The Ultimate Guide to Country Music History, Iconic Artists, and Essential Gear

With a recent surge in popularity in the UK, thanks to artists like Zach Bryan, Noah Kahan, Chris Stapleton, and the soundtrack from the film Twisters, country music continues to captivate audiences. This genre, with its deep roots in American culture, has charted a remarkable course through time, from its early beginnings in Tennessee to its current domination of the pop charts with stars like Taylor Swift and even collaborations with Post Malone.

In this blog, we’ll journey through key moments in country music history, shining a spotlight on legends such as Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Garth Brooks. Their contributions to the genre have shaped not only the music but also the culture that surrounds it.

Additionally, we’ll cover the practicalities of achieving that perfect country sound. Whether you're shopping for your first acoustic guitar or looking to upgrade to pro-level gear, we’ll break down the essential instruments used in country music and how to recreate its signature tones.

Country music emerged in Bristol, Tennessee's mountain towns in the 1920s. Early stars of the genre included Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family.

Country music first became popular on local radio. In the mid-’20s, a syndicated radio programme called Grand Ole Opry, recorded in Nashville, brought country music to a national audience.

String bands were popular in the 1930s and ’40s. Country music had many virtuosic players on the guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and bass. Performing as bluegrass string bands, artists like Earl Scruggs and Doc Watson created country hits based around dynamic playing. These players became stars of Appalachia, Texas, and rural America after performing in clubs known as honky tonks and on radio broadcasts.

Country singers dominated rural radio. During the same period, "singing cowboys" such as Gene Autry and crooners like Hank Williams brought country songs to the masses.

Country music's popularity grew in the second half of the century. Artists including Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, and Shania Twain racked up best-selling albums and Grammy awards.

Outlaw country emerges. Following in the footsteps of Johnny Cash, a star of 1950s and 1960s country music, some artists rejected the commercial trappings of mainstream country. Over time, Cash and his peers pioneered a subgenre known as outlaw country. Outlaw country artists include Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Waylon Jennings.

Great question! Outlaw country emerged in the 1970s as a rebellious offshoot of traditional country music, marked by its anti-establishment lyrics and rough-edged sound.

Outlaw country rejected the polished Nashville sound, embracing a grittier, more authentic tone that resonated with a counter-cultural audience. It celebrated individualism, personal freedom, and often delved into themes of outlaw behaviour and existential introspection. 

Alt-country took hold among indie rock fans. Country music has long had an alternative side, anchored by songwriters such as Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark. Their songwriting and performance style helped inspire the alt-country movement of the 1990s and 2000s, where artists like Drive-By Truckers and Jason Isbell brought country music to alternative and indie rock audiences.

Country is a Top 40 genre. In the twenty-first century, mainstream country music rivals hip-hop and dance-pop for dominance of the Billboard charts. Singer-songwriters like Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, and Lady Antebellum enjoy widespread airplay and inclusion on pop music streaming playlists. Televised industry events like the Country Music Awards (CMA) have brought further awareness to the genre and increased its reach.

When it comes to the electric guitar side of country music, there is only one definitive answer to which six-string you need…

The Fender Telecaster is iconic in country music, prized for its bright, twangy tone and versatility. Introduced in the 1950s, the Tele's solid-body design and dual single-coil pickups deliver a crisp, cutting sound, perfect for the rhythmic and melodic demands of Country.

It became a favourite of country guitarists like Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and modern artists like Brad Paisley. Known for producing clean, punchy tones with a bit of bite, the Telecaster remains essential in country music for both lead and rhythm playing, contributing to the genre's signature sound.

Kacey Musgraves has redefined country music for a new generation, blending traditional country elements with a fresh, modern twist. Her breakout album Golden Hour garnered multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year in 2019. Kacey's poetic lyrics and lush arrangements resonate across genres, making her a staple in both country and pop.

Musgraves is often seen playing a Gibson acoustic guitar, known for its full-bodied tone that complements her serene vocal style. These guitars, like the Gibson Hummingbird, are sold by PMT Online and are ideal for musicians looking to capture that warm, dreamy sound found in her music.

A modern torchbearer for the heart-on-sleeve songwriting of outlaw country, Zach Bryan has quickly gained recognition with his raw, emotional storytelling and indie-folk-country blend. His rise to fame has been powered by the authenticity and grit of his acoustic performances, frequently accompanied by a Martin D-18 acoustic guitar, which is known for its punchy, mid-range warmth and clarity.

Martin guitars are a go-to choice for those seeking a rugged, reliable instrument for country music, and many models, including the D-18, can be found at PMT Online.

With his crossover appeal and chart-topping hits, Morgan Wallen is one of the most influential modern country artists today. His mix of country, rock, and hip-hop influences has drawn fans from various genres. Wallen’s go-to instrument is the Gibson Les Paul electric guitar, which delivers the powerful, robust tones heard in his more upbeat tracks.

If you're looking to replicate Wallen's sound, the Gibson Les Paul can be found at PMT Online in a variety of finishes and models suitable for any musician.

A titan in the country music industry, Tim McGraw has built a career that spans three decades with hit after hit. Known for his baritone voice and heartfelt ballads, McGraw has played a key role in modernising the country sound. He often relies on his trusty Fender Telecaster when playing electric guitar, an instrument famed for its bright, cutting tone that is perfect for country music.

PMT Online offers a variety of Fender Telecasters, ideal for anyone looking to emulate the smooth yet sharp tone of McGraw's music.

Luke Combs’ gritty, robust voice and relatable songwriting have made him one of the biggest stars in contemporary country music. His songs are deeply rooted in traditional country themes, resonating with fans old and new. Combs frequently plays a Gibson J-200 acoustic guitar, which adds a rich, deep resonance to his ballads and upbeat tracks alike.

We recommend Epiphone's range of J-200s, perfect for getting that bold, punchy sound that’s a hallmark of Combs' music.

Blending folk and country elements, Noah Kahan has emerged as a unique voice in the modern country-folk scene. His introspective lyrics paired with acoustic-driven melodies connect deeply with listeners. Kahan often performs with a Taylor 314ce acoustic guitar, renowned for its balanced tone and smooth playability, making it ideal for both strumming and fingerpicking styles.

Taylor guitars, including the 314ce, are available at PMT Online, offering a rich tone and dynamic range for those looking to capture the warmth and emotion of Kahan’s sound.

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Country music’s rich and varied history, from the legends of the past to the trailblazers of today, shows just how timeless and versatile the genre is. Whether you're inspired by the storytelling of Johnny Cash, the innovation of Dolly Parton, or the modern flair of Luke Combs, there's no doubt that country music has something for everyone.

At PMT Online, we stock a wide range of instruments played by these country legends and enthusiasts alike. Whether you're after the iconic twang of a Fender Telecaster or the warm resonance of a Martin acoustic guitar, we have everything you need to capture that authentic country tone. Explore our extensive selection of guitars, amplifiers, and accessories, and bring your country music dreams to life!