Redefining Country: From Cowboys to Contemporary

 As we've been examining over the course of Country Week, country music has found a larger audience, in part by widening its sonic palette. For the final episode of this series, we take a look at a genre on the outskirts of country – Americana music – and how it's being used to connect to the scene's musical roots.  

Historically, Americana has embraced an acoustic sound, traditional repertoire, and an appetite for virtuosic technique. In bluegrass artists like Billy Strings and roots musicians like Sierra Ferrell, Nate and Charlie see if there's an antidote to be found for the issues that plague modern, mainstream country music.

Songs discussed:

• The Punch Brothers – Rye Whiskey
• Sierra Ferrell – In Dreams
• Dolly Parton – Jolene
• Sierra Ferrell – I Could Drive You Crazy
• Sierra Ferrell, Zach Bryan – Holy Roller
• Billy Strings – Dust in a Baggie
• Billy Strings, Willie Nelson – California Sober
• Tyler Childers – In Your Love
• Tyler Childers – Phone Calls and Emails
• Tyler Childers – Rustin' In The Rain
• Don Gibson – Oh, Lonesome Me
• Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson – Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys
• The Chicks – Long Time Gone
• The Steeldrivers – Higher Than the Wall
• Beyoncé – Texas Hold'em
• I'm With Her – Espresso

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