Country Music Genres Family Tree

Country & Western

Country and Western (C&W) music is a genre of popular music that combines elements of traditional country music and Western music. The term "Country and Western" was often used together in the past to describe the broader spectrum of music that emerged in the rural American South and West.

The term Country and Western was widely used from the 1930s to the 1960s but has since largely been replaced by the simpler country music. Western influences, particularly cowboy songs and cowgirl ballads, were significant in the genre's early days, but over time, it became dominated by the "country" side of the genre.

Early Country

Rooted in folk and Appalachian music, characterized by simple melodies and instruments like the fiddle and banjo.

Bands: The Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers.

Cowboy

Romanticized the American West with artists like Gene Autry and Hank Williams.

Bands: Gene Autry, Hank Williams, Bob Wills

Western Swing

A dance-oriented country style blending jazz, swing, and country, popularized by Bob Wills.

Bands: Gene Autry, Hank Williams, Bob Wills

Country

Country music is a genre of American popular music that originated in the rural regions of the Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from genres such as folk music (especially Appalachian folk and Western music) and blues.

Bands: Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn

Bluegrass

Fast-paced, acoustic style led by Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt, and Earl Scruggs.

Bands: Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt, and Earl Scruggs

Rockabilly

Fusion of rock and country, pioneered by Sam Phillips with stars like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

Bands: Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash

Nashville Sound

Polished production style making country mainstream, featuring Patsy Cline and Jim Reeves.

Bands: Neil Diamond, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves Glen Campbell

Folk

Folk music includes traditional music that has been passed through generations by oral tradition and modern music that follows the traditions of folk in instruments and composition. It often emphasizes acoustic instrumentation and meaningful lyrics.

Bands: Joan Baez, Peter Paul and Mary, Joni Mitchell (1960's period)

Outlaw Country

Reaction against Nashville's polished sound, emphasizing raw, authentic lyrics and styles.

Bands: Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings

Pop Influences

Artists like John Denver bridged country and pop music.

Bands: John Denver

Progressive country

Progressive country is a term used variously to describe a movement, radio format or subgenre of country music which developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a reaction against the slick, pop-oriented Nashville sound. Emmylou Harris was called the founding mother of progressive country and Americana. The Byrds' Sweetheart of the Rodeo is considered a seminal progressive country album.

Bands: the Marshall Tucker Band, the Flying Burrito Brothers, the Charlie Daniels Band Kenny Chesney

Country Pop

Blending country with pop elements, leading to crossover success.

Bands: Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, George Strait.

see also Garth Brooks albums discography

see also Shania Twain albums discography

Neo-Traditional

A return to traditional country sounds with modern production

Bands: The Desert Rose Band, The Mavericks, Alabama Tim McGraw

Modern Country

Incorporates elements from rock, pop, and hip-hop.

Bands: Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, Dixie Chicks

Alternative country

Alternative country (commonly abbreviated to alt-country; also known as alternative country rock, insurgent country, Americana, or y'allternative is a loosely defined subgenre of country music and/or country rock that includes acts that differ significantly in style from mainstream country music

Bands: Miranda Lambert Lady A, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean. Wilco, Son Volt and Bottle Rockets

Christian country

sometimes marketed as country gospel, gospel country, positive country or inspirational country) is music that is written to express either personal or a communal belief regarding Christian life

Bands: Oak Ridge Boys, Mercy River Boys, The Cook Family Singers, Red Sovine, The Louvin Brothers and The Carter Family