Influence on society
In 1929 when the economic depression began the country was going through a very hard time and that is when the “Singing cowboy” emerged. It became some type of fantasy in which a cowboy living a happy life with his guitar, horse and girl meant a way out for the people that was going through struggles due to the economic grip. It became what the nation needed. The most famous “Singing Cowboy” was Gene Autry.
Country has always been seen as representing the forces of conservatism and tradition. Country worships cowboy pride, those who’ve gone their own way and taken chances. One of the main ingredients of country music is the sense of home and its niche was the white working class.
“Our willing is to not only wear the flag, but to stand for the flag and country music does that”
–President Richard Nixon
Another way to have an influence in the society and give the audience a break from the situation living in the country was The Grand Ole Opry, a radio show that broadcasted country music and showcased performances by country singers. Its aim was inviting people to an ideal of the rural world and showing them how was it like. It became so powerful that all of the sudden men were dressing with overalls, patch clothing, straw hats… and the women would wear squared dresses, there’s to say, the typical rural attire.