The Ryman Auditorium  in Nashville, TN Look at our Country  Website Packages for sale! A Featured Website!! The beginning of Modern Country Music Although country music goes way back, it was not until August 1st, 1927 that modern country music really began.  The two pioneers of this era are The Carter Family and Jimmie Rogers. On August 1, 1927 these two began their recording contracts and signed with Victor Records in Bristol, Tennessee. The 80's....when it began to change In the late 70's and early 80's, country music began to stray from the way it was known for many years. Not to say it was bad, but it was different.  The group "Alabama" got their start in the early 80's and produced several hits.  Prior to being known as Alabama, they were known as "Wild Country" which is the name they still use for their corporate matters. Going back before Wild Country, Alabama was known as "Young Country".  The 1980's also displayed such names as Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, and George Strait. Country Music had no idea what the 90's would bring with a new superstar waiting in the wings. The 90's....a star is born If one person could be named as being responsible for the take-off of country music and opening it to new audiences, it would have to be Garth Brooks.  His style and songs brought newer and younger audiences over to country.  Songs like "If tomorrow never comes" and "The Dance" remain among the most popular to this day.  Another figure that is always at the top of today's country is George Strait with popular songs such as "All My Ex's Live In Texas" and "Check, yes or no".  Today's country music is bringing younger people than ever before The Millennium....crossover There are those that say Country has lost it's roots.  The distinction between country and pop is becoming less noticeable.  The crossover has become a revolving door with pop songs being redone by country artists and country artists crossing over into the pop field.  The look of country is being lost in the newer artists. Artists like Faith Hill and Shania Twain have crossed the boundaries from country to pop.  The days of cowboy hats, blue jeans and boots are replaced by sequenced gowns, leather pants,  high heels, and diamonds.  Age groups listening to today's country music is becoming younger.  This could be because country is losing it's heritage, drawing a different type of listener.  Will the change be a healthy one for country music?  Time will only tell. WEBSITE IS UNDER Copyright © 2002 Country WebPages.  All rights reserved. Revised: November 18, 2002             Site designed and maintained by Ciphertek Entertainment LLC. 931-823-3853