Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_110908-N-DG679-040_Country_music_star_Brad_Paisley_performs_to_more_than_11,000_members_of_the_Naval_Station_Mayport_community.jpg Permission: Public Domain.
Introduction
The two units covered in this module continue two lines of history that began earlier in the book – the history of Latin music and its influence on American popular music, and the continuing story of country music.
After 1960, the Brazilian bossa nova brought fresh rhythms to popular music, influencing both popular styles and jazz of the 1970s. Tejano music, originating in Texas, was the umbrella term for Mexican-influenced, story-telling music similar to country music. Tejano music was stripped of the percussion and complex rhythms of other Latin styles, and featured the accordion as well as the bajo sexto. Salsa was an American-based style that revived earlier Latin styles, repackaging them for a new era. The unit wraps up with more in-depth coverage of Latin music’s most well-known performer of the late 20th century, Gloria Estéfan, and her signature sound of Tropical Latin.
A joint project put together by Seattle’s Experience Music Project (EMP) and the Smithsonian Institute, “American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music” was an exhibition that toured the US in 2015. The associated website is a fascinating place to learn about, and listen to, Latin American popular music. There are sections on the history, and a jukebox for checking out a range of music. But one of the most interesting parts of the website is the Mixer – here you can change the mix on songs and isolate certain aspects (like the rhythm) to help you better understand the Latin rhythms discussed in the text. Check it out here.
“Country Music in the Rock Era” tries to cover the rest of the history of country music from about 1960 to present day. Although you may argue that your favourites were left out, or you dispute the inclusion of Taylor Swift, the artists have been chosen not only for their massive influence, because they illustrate the development of the genre in a clear way. As you read through your textbook, ask yourself what makes these songs country. Is it a sound or set of sound cues? Is it a set of values? In our Learning Material, we will look at a countrified cover of an iconic grunge song. We will look at what this cover says about lines between genres and listeners, and look for cues on what the future of country music – and popular music – may look like.
Learning Objectives
- Explain how the music of Brazil came to influence American popular music.
- Explain the unique nature of Tejano music.
- Differentiate the key genres.
- Identify the key artists and their unique contributions to their genre.
- Define all terminology
Module Instructions
- Please read Campbell units 15 and 16 (pages 280 to 309).
- As you read your textbook, visit the Module 9: Music page to listen to the musical examples.
- Read the Module 9: Learning Material.
- Post a response to one of the challenges 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 and complete the weekly quiz prior to the quiz deadline (see syllabus for details).
Key Terms, Concepts, and People
- Bossa Nova
- Tejano Music
- Flaco Jiménez
- Salsa
- Gloria Estéfan
- Roy Orbison
- The Eagles
- Country Rock
- Merle Haggard
- Outlaw Country
- Waylon Jennings
- Willie Nelson
- George Jones
- Tammy Wynette
- The Nashville Sound
- The Grande Ole Opry
- George Strait
- Alabama
- Dolly Parton
- The Dixie Chicks
- Taylor Swift