He kinda predates the popularization of the term “country music”. The predecessor of country music was called “hillbilly music”, which is how he marketed himself as. The popularization of country music as a genre happened in the 40s. During the 40s he often played alongside people who marketed themselves as either folk, hillbilly, and country music artists. There wasn’t really a clear distinction at the time.
It’s the same today with rock/pop, rap, r&b, etc. There are lots of variations that fit under the same umbrella. Look at all the different versions of rock music, but artists like Metallica and James Taylor both end up considered Rock artists.
Well, that’s not how I learned it but honestly more and more genre definition seems subjective to me. I know people who are adamant that Johnny Cash isn’t country because they “don’t like country” but they like Johnny Cash. I’ve seen some places start referring to the more modern genre of country as “Honky Tonk“ just to make the separation more apparent.
He kinda predates the popularization of the term “country music”. The predecessor of country music was called “hillbilly music”, which is how he marketed himself as. The popularization of country music as a genre happened in the 40s. During the 40s he often played alongside people who marketed themselves as either folk, hillbilly, and country music artists. There wasn’t really a clear distinction at the time.
It’s the same today with rock/pop, rap, r&b, etc. There are lots of variations that fit under the same umbrella. Look at all the different versions of rock music, but artists like Metallica and James Taylor both end up considered Rock artists.
Well, that’s not how I learned it but honestly more and more genre definition seems subjective to me. I know people who are adamant that Johnny Cash isn’t country because they “don’t like country” but they like Johnny Cash. I’ve seen some places start referring to the more modern genre of country as “Honky Tonk“ just to make the separation more apparent.
Yeah… Genres in general aren’t exactly a science or anything, so it’s all a little subjective.