International Country Music Day
Kick up your heels and get ready to sing along to the sounds of the heartland. Catchy lyrics and twangy guitars await!
Country music is one of the most popular types of music in the world and this special type of music originated in the USA.
International Country Music Day was established in the 1950s and is held each year on September 17th. On this special day, country music festivals are held at various venues around the world.
Lovers of country music gather to listen to live music acts while drinking and dancing. Line dancing is popular during International Country Music Day and competitions are often held to determine the best dancers.
How to Celebrate International Country Music Day
This is a vibrant event that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In order to fully embrace the fun of International Country Music Day, it is important to look the part.
Dress to impress in a pair of jeans or denim skirt teamed with a gingham shirt and, of course, a pair of cowboy boots and a cowboy hat to complete the look.
If you are not a massive fan of country music, International Country Music Day is the perfect opportunity for you to find out more about this genre of music.
There are some truly incredible country artists, and with YouTube and music listening apps available today, it is easier than ever before to listen to some of their creations.
Some of the best artists to start your country music listening experience with include Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Dolly Parton.
You may want to listen to some of the more modern-day country music stars, such as Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, or Shania Twain.
Another way to celebrate International Country Music Day is to learn a country music instrument. There are many different types of instruments that are used in country music. This includes the acoustic guitar, fiddle, drums, dobro, bass, banjo, and autoharp.
The accordion and harmonica are also widely used. We’re sure the guitar may be one of the first instruments that spring to mind for many people reading this. You can probably envision someone on the stage, with their cowboy hat and boots, and a guitar in hand.
The good news is that you can find online music lessons for any instrument today, so you should have no problem learning the instrument of your choice.
The best way to find a good website for online learning is to read reviews that have been left, both by previous users as well as experts in the music industry.
This will give you a great insight into the website and whether it is right for you. Needless to say, if you come across a lot of negative comments, you know it is not worth checking out.
The next thing you need to look at is the way the lessons are presented. Are they in written format? Or, are demonstration videos available? A lot of people prefer the latter as it gives them the ability to see how the instrument should be played visually.
You will also want to make sure that there is plenty of learning material available so that you never get bored or run out of lessons to enjoy. You should also look for a website that is fun and keeps you motivated.
Finally, value for money is a must. There are free resources available, but you will probably need to pay if you want something that has everything you need to learn the instrument in question effectively.
It is also worth doing a quick search online to see if there are any events that are going on in your area on International Country Music Day.
You will often find that there are a number of festivals that take place on this date around the world. Plus, a lot of restaurants and clubs will pay tribute to country music with a special setlist. If you can’t find a country music event going on in your area, why not host your own party for family and friends?
There are also a number of great movies that we would suggest watching on International Country Music Day if you are looking for more of a laidback way to celebrate this day.
This includes Coal Miner’s Daughter, which is a film about one of the world’s most loved country singers and songwriters; Loretta Lynn. Another great film to watch is Tender Mercies.
This film is not based on anyone famous. Instead, it is about a character called Mac Sledge, who is played by Robert Duvall. Mac is a recovering albeit washed-up alcoholic and country singer who wants to make a new start in a small town in Texas.
The film truly is a spectacular one, with Duvall winning a Best Actor award at the 1984 Academy Awards for his performance. Other films that are worth a mention include Honkytonk Man, Crazy Heart, Pure Country, Honeysuckle Rose, Walk the Line, Songwriter, The Thing Called Love, and Songcatcher.
So, get the popcorn in, and spend the day binging on the best country music-inspired films from over the years!
Learn About International Country Music Day
International Country Music Day is a day that has been designed so that we can pay tribute to some of the world’s best country artists.
Whether you are a huge fan of the genre or not, you are encouraged to listen to some country music on this date. You could even break out the fiddle or banjo and get involved yourself.
Country music, which can sometimes be referred to as country and western, is a form of music that has been popular for many years now.
Its roots come from old-time music and blues, as well as a number of different types of American folk music.
This includes Tejano, Texas country, New Mexico country, Red Dirt country, Cajun, and Appalachian. Country music tends to consist of both dance tunes and ballads, which have harmonies, folk lyrics, and simple forms.
History of International Country Music Day
International Country Music Day has been going strong since 2003. It was created as a day so that fans of country music and country music artists were brought together. The date was chosen because it is also the birthday of Hank Williams, who is one of the most famous and influential country music artists.
Hank Williams was born on the 17th of September in 1923, and he died 29 years later. He is deemed one of the most influential and significant American songwriters and singers of the 20th century.
Although he was taken from the world too soon, his impact was undeniable. He recorded 35 singles, with all of them reaching the top ten in the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart. In fact, 11 of them hit the top spot.
Many people deem him the King of Country Music. So, what better way to celebrate International Country Music Day than to listen to some of his most songs? This includes the likes of Your Cheatin’ Heart, Hey, Good Looking, Why Don’t You Love Me, and Lovesick Blues.
International Country Music Day FAQs
How did the term “country music” originate?
The term “country music” replaced the earlier label “hillbilly music” in 1949. The recording industry adopted this change to give the genre a more respectful and marketable name.
Which instruments are unique to country music?
Country music features instruments like the dobro and the pedal steel guitar. The dobro, a resonator guitar, adds a distinctive twang, while the pedal steel guitar provides smooth, sliding tones.v
Are there any international country music festivals?
Yes, the C2C: Country to Country festival is Europe’s largest country music event. Held annually in cities like London, Dublin, and Berlin, it showcases both American and European artists.
How has country music influenced other genres globally?
Country music has influenced genres like Australian country, blending with local folk traditions. In Canada, artists have merged country with Celtic music, creating unique regional sounds.
Are there any myths about the origins of country music?
A common myth is that country music is solely a white, rural genre. In reality, it has roots in African American blues and spirituals, and artists like Charley Pride have been pivotal in its development.
What role did radio play in popularizing country music?
Radio programs like the “Grand Ole Opry,” which began in 1925, were crucial. They brought country music into homes nationwide, boosting its popularity.
How do different countries celebrate International Country Music Day?
In Australia, fans celebrate with bush dances and country music festivals. In Germany, line dancing events and country-themed parties are popular.
Who was “Fiddlin’ John Carson” and his significance?
“Fiddlin’ John Carson” was among the first recorded country musicians. His 1923 hit “The Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane” helped establish country music as a recognized genre.
What is the “Nashville Sound”?
The “Nashville Sound” emerged in the 1950s as a smoother style of country music. It incorporated string sections and background vocals to appeal to a broader audience.
Are there any unique country music traditions in other cultures?
In Ireland, artists blend traditional Irish folk music with country, creating a subgenre known as “Country and Irish.” This fusion is celebrated in festivals across the country.
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