The history of country music is fascinating. Although it is mainly associated with the southern states of America (with the official capital of Nashville) and certain provinces of Canada, country music can also be found in other countries such as Northern Ireland, the Netherlands and Australia. Country music is a fairly recent phenomenon, and it represents a mix of different cultures.
It began to evolve in the United States towards the end of the 19th century during a wave of immigration, when many Europeans left everything behind in order to look for a better life in the States. They brought with them their folklore, traditions and many instruments (the Celtic fiddle, Italian mandolin, guitars, banjos, etc.). Mix all this with Celtic, folkloric sounds (like yodelling) and gospel music, and you get country music (also called "the white man's blues"). The first official recording of country music dates to 1922 with Sallie Gooden by Eck Robertson. In the 1930s, Western films invented the false idea that cowboys like and play country music – despite this, it helped make country music very popular! Famous artists include Jimmie Rodgers, the Carter Family and Uncle Dave Macon.
If you’re interested in trying out some country sheet music, such as Yakety Axe by Chet Atkins, Tomplay has everything you need. Play famous country music songs – they are available for all instruments and levels.
