In my youth, country western music was the only music played on local radio stations. Lyrics were outdated and predictable; music was twangy and depended heavily on banjos.
What about Janis Joplin? Beach Boys? What about "She wore an itsy bitsy, teeny weenie, yellow polka dot bikini"?
Given my varied musical taste, rediscovering country western music is surprising. Sadly, some legends had already died, some dying young from various addictions or in accidents. Others died in the course of time.
Hank Williams died before he was thirty. Patsy Cline died at the same age. Johnny Cash left in 2003 at age 71.
Such is life. And death. I found their music empowers those who take the time to listen to words, which I finally did.
A rare clip from 1952 with Alice Carter and Hank Williams
Back in the days of black and white television...
Johnny Cash died in 2003 at the age of 71. This video was the last he recorded.
OOPS! I somehow put two Johnny Cash (the same ones) up. Don't know how to delete one. Oh well.
OOPS! I somehow put two Johnny Cash (the same ones) up. Don't know how to delete one. Oh well.
Take the time to listen, really listen. To the words, which say it all.
I love the music of all those artists. I know of someone who plays Patsy Cline music at his garage sales. He says it brings in more customers and he gets more sales.
ReplyDeleteHow amazing! Patsy Cline's voice was so plaintive and well-phrased.
DeleteThere was very little music in my house once my siblings left home. Father listened to Country and I admit that although I was more interested in rock music I did love the melancholy of country. Today it still makes me nostalgic for simpler days and ways. x
ReplyDeleteSame here. At least now, with CD enhancement, the country stars' voices allow "the melancholy of country." to be new again.
DeleteLike with almost any genre, except super heavy metal, ugg to that, I enjoy some songs in it from many artists. Cash had some good ones.
ReplyDeleteThis recording of Cash singing "Hurt" is powerful. NineInchNails originally sang this song, but after hearing Cash's rendition, they said that it belonged to Cash. They couldn't meet that standard.
DeleteLove Patsy Cline. And Crazy, written by Willie Nelson, is one of his very best songs.
ReplyDeleteRecently there was some sort of multi performers on tv. Willie Nelson sang "Crazy". Oh, wow.
DeleteThey and many represent a range of genres, and we learned a lot listening to their words and presentation. I must add a word for Kate Smith, who we saw frequently on early television. Her God Bless America, her style and talent belong with all the names we're mentioning here.
ReplyDeleteKate Smith is an iconic voice for America. A true voice.
DeleteI have all their music, always a favorite of mine, especially Patsy Cline. When I was growing up, mom played the radio all day, country music. It's something that never leaves you.
ReplyDeleteMy mom played the radio almost all day, as well. We listened to different talk shows (Arthur Godfrey and others) and mystery shows (Guiding light, Shadow). Fond memories.
DeleteI am almost ashamed to admit that music just doesn't do it for me. Or very rarely.
ReplyDeleteThe lyrics are a different matter.
The chords are always the same, and the beat. Lyrics, though, were important.
DeleteHe was the best, he kept his voice and meaning in his music alive and meant every word of it. His character and music was original and so real to listen to which is what makes the music so heartbreaking to experience again.
ReplyDeleteSo true. What is also important about Cash is his honor. Devout Christian, supporter of American Native issues, and so much more.
DeleteThese are all great songs.
ReplyDeleteThe first time Andrew played Hurt, guitar only, I cried. Had never heard it before nor did I know the story or the words. Then he showed me this and I cried again.
I enjoy almost all music.
"Hurt" blew me away when I first watched Cash's video. I cried and cried. He gave the song new meaning.
DeleteThe first video doesn't play here in Australia and I've never been a fan of Patsy Cline, but I like the Johnny Cash one. I've heard it before, but don't remember where.
ReplyDeleteIt was toward the end of his life when it was recorded. So, it may not have been on any album.
DeleteFunny how we look at things differently at different times in our lives.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely!
DeleteI grew up listening to country music and as it evolved, I noticed the lyrics evolving too. Sadly I can't listen to the new stuff. Its so shallow compared to the "old" stuff and the artists from the 80s and early 90s.
ReplyDelete-Jen
The new stuff feels shallow, and some is called Rocka-Billy. Rock influences to increase younger following. Don't like it either.
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ReplyDeleteMy taste is broad and varied...and included in the vast array is country music...I love it.
ReplyDelete