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Originated: 1930sOrigin: United States
Cowboy / Western

Cowboy / Western

Description

Cowboy / Western music often features themes of the American West, cowboys, and rural life. It typically includes acoustic instruments like the guitar, harmonica, and fiddle, and is characterized by its storytelling lyrics and often nostalgic or adventurous tone.

History

Cowboy / Western music evolved from the folk songs of the American frontier in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was influenced by the ballads and folk music of European immigrants, as well as the music of Mexican vaqueros. The genre gained popularity in the 1930s and 1940s through Hollywood Western films and radio shows, with artists like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers becoming iconic figures. Over time, it merged with other genres, contributing to the development of country music.

Notable Artists

Gene Autry

Roy Rogers

Sons of the Pioneers

Example Tracks