Country music was once associated with the deep south, beer and bad news. In recent years, the genre has come a long way from the songs that spawned the stereotypes.
What country is defies definition now, but the stars themselves believe it’s about truth and authenticity. Faith Hill has been quoted as saying “Country music is the people’s music. It just speaks about real life and about truth and it tells things how they really are.” Taylor Swift has her own definition, “My definition of country music is really pretty simple. It’s when someone sings about their life and what they know, from an authentic place.” Country stars of years past have a slightly different take on what country music is. “Country music is three chords and the truth,” says Harlan Howard.
Pop crossover act Shania Twain has this to say about it, “Country music is still your grandpa’s music, but it’s also your daughter’s music. It’s getting bigger and better all the time and I’m glad to be a part of it.”
