Country Music History and Genres
Country Music Styles
Explore the many styles of country music with this guide that looks at bluegrass, country-rock, contemporary country music, and beyond.
The History of Country Music
The earliest record of country music can be found in recordings Southern Appalachian fiddle players made in the late 1910s, but it wasn’t until the early ‘20s that country music as a viable recorded genre took hold.
Cowpunk
Cowpunk is country music with the energy of punk rock.
Biggest Scandals in Country Music
From public feuds to cold-blooded murder, here are the biggest controversies to rock the country music world.
The Nashville Sound
Country music got a glossy overhaul in the 1950s and '60s. The new recording style became known as the Nashville Sound.
Bob Dylan's Country Connections
Make no mistake: rock-and-roll laureate Bob Dylan has been a longtime country music fan.
Bakersfield Country
Bakersfield singers like Merle Haggard and Buck Owens turned up their guitars to win fame and make history. Take a tour through the world of Bakersfield country with this article.
Cowboy Country Music
Country singers won't stop wearing cowboy hats anytime soon. Learn about how country music became country-WESTERN.
New Traditionalist Country Music
New Traditionalist artists rejuvenated the country music industry in the 1980s.
Nudie Suits
Nudie suits were the attire of choice for country music's biggest stars.
Urban Cowboy
Disco died, and listeners fled to country music.
Glossary of Country Music Terms
Country Music 101 - a glossary of common country music terms
Louisiana Hayride: Radio & Roots Music Along the Red River - By Tracey E. W. Laird
Review of Tracey E. W. Laird's book, Louisiana Hayride: Radio & Roots Music Along the Red River.
Roughstock's History of Country Music
Follow the timeline to find out about the artists that shaped the sound of country music.