Source: Pexels. Permission: CC0 1.0
Introduction
In units 6 and 7, we look closely at blues, gospel, country music, and folk, genres that gained popularity just prior to the Great Depression, and their trajectory is traced up to the 1950s. In many ways, units 6 and 7 present two sides of the same coin: rural styles cultivated by isolated African-American people on the one side, and rural styles cultivated by isolated white Americans on the other.
There is a suggestion of authenticity and lack of pretense that accompanies many of the styles in these units, though songwriters, recording executives, and new technologies were as much a part of the development and distribution of these styles as they were in the previous module. The instrumentation, which can be very stripped down, combined with story-telling lyrics that are often very personal and relatable, struck a chord with people who faced difficult times during the Great Depression. Regardless of changes in technology throughout the years, or the possibility that these lyrics may be written in in a calculated manner in order to draw a particular audience, that belief – that country music and blues music (and gospel and folk music) are more authentic and down to earth than other genres – continues to this day.
As you read through the learning materials for this module, take time to note the similarities and differences between the developments of genres in the two units, and think about how that relates to the descendants of these genres being made today (ie. new country, or blues- or gospel-influenced music). How is “authenticity” packaged and marketed as these styles move away from their rural roots?
Learning Objectives
When you have finished this module, you should be able to do the following:
- Explain the difference between Country and Classic blues.
- Differentiate the key genres.
- Identify the key artists and their unique contributions to their genre.
- Where applicable, explain the role of black/white relations on the genres covered in this module.
- Define all terminology
Module Instructions
- Read the Module 4: Learning Material.
- Read Campbell units 6 and 7 (pages 94 to 131).
- As you read your textbook, listen to the associated music on the Module 4: Music page.
- Optional: post a response to one of the Challenge Questions on your blog if you plan to blog as part of your course assignments (see syllabus for details).
- Join the blog discussions if they interest you.
- Once you have completed your module work for the week, please go into the Blackboard Course Tools (via Paws) and complete the weekly quiz prior to the deadline (please see your syllabus for details).
Key Terms, Concepts, and People
- Country Blues
- Blind Willie McTell
- Blind Lemon Jefferson
- Robert Johnson
- Hokum
- Boogie-Woogie
- Black Gospel
- Country Music
- Ralph Peer
- The Carter Family
- Horse Operas
- Western Swing
- Woody Guthrie
- Lead Belly
- Honky-Tonk
- Hank Williams
- Kitty Wells
- Bluegrass
- Bill Monroe