Country:

Country music is a genre of American popular music that originated in the southern United States in the early 20th century. It is a blend of traditional folk music, blues, and gospel music, and it often tells stories of everyday life and struggles. The lyrics often focus on themes such as love, heartbreak, and social issues like poverty and marginalization.

 

Traditional Country: This sub-genre is characterized by its focus on traditional instrumentation, such as the guitar, banjo, fiddle, and steel guitar, and its lyrics often focus on traditional themes, such as love, heartbreak, and rural life. Artists like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and George Jones are considered to be major figures in traditional country music.

Outlaw Country: This sub-genre emerged in the 1970s and is characterized by its rebellious attitude and disregard for the Nashville music establishment. Artists like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard are considered to be major figures in outlaw country.

​Honky-Tonk: This sub-genre is characterized by its focus on the drinking and partying lifestyle, and it is often associated with the honky-tonk bars of the rural south. Artists like Lefty Frizzell, Webb Pierce and Hank Thompson are considered to be major figures in honky-tonk.

Bluegrass: This sub-genre is characterized by its focus on traditional instrumentation, such as the banjo, fiddle, and mandolin, and its fast-paced, high-energy sound. Artists like Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, and Flatt & Scruggs are considered to be major figures in bluegrass.

​Contemporary Country: This sub-genre is characterized by its incorporation of elements of pop, rock, and hip-hop, and its focus on more polished production techniques. Artists like Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, and Faith Hill are considered to be major figures in contemporary country.

​Alternative Country: This sub-genre emerged in the 1990s and is characterized by its incorporation of elements of rock, punk, and alternative music, and its focus on more unconventional themes and lyrics. Artists like Lucinda Williams, Ryan Adams, and Steve Earle are considered to be major figures in alternative country.

Country Pop: A sub-genre of country music that incorporates elements of pop music. It is characterized by its catchy melodies, upbeat tempo, and a focus on mainstream appeal. Country pop artists often have a more polished, radio-friendly sound than traditional country artists, and they often incorporate elements of rock and R&B into their music. 

1950s & 1960s: Country pop emerged with artists like Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves, and Brenda Lee blending traditional country music with elements of pop music.

1970s & 1980s: Artists like Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and Linda Ronstadt helped to bring country pop to a mainstream audience with their crossover hits.

1990s & 2000s: Country pop saw a resurgence in popularity, with many country pop artists achieving mainstream success. Some notable country pop artists from this era include Shania Twain, Faith Hill, and Tim McGraw, whose music combined elements of country, pop, and rock music.

Recent years: Country pop has continued to be a popular sub-genre, and many artists like Taylor Swift, Maren Morris, Kelsea Ballerini, and Luke Bryan have combined their country roots with pop elements to make their music appeal to both country and pop audiences.