Americana

A brief history of Americana

Americana is arguably the most distinct and unique musical genre in the United States. This genre stems from the melting pot of musical traditions and cultures that have influenced American music since the 19th century. Although Americana can be defined in various ways, it is characterized by its contemporary take on traditional American folk music, and the incorporation of elements from blues, country, rock, and other genres.

The roots of Americana music can be traced back to early European settlers in America. These settlers brought with them their musical traditions, including ballads, hymns, and dance tunes. As years went by, these traditions blended with African-American music, which was heavily influenced by gospel music, blues, and jazz. The combination of these traditions laid the foundation for the emergence of folk music.

In the 19th century, classic American folk music started to flourish, becoming a popular genre among both rural and urban communities. This genre was characterized by simple acoustic instrumentation, and folk tales told through song. This genre was also heavily influenced by songwriters and musicians like Stephen Foster, who wrote popular songs like “Oh! Susanna,” “Camptown Races,” and “Swanee River.”

During the 20th century, classic Americana music evolved into a more diverse genre. In the 1920s and 1930s, country music emerged as one of the most well-known aspects of Americana. Country music was characterized by strong and twangy acoustic guitar sounds, and a focus on storytelling. Prominent figures in country music included Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, and Johnny Cash.

In the 1950s and 1960s, rock and roll became popularized, incorporating many elements of classic Americana music. The most popular and influential rock and roll artists of this era, such as Elvis Presley and Little Richard, had significant impact on the growth of Americana music.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the cultural era of the hippies further expanded Americana’s influence. This era brought forward artists who embraced psychedelic music, which incorporated elements of country, rock, and blues. Prominent artists in this era included Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead, and The Band.

In the 21st century, Americana made a comeback, with a new generation of artists blending the core components of Americana with modern influences. These artists included the likes of Wilco, Ryan Adams, and Lucinda Williams. This evolution of the genre brought a focus on the contemporary expression of traditional American music, which had a distinctive sound and a universal appeal.

Notable Americana artists

Bob Dylan: Known for his prolific songwriting and gravelly voice, Bob Dylan is universally acknowledged as a master of the Americana genre. His work often explores themes of love, loss, and protest, and his influence can be heard in countless other artists in the genre.

Emmylou Harris: With her angelic voice and masterful songwriting, Emmylou Harris is one of the most influential artists in the Americana canon. Her music often blends folk, country, and rock influences, and she has collaborated with a wide range of other artists across the genre.

Johnny Cash: With his iconic voice and outlaw image, Johnny Cash is one of the most recognizable artists in Americana. His music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and redemption, and his influence can be heard in countless other artists in the genre.

Lucinda Williams: One of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters in contemporary Americana, Lucinda Williams has been active since the late 1970s. Her music often explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of modern life, and she has earned a fiercely loyal fanbase over the years.

The Band: One of the most celebrated groups in Americana history, The Band blended rock, folk, and country influences to stunning effect. With their memorable songs and impeccable musicianship, they have influenced countless other artists in the genre.

Gillian Welch: With her haunting vocals and compelling songwriting, Gillian Welch has established herself as one of the premier voices in modern Americana. Her music often explores themes of love, loss, and the struggle to find meaning in a chaotic world.

Neil Young: With his raw voice and incisive songwriting, Neil Young is a true legend of the Americana genre. His music often explores themes of personal freedom, social justice, and environmentalism, and he has inspired countless other artists in the genre.

Alison Krauss: One of the most acclaimed bluegrass artists of all time, Alison Krauss has been active since the 1980s. With her angelic voice and virtuosic fiddle playing, she has earned a broad following across the Americana spectrum and beyond.

Steve Earle: With his gruff voice and gritty songwriting, Steve Earle has established himself as one of the most important figures in modern Americana. His music often explores themes of alienation and social injustice, and he has influenced countless other artists in the genre.

Bonnie Raitt: With her smoky voice and virtuosic guitar playing, Bonnie Raitt has been a fixture in the Americana scene since the 1970s. Her music often blends rock, blues, and country influences, and she has earned a loyal following for her commitment to social causes and personal self-expression.

25 Americana records you should hear

1. “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” Soundtrack - Various Artists
2. “Fearless” - Taylor Swift
3. “Raising Sand” - Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
4. “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road” - Lucinda Williams
5. “Oh Mercy” - Bob Dylan
6. “The Band” - The Band
7. “Tapestry” - Carole King
8. “American IV: The Man Comes Around” - Johnny Cash
9. “The Ghosts That Haunt Me” - Crash Test Dummies
10. “The River” - Bruce Springsteen
11. “Revival” - Gillian Welch
12. “At Folsom Prison” - Johnny Cash
13. “Lone Star State of Mind” - Nanci Griffith
14. “Sweetheart of the Rodeo” - The Byrds
15. “Time (The Revelator)” - Gillian Welch
16. “I Will Always Love You: The Best of Whitney Houston” - Whitney Houston
17. “Harvest” - Neil Young
18. “Rumours” - Fleetwood Mac
19. “Swing Lo Magellan” - Dirty Projectors
20. “Red Headed Stranger” - Willie Nelson
21. “The Joshua Tree” - U2
22. “Harlem River Blues” - Justin Townes Earle
23. “The Devil Makes Three” - The Devil Makes Three
24. “The Basement Tapes” - Bob Dylan and The Band
25. “The Weight of These Wings” - Miranda Lambert.

Americana and the charts

In 1986, the Americana Music Association was formed to promote and recognize the genre’s artists. The first significant hit of the genre came from singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris, who’s album “Blue Kentucky Girl” (1979) sold well and popularized the style to a wider audience. Then, in 1992, the album “Uncle Tupelo’s Anodyne” was released and regarded as the first record to fall in the Americana category.

In 1994, country superstar Johnny Cash released his album “American Recordings”, which produced some of his most iconic songs and earned him four Grammy Awards. The success of the album helped popularize the Americana genre and paved the way for other artists to explore the genre’s various musical elements.

One of the most celebrated and best-selling albums of the Americana genre would come in the year 2000 with Ryan Adams’ “Heartbreaker.” The album blended rock, folk, and country in a way that was both engaging and authentic, and it became an instant classic.

Another notable entry into the Americana scene in 2000 was Steve Earle’s “Transcendental Blues.” The title track of the album appeared in the movie “Almost Famous,” and the album’s overall critical success helped Earle gain even more recognition as a premier artist of the genre.

From there, Americana’s popularity continued to soar, with more and more artists exploring the genre’s various elements and creating their own unique sounds. Artists like Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, and Lucinda Williams have all released acclaimed albums that have crossed over into the mainstream.

In the mid-2000s, one of the most significant and break-out albums of the genre was the “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack. The album, which featured artists like Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, and Ralph Stanley among others, became an incredibly successful hit, selling millions of copies and earning numerous awards, including the Album of the Year Grammy in 2002.

Other notable mentions within the Americana scene include The Avett Brothers, who released their breakthrough album “I and Love and You” in 2009, and The Lumineers, who had their biggest hit to date with their self-titled debut album in 2012. In more recent years, artists like Kacey Musgraves, Jason Isbell, and Sturgill Simpson have gained widespread acclaim from both critics and listeners alike.

What people have said about Americana

In his book “Your Song Changed My Life,” music journalist Bob Boilen touches on the allure of Americana music. He describes it as a genre that bridges generational gaps, remarking on its ability to resonate with audiences from different backgrounds. Boilen highlights that Americana’s fusion of genres creates a sense of familiarity while inviting listeners to explore a variety of musical traditions.

Author and musician David Cantwell, in his book “Heartaches by the Number: Country Music’s 500 Greatest Singles,” praises Americana’s authenticity. He underscores its power to tap into raw emotions and life experiences, making it relatable to listeners across generations. Cantwell suggests that Americana’s blend of genres mirrors the complex tapestry of American culture itself.

In “Americana: A 400-Year History of American Capitalism,” Bhu Srinivasan delves into the genre’s historical underpinnings. He views Americana music as a reflection of the nation’s journey, where diverse musical traditions coalesce to tell stories of struggles, triumphs, and cultural evolution. Srinivasan notes that Americana’s fusion mirrors the eclectic blend of cultures and traditions that define the United States.

Author Colin Escott, renowned for his works on American music history, explores the origins of Americana in “Roadkill on the Three-Chord Highway: Art and Trash in American Popular Music.” Escott emphasizes the genre’s ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, capturing the essence of everyday life. He attributes the genre’s appeal to its embrace of both rural and urban influences, creating a musical tapestry that resonates with a wide range of listeners.

Furthermore, in “Willin’: The Story of Little Feat,” author Ben Fong-Torres notes the genre’s versatility. He mentions how Americana music provides a sonic canvas for artists to experiment with different styles while maintaining a connection to their musical roots. Fong-Torres underscores that this fusion allows for artistic growth without losing touch with the fundamental essence of American music.

Collectively, these insights from various authors highlight Americana’s distinctive qualities – its ability to evoke emotions, tell stories, and weave a musical narrative that echoes the spirit of American culture. This genre’s unique blend of influences has cemented its place in the musical landscape, drawing appreciation for its authenticity and diverse appeal.

Americana in context

The social context that gave birth to Americana can be attributed to the deep cultural and political divide in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. The Vietnam War and the civil rights movement created a sense of disillusionment with American society and government, which led to a cultural and artistic renaissance. This new wave of creativity and enthusiasm for American music paved the way for the emergence of Americana.

The cultural context of Americana is brewed from the history of American music, particularly with regards to folk and country music. The genre is rooted in the traditional music of the Appalachians, where musicians would sing about their daily lives, struggles, and hopes. This music was initially passed down through generations by oral tradition. The blues and jazz also played a significant role in shaping Americana’s sound and style. Many early blues and jazz musicians drew inspiration from the sounds of the Appalachian Mountains, creating a fusion of sounds that gave birth to what we now know as Americana.

Moreover, the technological advancements of the 20th century also contributed significantly to the emergence of Americana. The invention of the electric guitar and the microphone gave birth to a new sound and style that could be heard in larger venues with a more substantial audience. The advent of radio and television also made it possible for American music to reach more people and become more accessible. With the rise of DIY music production, new and upcoming Americana artists could self-produce their music, further promoting the genre and creating a more diverse music scene.

Record labels such as Sun Records, RCA Victor, and Columbia Records helped shape the Americana genre by signing and promoting artists who had unique styles. These record labels helped popularize genres like rockabilly, bluegrass, and country, which, in turn, influenced the Americana sound and style. Later, independent record labels like Bloodshot Records and Rounder Records emerged, promoting unknown artists and diversifying the scene.

Besides record labels, journalists and radio hosts also played a significant role in popularizing Americana. The documentary “High Lonesome: The Story of Bluegrass Music,” released in 1994, shone a spotlight on the dying genre, bringing it back to the mainstream. Similarly, the New York Times music critic Jon Pareles began writing about Americana in the 1990s, which brought the genre to the attention of a broader audience. Additionally, radio hosts like John Peel and Bob Harris highlighted Americana on their shows, adding exposure to the genre.

If you like Americana you may like..

Folk: Music characterized with simple melodies and lyrics that tell stories of the common people and their experiences.

Bluegrass: A genre of American roots music that originates from the Appalachian region, featuring string instruments like banjo, fiddle, and guitar.

Country: A genre of popular music that originated in the Southern United States, characterized by storytelling lyrics and traditional instrumentation like steel guitar, fiddle, and harmonica.

Blues: A style of music characterized by its call-and-response patterns and use of blue notes, expressing the struggle and pain of African Americans.

Gospel: Christian music with African American musical influences, using call-and-response and harmony singing, expressing religious devotion and hope.