Country Rock

Country-Rock was arguably one of the most influential genres in country music.

Not so much for the music it produced within the style itself, though that was impressive enough, but more for the influence it had over a wide range of different styles, bands and individuals throughout the music industry.

Since the mid 1950’s when the Nashville Sound became all the rage changing country music forever, artists and bands had messed about with various styles, trying to recreate a country ‘feel’ they felt had almost disappeared.

In the late 60’s and early 70’s many rock groups started dabbling with their own country roots and came up with a sound almost more country than country. This new fusion of rock and country became known as country-rock and yet another genre of country music was born.

Early users of this new style in any serious capacity were Bob Dylan, The Byrds and The Eagles although both The Beatles ‘Baby in Black’ (1964) and The Rolling Stones ‘High and Dry’ (1966) had flirted with it and had achieved a great sound.

As more rock bands began to experiment, they started to include more country themes, vocal styles and instruments normally associated with country bands, most notably the use of pedal steel guitars.

The first true country-rock album is believed to be ‘Safe at Home’ by the International Submarine Band in 1968, although the finest and most influential album is probably The Byrds ‘Sweetheart of the Rodeo’ also released in 1968.

It’s no coincidence that the legendary Gram Parsons was involved with both ‘Safe at Home’ and ‘Sweetheart of the Rodeo’, being associated with both bands before going off to form The Flying Burrito Brothers.

Country-Rock’s greatest significance has been it’s influence on other artists, with many having released recordings with a definite ‘country’ feel ranging from The Rolling Stones to Elvis Costello’s  ‘Almost Blue’ in 1981.

For all the hits from country-rock stars just go to my Classic Country Music Store at www.countrysongscountrysingers.com  and put the names in the search box.