Country Music on Television Study Notes

Country Music on Television

Evolution of the Barn Dance Format

  • Historical Context:

    • The barn dance format, popular on radio stations, was adapted for television soon after World War II.
    • Premiere: The Midwestern Hayride, a Cincinnati television program, premiered in 1948 and was picked up by NBC in 1955.

  • Grand Ole Opry:

    • Notably, the Grand Ole Opry, the most popular country music radio program, did not begin telecasting until the late 1970s.

Major Country Music Television Programs in the 1960s

  • Prominent Shows:

    • Wilburn Brothers Show
    • Porter Wagner Show

  • Program Features:

    • Both shows included traditional country music, skits, comedic dialogues, and various guest appearances.
    • The shows essentially translated the radio program formats to a visual medium.

  • Porter Wagner Show Specifics:

    • Most widely syndicated country music television program in the U.S.
    • Host’s Attire: Known for brightly colored cowboy suits adorned with rhinestones, symbolizing his commitment to traditional country music.
    • Show Composition:
    • Featured performances by Porter Wagner himself.
    • Additional content included:
      • Comedy segments by Speck Rhodes.
      • Old-time fiddling performances by Mac Magaja.
      • Banjo playing by Buck Trent.
    • Co-host: Norma Jean Biesler, known as Miss Norma Jean or Pretty Miss Norma Jean, served as Wagner’s co-host until 1967, when she was replaced by Dolly Parton.

Country Music Shows in 1969

  • By 1969, three prime country music shows aired on major television networks:
    • Glenn Campbell's Good Time Hour:
    • Format: Fast-paced and homey atmosphere.
    • Host: Glenn Campbell, a session musician and former Beach Boy.
    • The Johnny Cash Show:
    • Host: Johnny Cash.
    • Features included:
      • Cash’s own music performances.
      • Historical narratives.
      • Guest appearances by renowned artists such as Bob Dylan and Maybelle Carter (Cash's mother-in-law).
    • In the 1970s, the program began to feature an increasing number of popular music and non-country artists.
    • Shift in production style towards over-the-top presentation, leading to a potential alienation of dedicated country music fans.
    • Hee Haw:
    • Format: An hour-long program combining music with comedic skits.
    • Tone: Characterized by hillbilly buffoonery, featuring caricatures of rural life that did not accurately represent reality.
    • Typical settings included general stores, cornfields, and cabins.
    • Featured notable country musicians such as:
      • David "Stringbean" Aikman, a banjoist who performed with Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys in the 1940s.
      • Sheb Wally, an artist known for playing the role of Ben Colder, a song parodist who was perpetually depicted as intoxicated.