Country Songs for Children
Country music for kids.
1. I Love 2. Sneaky Snake 3. The Mysterious Fox of Fox Hollow 4. How to Talk to a Little Baby Goat 5. The Barn Dance 6. Ole Lonesome George the Basset 7. I Wish I Had a Million Friends 8. Everybody Loves to Hear a Bird Sing 9. I Like to Feel Pretty Inside 10. The Song of the One Legged Chicked 11. I Care 12. Let's Go Shopping Today 13. Fox Hollow's Animal Train 14. The Dancing Tree 15. Let's Play Remember 16. Randy Raccoon 17. The Duck and the Rooster 18. You Are a Star (Brittni's Song) Tom T. Hall writes songs for children, he says, because they have a lot of the same interests, including the quest for simplicity. One day I just found that we got along great. They understood me, he says. And in this compilation of songs from the '70s and '80s, Hall demonstrates his knowledge of the magic between children and animals and the thrill of taking a trip with the imagination, especially to Hall's own Fox Hollow farm, where such characters as Sneaky Snake, Randy Raccoon, and Ole Lonesome George, the basset hound, await. With the storytelling skills he gleaned as a child in the hills of Kentucky, Hall makes many of his songs into fables. The Song of the One Legged Chicken, for example, teaches a valuable lesson about disability and difference. While other songs bring soothing comfort or merely raise a smile (A mink wears a mink coat the whole year round), and still others encourage play-acting, they all become treasures by the record's end. Packaged with a sing-along booklet.
A Brief History of Country Music
Country music is a genre deeply rooted in the heartland of the United States, characterized by its storytelling lyrics, heartfelt melodies, and strong connections to everyday life. The history of country music is a rich tapestry that spans over a century, evolving from humble beginnings to becoming a global cultural phenomenon:
Early Roots (Late 19th to Early 20th Century): Country music's origins can be traced back to folk traditions, rural communities, and the blending of musical influences from European immigrants and African American communities. Ballads, fiddle tunes, and acoustic guitar playing were common forms of expression in rural areas.
1920s and 1930s: Birth of Commercial Country: The advent of radio and recording technology brought country music to a broader audience. Early stars like Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family popularized the genre, performing songs that resonated with working-class listeners facing hardships during the Great Depression.
1940s and 1950s: Honky-Tonk and Western Swing: The post-war era saw the rise of honky-tonk music, characterized by its raw emotion and tales of heartbreak and resilience. Artists like Hank Williams and Ernest Tubb became icons of this era. Meanwhile, western swing blended country with jazz elements, led by legends like Bob Wills.
1960s: Nashville Sound and Outlaws: The 1960s brought the "Nashville Sound," marked by smoother production and orchestration. Country stars like Patsy Cline and Eddy Arnold enjoyed crossover success. However, the decade also saw the rise of outlaw country, a rebellious movement led by artists like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings.
1970s and 1980s: Country's Mainstream Success: The 1970s witnessed country music's entrance into the mainstream. Artists like Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and John Denver gained massive popularity. The 1980s saw a fusion of country and pop influences, leading to the rise of crossover stars like Garth Brooks.
1990s: Country Pop and Diversity: The 1990s brought a surge in country pop, with artists like Shania Twain and Faith Hill achieving immense success. The decade also embraced a more diverse range of styles, from traditional country to neo-traditional sounds.
2000s to Present: Evolving Sounds: Country music continued to evolve in the 2000s and beyond. Subgenres like bro-country, country rock, and Americana emerged, each with its own distinct characteristics. Artists like Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Chris Stapleton brought fresh perspectives to the genre.
Global Influence: While rooted in the United States, country music's influence has transcended borders. It has inspired artists worldwide and gained enthusiastic followings in countries as diverse as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Diverse Themes: Throughout its history, country music has tackled a wide range of themes, from love and heartache to rural life, social issues, and personal struggles. These themes have resonated with listeners and reflected the human experience.
Cultural Impact: Country music has left an indelible mark on American culture. It has provided a platform for storytelling, reflection, and unity, fostering a sense of shared identity and community.
Country music's journey is one of resilience, innovation, and authenticity. From its humble beginnings in rural communities to its status as a global phenomenon, country music continues to captivate hearts and tell the stories of ordinary people in extraordinary ways.