Willie Nelson performing at 48 hours of Atoka festival in Atoka, OK. (1975) by Jay Dickman
Country music is a distinctly American art form with a history as deep as its signature ballads. Rooted in blues, southern gospel and cowboy culture alongside folk influences from Appalachian, Cajun, and Creole communities, its popularity dates as far back as the early 1920’s.
Tammy Wynette signing autographs in Lavonia, GA. (1971) by Al Clayton
Ranging from moody blues and soul-searching hymns to hit-the-dance-floor hits, this genre has both greatly evolved, and yet, stayed shockingly consistent over the course of the century.
Johnny Cash Playing Guitar on Thanksgiving, Hendersonville, TN (1974)
by Jim Marshall Photography LLC
What is country music and where did it come from? To even begin to answer that question, we start with misfits, mavens and magicians who made it, molded it and continue to shape it.
Willie Nelson drinking beer. (1976) by Jay Dickman
For us, these notable names include Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams, and Patsy Cline for starters, but the list of characters who created and contributed to the country music legacy is endless.
Dolly Parton. (1977) by Charlyn Zlotnik
Initially identified as the notes that tugged at the heart strings of blue-collar American life, today’s country music genre celebrates many styles and speaks to dynamic sub cultures all while staying true to its unique sound.
Waylon Jennings by Charlyn Zlotnik
To tip our hat to country music, we carefully selected images featuring the artists who created and continue to shape the genre for us. We invite you to view and shop the full
Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings at 48 hours of Atoka by Jay Dickman
Really want to dig into the history of country music?
Check out Ken Burns’ Country Music Film on PBS -this story-driven docu series is best paired with a cold brew and newly framed fine art photograph.
Follow us at @HeartofGoldFineArt for more on this collection.