Borzillo C. (1993, August 2). New wave of country music. Billboard, pp. 69, 73. Ross, S. (1992, April 4). More teens bopping to country. Billboard, p. 54.

OVERVIEW

Yee Haaaa! "Don’t break my heart...my achy breaky heart," sings Billy Ray Cyrus, as thousands of teens and mid 30ers dance the two-step while clapping, stomping, and hollering at the nearby dance-hall. These folks comprise the jeep-drivin’, knee-high leather bootin’, ten gallon hatters who seem to represent a revitalized cowboy and cowgirl pop-generation that is sweeping the U.S.A.

Why are kids flocking to country music? From Billboard/Arbitron 1993 statistics, the amount of teen listeners grew from 2.3 shares to 8.7. Adolescents are no longer finding country music "uncool."

Country music portrays popular themes and brings sex appeal, as seen on VH1 and CMTV. Country music, with the aid of Garth Brooks, his contemporaries, and the music video industry, has definitely influenced young people between 18-34. Sexy images of studs and loose women seem to landscape most videos. "Guys like Alan Jackson and Clint Black are like stud muffins for girls." R.J. Curtis explains.

Other variables encourage adolescents to turn to country music. One explanation suggests that country music is like listening to the Rolling Stones and the Beatles—kids think that by following it, they can annoy their parents. Others enjoy it for its connection with line dancing, a non-threatening way to dance and have fun.

Teens are attracted to country music because of its changing connotations. "It is ‘cool’ or ‘hip’ to be into country now," Baker of WSIX, Nashville says. Pop artists are beginning to speak about their country music influences like George Jones. Sex appeal of the artists and the quality of songs attract teens in a video age. Some say that other music is not current with the teens’ lives, and country music is a better alternative with a personality-oriented base.

Although country music has no dedication or commitment to teens, the rise in sales and listeners statistically proves that its appeal has once again become a number one choice for them.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. Why do you think country music is so appealing?
2. Is there a connection with country music and the good ‘ol West and its thinking (e.g., "Gunsmoke," "Bonanza," "Wild, Wild West," and "The Rifleman")?
3. What type of lifestyles did the "old West" have? How might these cultural images appeal to young people today?

IMPLICATIONS

1. Young people today are struggling to find their identities in a world termed as a "patchwork self" society. Because of the lack of healthy family, academic, and social institutions, kids find their role models on the street, in the cinema, and on TV. Country music has recently become an influence on youth throughout the U.S.; no longer is this trend restricted to southern states.
2. Youth workers should delve into the new found passion of country music. By doing so, one may be able to gauge what that subculture is trying to say.