Country music with its melody lyrics and plaintive tunes has long formed the bedrock of American cultural life. There is no doubt that Nashville, Tennessee, is truly the epicenter of this genre, however, the roots of country music run deep within the core of Oklahoma folk life. From music that breathed the spirit of folk, through honky-tonk bars, all the way up to the Grand Ole Opry's stage, Oklahoma has vividly flavored country music's character and sound. This blog discusses how the Sooner State created the stars who illuminated that genre and enriched the very tapestry of the history of country music.
The music heritage of Oklahoma is indelibly intertwined with its cultural and historical landscape. The state's folk origins began in the early 20th century when Appalachian Mountain pioneers brought their ballads, fiddle songs, and storytelling traditions to the state. These folk roots paved the way for what eventually developed into Oklahoma country music.
The Dust Bowl years of the 1930s solidified Oklahoma's position in the history of American music. As families moved west in search of a better life, they brought their musical heritage with them. Woody Guthrie, Oklahoma's most legendary son, came to prominence during these years. Guthrie, born in Okemah, Oklahoma, wrote songs of struggle, hope, and the human experience that spoke to people all over the country. His impact stretched into folk music, as well, and into the narrative style that would come to be the hallmark of country music.
The honky-tonk style, marked by its lively pace, steel guitars, and sincere lyrics, came to epitomize Oklahoma country music in the middle part of the 20th century. Honky-tonk saloons, commonly located along Route 66, were gathering spaces for people who came to dance, imbibe, and hear live music. They also proved to be hotbeds of new talent, allowing musicians a chance to perfect their craft.
One of the greatest honky-tonk artists was Oklahoma-born Hank Thompson. Thompson, born in Waco, Texas, but raised in Oklahoma, became popular in the 1940s and 1950s with such hits as "Wild Side of Life" and "The Blackboard of My Heart." His songs reflected the spirit of honky-tonk, incorporating traditional country and a hint of Western swing. Thompson's success opened the door for other Oklahoma artists, further establishing the state as a country music talent breeder.
During the 1970s, Oklahoma birthed the Red Dirt music genre, merging country, rock, and folk. This grassroots movement was born in Stillwater and evolved into a safe haven for independent musicians. Red Dirt acts such as Cross Canadian Ragweed and Jason Boland & The Stragglers took the musical essence of Oklahoma and merged traditional and contemporary country sounds.
Along with others, Oklahoma has given a huge number of country music legends, each of whom has left a major imprint on the genre. One of those legends is Reba McEntire who has proven to be a major vocal force over her many decades. Born in McAlester, Oklahoma, her music is a blend of traditional country and modern influences which have brought her numerous awards and entry into the Country Music Hall of Fame. She most notably inspired so many others and became one of the most frequently seen stalwarts of good ol' county music.
Another Oklahoma legend is Garth Brooks, whose explosive popularity in the 1990s revolutionized the genre. Tulsa-born Brooks brought a rock-infused vitality to country music, winning over a multiracial audience and breaking sales records. His innovative approach to live performances and promotion revolutionized the business, proving that country music could be sold worldwide.
Vince Gill, a native of Norman, Oklahoma, is another very well-known face in country music. With his smooth voice and good guitar playing, Gill has won several Grammy Awards and is known for both traditional and contemporary country music work. His collaboration with other artists and his songwriting have contributed to his fame.
Although Oklahoma does possess its own lively music community, the ties to Nashville have served to reinforce the state's power in the field of country music. Music City, home of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry, has traditionally been the central location of the industry. Dozens of Oklahoma musicians followed pilgrims westward to Music City, where they were able to record, tour, and jam with fellow artists.
The Grand Ole Opry has also been a major venue for Oklahoma performers. Begun in 1925, the Opry is the longest-running radio program ever and is now a part of the country music legend. Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, and Vince Gill are just a few of the Oklahoma artists to have appeared on the Opry stage, receiving standing ovations and their places in country music history.
Nashville ties are also found in songwriting and production. Some of country music's most iconic songs have been written by Oklahoma-born songwriters, helping the genre grow. Nashville's cooperative nature has made it possible for Oklahoma artists to flourish, meshing their sounds with the rest of the country music universe.
A reverberation of Oklahoma’s influence on country music continues today, with new generations of artists carrying the torch. Blake Shelton, who hails from Ada, Oklahoma, has become one of the more recognizable faces of the genre. With hits like “God’s Country” and “Honey Bee,” Shelton has remained grounded while moving with the times but it is perhaps through his role as a coach on the show The Voice that he most helped showcase country music to the masses, thereby solidifying the state’s influence.
Carrie Underwood, the other Oklahoman, had her measure of fame in these latter years for singing the world down with her powerful set of lungs and lyrics that lay bare the grit of everyday living. Her reign over the country's fame scene soon brought to the fore the relevant musical history of Oklahoma, giving spirit to all other aspiring artists from that state.
An array of institutions and events honors Oklahoma's contribution to country music. Located in Muskogee, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame celebrates the state's musical pioneers, including country legends. The annual "Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival" held in Guthrie brings those folk and bluegrass roots of the state to the forefront, demonstrating the diversity of its musical traditions.
Besides, the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa is a cultural center that keeps the memory of one of the most influential Oklahoma musicians alive. The center's programs and exhibits educate people about Guthrie's contribution to American music and his relevance in contemporary times.
From its folk roots through honky-tonk bars and then directly into the Grand Ole Opry stage, Oklahoma has made an indelible mark on country music. The state's tremendous musical heritage and talented artists left the genre indelibly changed. Oklahoma's country music is one more than the voice of a region; it embodies the power of a rich art of storytelling, endurance, and the human soul.
As we honor the legends who have come from the Sooner State and the fresh voices that are continuing the tradition, it's evident that Oklahoma's legacy of country music never goes out of style. Whether in the sentimental ballads of Woody Guthrie, the honky-tonk standards of Hank Thompson, or the best-selling records of Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire, Oklahoma's musical heritage continues to speak to listeners everywhere. So next time you listen to a country song that touches your heart, keep in mind there's a fair probability it has a touch of Oklahoma.
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