Country music saw numerous great artists come through in the 1970's. John Denver and Charlie Rich were dominant in the early 70's with songs including "The Most Beautiful Girl" and "Annie's Song." Glen Campbell was a household name to fans with hits like "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Southern Nights." Ray Stevens was tickling everyone's funny bone with "The Streak" and being serious with the hit "Everything is Beautiful."
The mid- to late 70's were conquered by Kenny Rogers, Olivia Newton-John, Crystal Gayle, and the Bellamy Brothers. Some of the biggest songs of the era included " Coward of the County" and "Lucille" by Kenny Rogers. John Denver continued to crank out popular tunes with "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" and "Take Me Home, Country Roads." Dolly Parton was no stranger to the charts and released "Here You Come Again," "Sweet Summer Love" and the smash hit "I Will Always Love You," later made even more famous by Whitney Houston. Ricky Nelson offered take us all to a "Garden Party" while Crystal Gayle accused you of "Talking In Your Sleep." Want to know more? Go ahead: REVIEW: Kenny Rogers at State Theatre not what he was, but still Kenny Rogers, still good
The 1950's are long gone, but the incredible country music artists of the 1950's still live on. The magnificent country music these talented people have performed touches the heart and soul in a very particular way every time it's heard. Country music has evolved from having been a "hillbilly" musical style known to the southern states of the United States, to what it is today.
After a slow period in country music, the 1950's brought new talent and expressive style, creating a mixed bag of the blues and southern hills melodies. Legendary singers such as Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and believe it or not, Elvis Presley, were singing the top country hits during the 50's. In 1956, Johnny Cash's "I walk the line," Elvis's "Heartbreak Hotel," and Carl Perkins, singing "Blue Suede Shoes," were all top hits. Then in 1958, Elvis and Johnny Cash landed back in the top five hits with "Guess Things Happen That Way/Come In, Stranger," by Cash and Elvis did "Don't/ I beg of you."
Other 50s top performers that contributed to the sounds of the decade were Hank Williams Sr., Kitty Wells, Faron Young, Marty Robbins, Webb Pierce, Eddy Arnold, Patsy Cline, and many more.Still bored? Click to continue: Best Country Songs Of All Time
As a dynamic decade in country music, the 1960s saw the debut of many stars among whom two are still performing today and one whose four years in the business have continued to never be forgotten. Patsy Cline, born Virginia Patterson Hensley, grew up in Winchester, Virginia. Long remembered for songs such as 'Walkin' After Midnight' and 'Crazy', she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and was the first female solo artist to achieve this recognition. In 2002, 38 years after her seemingly untimely death, Patsy Cline was recognized as one of the top 40 greatest women in country music.
With encouragement from Johnny Cash, in 1964, Dolly Parton literally graduated from high school and caught the next bus to Nashville to follow her country singer dreams. Many people may not know this 'Queen of Country Music' is the niece of country music giant Bill Owens and godmother of singer Miley Cyrus.
The 1966 Top Male Vocalist of the Year, Merle Haggard, taught himself to play guitar at around 12 years of age. With his signature song, 'Okie from Muskogee', Haggard, who idolized Hank Williams Sr., is credited with putting Bakersfield, California on the country music map.More info here: Patsy Cline Exhibit At Country Music Hall Of Fame
The Country Music Association has announced the 2011 CMA award nominees, and as expected Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, Sugarland and Lady Antebellum are among those nominated for awards.
Country music’s queen, Miranda Lambert, is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year, and many favor her to win. 2011 has been a great year for Miranda. The Academy of Country Music named her Best Female Vocalist of the Year, and awarded her hit song, House That Built Me, Song of the Year, Single of the Year and Video of the Year. Plus, CMT gave House that Built Me the Best Female Video of the Year, too.
Taylor Swift has also won quite a few awards in 2011, including Entertainer of the Year at the Academy awards and Best Video of the Year at the CMT video awards. She is nominated for five 2011 CMA awards, including Best Album of the Year Female Vocalist of the Year.
Lady Antebellum took home several awards in 2011, including Album of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year at the Academy awards and Group Video of the Year at the CMT video awards.
Sugarland, up for CMA Vocal Duo of the Year, has also won many awards in 2011, including Vocal Duo of the Year from the Academy and Duo Video of the Year at the CMT video awards.Still bored? Click to continue: Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert Win CMT Awards - Again!
There have been three country music artists that were inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame in 2011. The recent inductees are: Bobby Braddock, Reba McEntire, and Jean Shepard. Bobby Braddock is one of country music's most successful songwriters. Some of his most famous songs include "Texas Tornado", "Time Marches On", "D-I-V-O-R-C-E", and "People Are Crazy". In 2001 he became the producer for future country star Blake Shelton. Reba McEntire released her first single in 1976, and is still releasing hits today. Reba has more than fifty top ten singles as well as a four-time winner of the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year award. Other awards include the CMA Entertainer of the Year (1986), and two Grammy's. Her career also branched out into acting as she was the star of a hit television show as well as a Broadway show. Jean Shepard helped to break the glass ceiling for other female country artists in the 50s. She also rose to stardom on the west-coast instead of the traditional route of the Grand Ole Opry. She had her first number one hit in 1953 with "A Dear John Letter". All three inductees have had a significant impact on today's country music industry.