Country music, one of the most popular and successful forms of
American music, defies easy definition. It began as a medium of
expression for southern working-class whites, reflecting the
changes in their society. But, as noted country music historian
Bill Malone has observed, the folk form quickly adapted to
modern commercialism and created a massive entertainment empire
that spans regional, social, and cultural lines. Stylistically,
the music ranges from old-time string-band music to "Western
swing," from blues decorated with yodels to smooth, pop-
influenced vocals. The one consistent factor in the music's
production is its core audience among the southern white working
class and its representation of their values. Among those
values, real and idealized, are hard work, Protestant
Christianity, rural romanticism, good times, and the constant
struggle for love. Often these values seem in direct conflict
with each other, as country musicians are likely to extol the
pleasures of the honky-tonk while preaching t