Learn Through English
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Learn Through English |
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Music |
Country |
This is a treasure hunt about one of the most popular music styles in the XXth century, particularly in the USA. Find the information you need to answer the following questions. Read them carefully and follow the instructions. If you do, you will have learnt a lot about Country when you finish. Click here for help if you can't answer the questions.
Warm-up activity:
First of all, think about the word Country, what does it suggest you? What do you know about it? Have you ever heard a Country song? Where?
A. THE ORIGINS.
All music styles have a background, that is to say, they are born from other music styles and are set in a historical context. Where does Country come from? What were its music sources and its social and cultural background?
Music sources |
Social and cultural background |
What is the basic Country band formation as regards instruments?
| INSTRUMENT | Yes |
No |
INSTRUMENT | Yes |
No |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trumpet | Drums | ||||
| Electric guitar | Bass guitar | ||||
| Spanish guitar | Synthesizers | ||||
| Piano | Harp | ||||
| Acoustic guitar | Banjo | ||||
| Harmonica | Viola | ||||
| Clarinet | Accordion | ||||
| Violin | Trombone | ||||
| Flute | Organ | ||||
| Lute | Mandolin | ||||
| Pipes | Cello |
These words are instruments closely related to the Country style. Get some information about them and then draw them:
DOBRO/RESONATOR |
SLIDE |
LAP/STEEL GUITAR |
WASHBOARD |
C. THE MUSIC
Have a look at the structure of a typical Country song. Can you describe it? What are the usual rhythms of Country music? Examples: Lost on the River (Hank Williams), I Hold the Line (Johnny Cash), Crazy (Patsy Cline), Stand by Your Man (Tammy Wynette).
Let’s pay attention to the lyrics now. Which of these topics are usual in Country?
DISCOS, SEX, DRUGS, LOVE, SOCIAL INJUSTICE, HUMAN RIGHTS, SCHOOL, HAPPINESS, POLITICS, WOMEN’S RIGHTS, LONELINESS, POLITICS, COUNTRY LIFE, CITY LIFE, RACISM.
The next song was a big hit some time ago and is still one of the most popular Country songs ever. It was sung by Tammy Wynette. However, some people dislike it very much. The problem is the lyrics. Read it and then discuss what the problem is with your classmates. Relate it to the previous questions.
Sometimes it's hard to be a woman Stand by your man |
D. THE GEOGRAPHY
Look at this map of the USA and tick the places where these Country singers were born, lived and worked. What are your conclusions?
COUNTRY MUSICIANS |
Jimmy Rodgers, Hank Williams, The Carter Family, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Faron Young, Tammy Wynette,Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris. |
Map from EnchantedLearning.com.
E. THE MUSICIANS
The following names were very popular Country musicians, but they had very different origins and lived in different times. Could you fill in the chart with the correct data?
Nationality/State |
Race |
Time span |
Instrument |
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Jimmy Rodgers |
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Hank Williams |
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Merle Haggard |
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Nanci Griffith |
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Johnny Cash |
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Faron Young |
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Dolly Parton |
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Kenny Rogers |
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Garth Brooks |
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Patsy Cline |
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Dwight Yoakam |
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Loretta Lynn |
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Waylon Jennings |
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Lucinda Williams |
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Kenny Rogers |
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Garth Brooks |
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Gram Parsons |
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June Carter |
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Willie Nelson |
The Carter Family started a very important saga in the history of Country music. Could you draw their family tree?
CARTER FAMILY TREE |
F. Finally, these are a few questions to make you think
These are words related to country music, actually they are different styles of Country music. Can you explain the differences?
Country music has always been related to Rednecks. Who are they and what are the cultural, social and political connotations? What are your personal conclusions?