The Recording Industry
Nashville's First Recording Studio [5].
In the early 1920's, the string-band music from Southern mountain regions was starting to be commercially recorded [1]. This "hillbilly" music was especially popular in rural areas [2].
The house at 804 16th Avenue South became the first recording studio in Nashville thanks to brothers Owen and Harold Bradley. [3]. As a result of their investment, Music Row was created in 1958.
In 1966, Bob Dylan decided to record in Nashville, and this influenced many others to do the same [4].
Here are three examples of the Nashville Sound
The "Nashville Sound" was developed in reaction to the rise of rock and roll around the country. This new genre was meant to appeal to a more widespread audience. Existing hillbilly music was changed by lessening string parts and adding smooth background vocals and steel guitars [6]. This created a diversion in the music scene within the city, as the Grand Ole Oprycouldn't recreate this new "manufactured" sound as a live show [7].
This new subgenre of country created much controversy. Critics say that this "Nashville Sound" should not even be considered country music, and that country music today is "nothing but pop music with a pinch of twang and an occasional slide guitar" [8]. However, there has never been a true definition of country music. Country music started out as folk songs and string-bands; the distinct twangy singing did not originate until Roy Acuff made it famous in the late 1930's. Country is continuously evolving to match the tastes of the current people. Yes, the country music developed in the rock and roll era is not the same as "original" country music, but it all fits under the growing umbrella of country music in the end.
[9] [10] [11]
1. Britannica School. s.v. "Country music." (Accessed January 12, 2016.)
2."WSM Launches the Grand Ole Opry, November 28, 1925." (Historic U.S. Events. 2012. Accessed January 12, 2016.)
3. Peter Cooper. "10 Pivotal Moments in Nashville's Music History." (Nashville Lifestyles.com. Accessed January 31, 2016.)
4. Ibid.
5. 804 16th Avenue South. (Digital image. Nashville Sports and Entertainment. Accessed May 15, 2016.)
6. "History of the Music Business in Nashville." (Nashville.gov. Accessed January 12, 2016.)
7. "WSM Launches
8."The Bastardization of Country Music." (The Jambar. Accessed May 15, 2016.)
9. Jim Reeves. Four Walls. (1994. MP3.)
10. Skeeter Davis. The End of the World. (1994. MP3.)
11. Patsy Cline. I Fall to Pieces. (2004. MP3.)