d198 task 3
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Western Governors University *
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Course
D198
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by ConstableAlpaca3720
A1. Genre Development
Despite the fact that the exact origins of music remain unknown, it is widely accepted that music existed
long before the first written and documented song. Singing and chanting, as well as instruments made
from bone structures, have been traced back to almost five million years ago. While Spiritual music was
the first genre to be documented in the 1800s, Country music is considered to be the oldest genre. It
emerged in the 1920s in the Southern part of the United States, where settlers combined influences
from English folk balladry, Mississippi blues, Irish fiddle tunes, French/Cajun music, Southern gospel,
German Polkas, Mexican conjunto, and Victorian pop songs. The Carter family, who produced music from
1927-1956, is recognized as the first known Country group. Their first song was recorded in Bristol,
Tennessee, which helped establish Tennessee as the "birthplace of country music." As the popularity of
country music grew, the Grand Ole Opry was established, providing a platform for new artists and
helping to build Nashville, Tennessee's reputation as a country music powerhouse through country radio
programs.
A2. Genre Topics or Characteristics
The country music genre is renowned for its ability to convey narratives
through its songs, as well as its ever-evolving instrumental style. Initially,
when country music was first developed, the prevalent instruments utilized
were the fiddle, banjo, and supporting vocals. However, as time progressed,
artists started incorporating new instruments into the genre. In the early
days, country musicians believed that drums were too overpowering and
lacked authenticity, leading them to abstain from using them in their songs.
Nevertheless, by 1960, it had become uncommon for a country band to
exclude drums from their compositions. A similar transformation occurred
with the inclusion of electric guitars. In the present day, most contemporary
country artists incorporate electric guitars, drums, and basic guitars in their
songs.
The storytelling aspect of country music used to primarily revolve around
themes of love struggles and the everyday life of a working individual. Some
songs would touch upon feelings of loneliness or the simple joys of life.
However, in recent times, country songs have expanded their subject matter
to encompass a broader audience. These songs now incorporate "topics" or
"themes" that resonate with and relate to a wider range of listeners. These
themes may include politics, family issues, struggles with addiction, work
environments, or social life.
A3. Influence of Diverse Culture
The genre of country music has long been recognized for its ability to blend various musical
styles and elements, including folk, blues, bluegrass, and Southern Gospel. Its origins can be
traced back to the southern Appalachian Mountains, specifically the region of eastern
Tennessee and southwest Virginia during the late 1920s. According to The History of Country
Music (2023), the early settlers from North America, Africa, Europe, and Indigenous cultures
would often exchange musical traditions and storytelling. This exchange would involve the
sharing or swapping of folk melodies, storytelling techniques, and instruments.
B1. Genre Interpretation
Dolly Parton, a renowned singer-songwriter, has exerted a significant
influence on the country music scene for several decades. Throughout her
illustrious career spanning almost fifty years, Dolly has been widely
acknowledged as a country music legend and stands as one of the most
successful female artists in terms of record sales. Prior to Dolly's emergence,
country music was predominantly dominated by male artists. However, her
contributions played a pivotal role in reshaping this landscape by introducing
a distinct female identity and offering a fresh perspective within the country
music industry (Dolly Parton, n.d.).
In addition to her impact on the genre, Dolly Parton is also recognized for her
remarkable ability to seamlessly blend different musical genres. Her unique
talent caught the attention of the pop music industry, leading to an offer for
her to sign as a pop artist. This offer was a testament to her exceptional
aptitude for fusing elements of country and pop music harmoniously.
Notably, Dolly's songwriting prowess is exemplified through her compositions
such as "Jolene" and "9 to 5," which effectively convey relatable stories and
resonate with a diverse range of listeners. This accomplishment not only
showcased her versatility but also served as an inspiration for other artists.
Consequently, we have witnessed the emergence of country-rock fusion with
the release of songs like "Take it Easy" in 1972 and "Sweet Home Alabama"
in 1971. Furthermore, country music has even ventured into collaborations
with rap through the creation of songs like "Over and Over Again" and "Old
Town Road." Dolly Parton's influence has undoubtedly paved the way for such
innovative musical collaborations (Dolly Parton, n.d.).
B2. Key Topics from the Time
Throughout her career, Dolly Parton has consistently used her platform to
shed light on various societal issues that are often overlooked. In 1988, she
established the Dollywood foundation with the aim of combatting the
alarming high school dropout rate. Recognizing the importance of early
childhood education, she went on to create the imagination library in 1995,
ensuring that children receive a free book every month until they reach
school age. Additionally, in 2000, Parton established a scholarship foundation
to provide educational opportunities for deserving individuals.
Over the years, Dolly Parton's philanthropic endeavors have continued to
accumulate, leaving an indelible mark on society. However, it is not only
through her charitable work that she has made a significant impact. Within
her music, she penned the iconic song "9 to 5," which served as a powerful
anthem addressing the challenges and injustices faced by working women on
a daily basis. By highlighting the unfair treatment of women in the workplace
during the 1980s, Dolly Parton's song played a pivotal role in sparking
change worldwide.
As a result of the increased attention brought to the issue by Dolly's song,
women began to experience greater rights and fairness within professional
settings. The song served as a catalyst for societal transformation, inspiring
a shift towards gender equality and empowering women to demand the
respect and opportunities they rightfully deserve. (Billboard, 2023)
C
References
Dolly Parton (n.d.). Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Retrieved
November 27, 2023, from
https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/hall-of-fame/dolly-parton
Dolly Parton's Good Deeds: A Timelines - Billboard (2023, March 7). Billboard.
Retrieved November 27, 2023, from
https://www.billboard.com/lists/dolly-parton-
good-deeds-timeline/2000-the-dolly-parton-scholarship/
The History of Country Music (2023). Victrola. Retrieved October 13, 2023,
from
https://victrola.com/blogs/articles/the-history-of-country-music
Oermann, R. (2018).
Why America's oldest music genre is also the most diverse
The Telegraph. November 27, 2023, from
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/discover-america/evolution-of-
music/country/
WGU. (2022). Global Arts and Humanities.
https://lrps.wgu.edu/provision/285304457
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