Unit 4 Flashcards
(21 cards)
Who was Ralph Peer?
A record executive who discovered country music and sought white-folk music with commercial appeal
Ralph Peer played a significant role in the early commercialization of country music.
What was the goal of Ralph Peer in discovering music?
To find white-folk music that would have commercial appeal
Name an early recording artist who increased the commercial appeal of hillbilly music.
Carter Family
The Carter Family included notable members such as June Carter, who married Johnny Cash.
Name another early recording artist influential in hillbilly music.
Jimmie Rodgers
List several subgenres of country music developed during and after World War II.
- Bluegrass
- Honky-tonk
- Country-crooning
What instruments are typically played in a bluegrass ensemble?
- Banjo
- Fiddle
- Guitar
- Mandolin
What was the BMI and ASCAP strike in the early 1940s?
A conflict where ASCAP battled major radio networks, leading to the creation of BMI
How did the BMI strike contribute to early country music?
It increased the success and visibility of hillbilly/country/western artists
Fill in the blank: The strike contributed to the _______ of hillbilly music.
success
What is blue yodel?
A vocal technique made famous by Jimmie Rogers; appeared at the end of stanzas; was somewhere between a Swiss yodel and an African American field holler.
Blue yodel combines elements from different musical traditions, showcasing a unique vocal style.
Define bluegrass music.
A style of music that focused on performing and reviving traditional southern music.
Bluegrass is characterized by its use of acoustic instruments and often includes elements of folk and blues.
What is the Carter scratch technique?
A guitar technique developed by Maybelle Carter using her thumb to play the melody on the bass strings while strumming over the other strings.
This technique contributed significantly to the sound of early country music.
What is a country crooner?
Country singers who sang sentimental songs in an intimate, pop-oriented style.
Crooners often emphasized emotional delivery and smooth vocal styles.
Describe honky-tonk music.
A louder, rougher form of country music involving electric instruments, vocal cracks, and a heavy beat; meant to convey the spirit of a juke joint or roadside bar.
Honky-tonk music reflects the working-class experience and is often associated with bars and dance halls.
What is a lick in music?
Short melodic motives played on the guitar, often combined as a basis for improvisation.
Licks are essential for soloing and add flavor to musical performances.
Who were the singing cowboys?
An image cultivated by country singers such as Gene Autry and Roy Rogers in film, radio, and television beginning in the 1930s.
Singing cowboys became iconic representations of American culture and the Western genre.
Which of the following was not a factor in the rise of hillbilly music?
The creation of race records.
The rise of hillbilly music was influenced by several factors, including the creation of BMI, radio popularity, and the ASCAP strike of 1941.
Which instrument is typically found in a bluegrass ensemble?
Banjo.
Bluegrass ensembles often include instruments like mandolin, fiddle, and upright bass in addition to the banjo.
Who was Ralph Peer?
The recording director for the Columbia record company.
Ralph Peer played a crucial role in the development of the country music industry.
Which of the following was not a member of The Carter Family?
John.
The Carter Family consisted of Maybelle, Sara, and A.P., who were pivotal in shaping country music.
Which of the following was not a popular country music radio program?
NBC Music Appreciation Hour.
Popular programs included The Grand Ole Opry, The WSM Barn Dance, and National Barn Dance.
