Erin Moore - Harmonious Monks - iwantaBUZZ.com

Country: Music of Faith, Freedom,
Love & Rock-n-Roll
Country music has long been the voice of a culture deeply embedded in the word of the
Christian God, the belief in the free world, the power of loves won and lost and the theory that
hard work begets hard play. Country speaks the heart of solid, hard-working men and women.
Some lyrics weave cautionary tales of poverty and greed; love and hate; and forgiveness and
sin. Others rejoice in answered prayers and new romances. There are more songs that simply
celebrate the glory and balance of life. These messages are articulated in the way of the South.
They are formed with reckless abandon but cultivated with grace, charm, and dignity. So how
did this musical anomaly, both wild and sophisticated, come to be?
The history of this genre starts in the early 1920’s in the hills of the Southern Appalachians. It
is important to note, that even with roots over 80 years old, most country artists from any era
admit influences that go beyond the banjo to the deep rhythmic sounds of African-American
blues and jazz. Alas, with a well influenced sound, country got its big break in 1925 when
WSM Radio’s Grand Ole Opry in Nashville brought professional acclaim to many budding
artists of the age. Still somewhere along the windy path from Hank Williams Senior’s “Honky
Tonkin’ ” to Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),”
country music has become a rock solid proclamation of the rock-n-roll generation.
So, when did country become rock-n-roll?
Well, in 1976 Donny and Marie Osmond took to the stage to host a television variety show.
Their opening song celebrated the division of the aforementioned two genres. Marie was
a “little bit country” and Donny was “a little bit rock-n-roll.” However, through the years,
country has melded with rock and the fine line between the two has melted away. The reality
being that the two have long been first cousins.
With the exception of Elvis, who can be considered responsible for all mutations in music, the
bend towards country’s rock roots started in Jacksonville, FL with “Dixie Rock:” the famous
stylings of Lynard Skynard and The Allman Brothers Band. Most of us are aware that the
original Skynards grew up on the Westside of Jacksonville. In fact, a few of us may even know
a Van Zant or two. However, did anyone inform you that there is a house on the Northside
where Duane Allman threatened to beat anyone up who tried to leave without first committing
to becoming a band? If you’re from that side of town, you may even know the address where
this well destined meeting occurred.
None the less, Southern rock (with incredible talent and a large cult following in the region)
did little to bring country music to the masses. In fact the rest of the U.S. didn’t start paying
attention until the 1980’s. That’s when a Yankee actor from New Jersey, named John Travolta,
Texas two-stepped onto the scene. His depiction of an “urban cowboy” exposed the culture
lying beneath the hay. This movie birthed the ill-fated country pop genre and gave more
ammunition to the haters of all things Southern with lame melodies and an easy-listening air.
But in the 1990’s someone changed all that. It took a man with “Friends in Low Places” to
change country music’s destiny. He rocked sold-out arenas and country/rock became a force
to be reckoned with. Of course, that man is
none other than Garth Brooks. He, along
with other crooners like George Strait,
The Judds and Alabama, took country to
new heights.
Country radio stations across the United States began building the audience that would soon become
the largest in the nation.
So, what does the national rise in interest in country music mean to you?
It means entertainment! If you have never done the “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” or ridden a mechanical
bull, you are missing out on a heck of a Saturday night. Also, the rise in country music’s popularity
in Jacksonville signifies a consequential increase in live concerts. Case in point, one of two country
stations in the city has just announced their fall line up for the “99.9 Gator Country Free Fall
Concert Series Presented by Engle Homes.” Yes, you read that correctly, it’s free! The WGNE
Program Director, Jeff Davis said in a recent press release, “Gator Country loves to bring Nashville’s
stars to Jacksonville listeners for free! We have another incredible line up and our whole staff can’t
wait for the series to get underway! With stars the caliber of Mark Wills, Steve Holy, Danielle Peck,
David Lee Murphy, Chris Cagle and hot newcomers like Cole Deggs & The Lonesome, Whiskey
Falls, and Crossin’ Dixon…there’s something for country fans of all ages!”
Hosting free shows not only promotes outdoor fun in “Actionville,” it also does a lot to boost
interest in the station’s format and creates potential for mega bucks for the host venue. In this case,
that lucky locale is The Jacksonville Landing.
Be sure not to miss the August 31st kickoff of this incredible concert series. You know I’ll be there
with bells (and boots) on! If you have any questions, just go to www.999gatorcountry.com for more
information.
Okay, so not only is the wise Gator FM bringing J-ville some incredible artists for free, we’ve got an
awesome fall line-up for paid shows as well. In September, Gretchen Wilson will make you kick up
your heels and Emmylou Harris will charm your heart. In October, leave it to Gregg Allman and
Clint Black to entertain you until the cows come home! And don’t miss Wynonna in November.
Her sultry country sound is something to write home about. With so much great talent to be seen
(and heard), it’ll be a wonder if you stay at home at all this coming season!
So, won’t there be too many preachers and families present at these shows to have fun?
You could not be more wrong. Yes, of course, people will bring children to these concerts. Country
music is known for family friendly lyrics and core Christian values. In fact, many folks who oppose
so called “hillbilly music” will tell you that they don’t like songs about dogs, broken hearts and
forgiveness from the Lord. However, these cynics must be very familiar with the word “ignorance.”
As a long time country music fan, the only modern song about a dog that I know of is the Pirates of
the Mississippi song, “Feed Jake.” Okay, so there is one, but just one out of millions. As for lyrics
about broken hearts, well that is still alive and kicking in country music, but you show me a genre
where it is not. You can’t even listen to System of the Down without finding songs about lost loves.
Also, I challenge you cynics to present to me a musical format that has more songs about partying
with your friends than country does. If you succeed, I’ll give you your money back.
As for the presence of God in country music, I can not deny His existence. Nevertheless, it won’t
be the sole source of inspiration at a concert. So tease all you want, oh followers of death metal,
country has come a long way from the days of a lot twang and a lot of Jesus. Now, the sound of the
farm land in-between the right and left coasts is a little rock, a little roll, but Jesus is here to stay.
Get over it.
you own a homemade fur coat.
Continued on pg. 23