The Influences That Classic Country Music Has Had
Classic country music has had influence on many popular artists, but it has not been that overwhelming lately. You can hear some classic tones in the music of Josh Turner and Jason Aldean, but you also have some popular influence as well. LeAnn Rimes’ style has evolved since her breakout song “Blue,” which was eerily reminiscent of Patsy Cline’s vocals. The influence of artists like Hank Williams, Sr., George Jones, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris and Don Williams are strong in artists of today.Didn’t catch that? This explains it. Gretchen Wilson, Rascall Flatts, Reba McEntire, George Strait and Alan Jackson keep things mostly country. Although Gretchen Wilson and Rascall Flatts bring on the pop edge every once in a while, the country twang is still present. Josh Turner’s take on Don William’s “I Wouldn’t Be A Man” is exceptionally classic country. Then again, Jason Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem” holds some classic country elements while adding some segments of rap to it. While classic country is far from dead, many artists have simply evolved into more contemporary country fashion. Taylor Swift is a great example of this. Swift has not abandoned her country roots altogether as seen in “Tim McGraw” and “Teardrops On My Guitar.” Some of her latest work,however, including “Story Of Us” has a more contemporary feel. Without classic country she would not be where she is today, just like many other artists.