Country Music Month is celebrated in October! President Richard Nixon’s monumental contributions are well-known in America throughout history, one being that he proclaimed Country Music Month. October was picked by the Country Music Association to recognize artists of the genre and their tunes that we still sing along.
History of Country Music Month
Country Music Month was initially observed in 1964, but it was not until President Richard Nixon made his proclamation in 1970 to celebrate October as Country Music Month that it became a celebration.
After classical music, country music was among the first genres of popular American music. It developed as a fusion of church music, folk music, and African-American blues in the southeastern states of America. The instruments used to play country music were the mandolin, fiddle, acoustic guitar, banjo, and autoharp.
In the early 1920s, country music was a successfully recorded genre. In 1922, Eck Robertson produced the first commercial country record under the Victor Records label. The first successful country single was ‘Wreck of the Old ’97’ by Vernon Dalhart in 1924. Facts aside, country music lovers and historians mark the signing of Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family in 1927 as the actual moment when country music was born. Jimmie Rodgers became successful nationally and is known as the ‘Father of Country Music.’
In the 1930s and 1940s, cowboy films featured country music soundtracks and influenced the genre’s evolution. Country music is still alive and trending today. In the 2000s, artists like Shania Twain and Taylor Swift have appealed to the younger generation with their country music styles.
Country Music Month timeline
The origins of country music begin with Southern Appalachian fiddle players.
Jimmie Rodgers’ single ‘Blue Yodel No. 1’ sells more than half a million copies.
The movie “Urban Cowboy” featuring John Travolta, popularizes country music.
Congress recognizes Bristol, Tennessee, as the birthplace of country music.
Country Music Month FAQs
What is the best country song right now?
As of August 2021, ‘Fancy Like’ by Walker Hayes is among the top country songs.
Who is the best country singer?
Luke Combs claimed the spot thanks to hit singles like ‘Lovin’ on You.’
Has country music changed over time?
It has evolved and adopted the styles and sounds of popular genres, thus increasing listener numbers.
Country Music Month Activities
Listen to country music
Celebrations don’t get better than this. The only genre to be enjoyed and explored is country music today!
Discover new artists
For newbies just discovering country music, learn about country singers from different decades and play their best songs.
Watch a Western movie
Country music was the background score for many cowboy movies. We recommend “Tender Mercies” (1983), “Sweet Dreams” (1985), “Walk the Line” (2005), and “Blaze” (2018).
5 Facts About Country Music To Yodel To
Country music went commercial in Tennessee
The first commercial country music recordings were in Tennessee by Ralph Peer of Victor Records.
Basic instruments for country music
It was produced in the beginning on the accordion, the fiddle, the banjo, and the autoharp.
Country music is culturally rich
Music enthusiasts acknowledge that country music is derived from various cultures.
Dolly Parton reigns supreme
She holds the record for the most top 10 albums on the ‘Billboard Top Country Albums’ chart.
Sold out
At age 81, country singer Willie Nelson still sells out shows.
Why We Love Country Music Month
We love country music
The mood, atmosphere, and yearning for the country life created by country music are unparalleled. It is easy to yodel to or tap our feet to the beat of country music, and we love it!
It's a fusion of cultures
A melting pot of cultures resulted in country music. With many styles in this one genre, country music is truly unique and a breath of fresh air.
It preserves the legacies of singers
Country music is huge but comparatively less trendy than other genres of music these days. Country Music Month puts the spotlight back on country singers over the decades, featuring their best work over radio and television, and streaming services like Spotify and YouTube.
Country Music Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | October 1 | Sunday |
| 2024 | October 1 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | October 1 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | October 1 | Thursday |
| 2027 | October 1 | Friday |
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