast by KLAH, a radio station run by the Armed Forces Radio service, originating from the Letterman Army Hospital. It gives a pretty good idea of what was popular at the time with the likes of Ernest Tubb, Cowboy Copas, Carl Smith and The Tune Smiths and a young Merle Travis.
First impressions are this bears no resemblance to what we’re hearing now and what made it turn its back on such a rich American heritage.
No doubt many factors were involved. But as many stalwarts will tell you – Country music has broadened its appeal. Maybe as a way of staying current or maybe as a way of saying traditions as we know them are destined be added to the mountains of obsolescence we confront most every day.
So for the next 30 minutes, dive into May of 1959 and give a listen – much of it may sound familiar and much of it may sound strange.
In any case, it’s an education and a glimpse and you can never have too many of those.
