Date

9-19-2024

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD)

Chair

Mary E. Barclay

Keywords

Outlaw Country Music, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, cultural identity, 1970s Country Music Revolution, Southern Music Subcultures, Folk Influences, Texas Music, American South, Radio and Outlaw Country, Fan Culture, Music History

Disciplines

History | Music

Abstract

Music provides lyrics and symbols to express art within the society. The goal of this research project is to examine the outlaw movement in the country music genre to study the connection of the working-class American culture to the music. Additionally, the purpose of this project is to establish the strong relationship of folk genre and country music as an endeavor to provide authentic lyrics that reach into the past to reflect the experiences of the changes in the present. The outlaw movement in the country music genre provided a unique capture through the lyrics and reflection to the culture in this period of history. The research exams the culture’s impact on the music through research of the relationship of the artist, songwriters, and listeners. This movement evolved out of the artist’s fight for freedom to express the reflection of the cultural adaptation echoed in the lyrics. The outlaw musicians helped raise the popularity the country music genre. While enduring the transformation of society, working-class Americans found an escape in the lyrics that provided consolation with echoes of the past. The data for this project was collected through archives, newspapers, and magazine articles. As the country music industry evolved to expand marketing success in the genre, it moved away from traditional sounds. Because of the impact of societal changes to tradition, the songwriters and the working class used the lyrics to reminisce of easier times and to reflect on the struggles faced. The analysis indicated the outlaw movement’s influence on the country music genre tied the culture of the listeners to the music, providing an exchange of sentiments between the artist and songwriters with the listeners. This channel of communication is unique to the country music genre as a result of the continued debate of tradition and authenticity while evolving with the changing society.

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