Study Notes on the New Wave Movement and Country Music

Discusses the influences behind the song "Burning Down the House."
Mention of a Parliament Funkadelic concert at Madison Square Garden that inspired the group to create the song over several years.
Highlights the appreciation for real funk music and the excitement it generated among the artists involved.

Reminder about an upcoming listening quiz scheduled for next Friday.
Format: first ten minutes of class will feature 10 songs with two questions per song (identifying artist or song title).
The follow-up question likely to be open-ended or fill-in-the-blank to avoid obvious multiple-choice answers.
Total points available: 100, with 5 points each for identifying artists/titles.

Introduction to the topic of country music, distinguishing it from previously discussed R&B.
Themes within country music and how they diverged from rock and roll, noting the folk influences.
Importance of Hank Williams and subsequent generations of rock musicians.

Noted historical migration patterns of African Americans and Caucasians in search of jobs post-World War II.
Impact of radio on music consumption; by the 1940s, radio had become common in households.
Personal anecdote about the father's role in the radio culture and its importance during this era.

Discussion of themes prevalent in country music:
- Sentimentalism
- Patriotism
- Morality
- The archetype of driving pickup trucks and drinking beer still prominent in contemporary country music.
Mention of the Steve Earle song that encapsulates the earlier stereotypes found in country music.

Roy Acuff
- Known as the most popular hillbilly singer, a term used positively in context.
- Instruments used: acoustic instruments (fiddle, banjo, guitar) with no electric instruments.
- Joined Grand Ole Opry in 1938; significant role as an emcee and musician.
- Famously known for songs like "Great Speckled Bird" (unofficial anthem of Grand Ole Opry) and "Wabash Cannonball."
The Singing Cowboy Phenomenon
- Introduction of cowboy singers who romanticized the notion of the American West.
- Gene Autry
- First notable singing cowboy; involved extensively in radio and movies.
- Notable for songs like "Back in the Saddle Again," and contributions to Christmas music.
- Roy Rogers
- Original name Leonard Sly; developed into a TV star with the "Roy Rogers Show."
- Known for the song "Happy Trails."

Description of the 'honky tonk' bar phenomenon post-war, particularly in Texas.
Honky tonks characterized by loud music centered around partying and nightlife, contrasting with earlier sentimental country music.
Adaptation of instruments to suit loud environments, leading to amplification and a distinct honky tonk sound.
Instrumentation included fiddle, steel guitar, lead guitar, bass, and piano.

Background on Hank Williams' troubled life and significant impact on future rock musicians.
Williams had his own radio show as a teenager and developed a voice blending gospel and country styles.
Notable songs include "Hey Good Looking" and thematic explorations appealing to younger audiences.
His life marked by struggles with addiction before dying at 30, becoming emblematic of the 'live fast, die young' ethos.

Mention of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones expressing their appreciation for Hank Williams.
Reflection on the powerful influence of country music in the broader rock scene, emphasizing its relevance beyond its original context.
Example of Springsteen's work, further connecting traditional country sounds to modern rock influences.

Recap of country music developments during the swing and World War II era.
Reflection on the intertwined evolution of country with rock music, laying groundwork for future explorations in coming lectures.