Country music

Country music, also called country and western music or country-western, is an amalgam of popular musical forms developed in the southern United States, with roots in traditional folk music, spirituals, and the blues.

Other influences

While country music has had only a handful of African American stars (Charley Pride and Deford Bailey being the most notable), the innovators and originators were strongly influenced by the sounds and songs of black musicians. Country music has also influenced the work of black musicians such as Ray Charles and Keb' Mo'.

Related Topics:
African American - Charley Pride - Deford Bailey - Ray Charles - Keb' Mo'

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At the time of its early popularity, country music shared America's affection with swing music—a type of jazz—and enterprising musicians such as Bob Wills fused the two to form western swing. The early development of rock and roll was a fusion of country music and blues.

Related Topics:
Jazz - Bob Wills - Western swing - Rock and roll - Blues

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