Country Disco

There is a quote attributed to Pablo Picasso that says something to the effect of “Good artists copy, Great artists steal”. Which upon further investigation, is probably based on a T.S. Elliot quote.That’s a long way to get to this morning's theme. In early March, friend of the show Nate Gibson, host of Back to the Country on WORT, played 3 hours of Country Disco on his show and provided some history of the melting of Country and Disco genres in the late 70’s including playing some songs deriding the genre entirely. We do not have three hours but we are going to do our best.The internet defines country disco as a musical fusion genre that emerged in the late 1970s. It blended the traditional instrumentation of country music—such as pedal steel guitars, fiddles, and vocal twang—with the driving, four-on-the-floor rhythms, synthesized basslines, and lush string or horn arrangements characteristic of disco.HERE’S WHAT WE PLAYEDCountry Disc Bob Newkirk When I Stop Leaving (I’ll Be Gone) Charley Pride Get It Up Ronnie Milsap Country Disco Lee “Shot” Williams Baby I’m Burnin’ Dolly Parton Friend, Lover, Wife Johnny Paycheck I Can’t Wait Any Longer Bill Anderson I Ain’t Got No Business Doin’ Business Today George Jones Oh Honey - Oh Babe Loretta Lynn, Conway TwittyRing of Fire Carlene Carter Kaw-Liga Hank Williams, Jr. Folsom Prison Blues Jerry Lee LewisI Just Want To Be Your Everything Connie Smith I Will Survive Billie Jo Spears This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit classiccountrycorner.substack.com