International Country Music Day Date in the current year: September 17, 2024

Country music, also known as country and western music, is a genre of popular music that originated in the Southern and Southwestern United States in the 1920s and has since become an iconic genre that many people consider synonymous with American culture in general. The terms “country music” and “country and western” became popular in the 1949s, replacing the term “hillbilly music”.

Country music primarily consists of dance tunes and ballads. It is typically characterized by folk lyrics and simple forms. Instruments that are commonly used in country music include the acoustic guitar, steel guitars, banjo, fiddle, harmonica, accordion, drums, piano, autoharp, and some others.

Over the years, many subgrenres of country music have developed. They include, but are not limited to, alternative country, Bakersfield sound, bro-country, Christian country music, countrycore, country pop, country rock, honky-tonk, Nashville sound, neotraditional country, outlaw country, progressive country, and Western swing music.

Outside of the United States, country music is popular in other English-speaking countries, some of which have developed their own distinct styles of country music, for example, Australian country music, Canadian country music, and Country and Irish. Canada has the largest country music artist and fan base outside of the US, and Canadian singer and songwriter Shania Twain is the best-selling female country artist of all time. Country music is also popular in Mexico and Latin America.

International Country Music Day has been celebrated every September 17 since at least the early 2000s (some sources even claim that it was established back in the 1950s). Its date was chosen to commemorate the birthday of American singer, songwriter and musician Hank Williams, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential country musicians of the 20th century. In 2010, he was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Special Citation for his contribution to the development of country music.

How to observe International Country Music Day? The easiest way to celebrate this beloved genre of music is to tune in to your country music station and sing along. But why choose the easiest way when you can choose a fun way? Don a country-inspired outfit (don’t forget your cowboy hat!) and attend a country music concert or festival, or go to the nearest bar with live country music and line dancing.

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to play a musical instrument, write a song or start a country band, here’s your push to finally do it. It’s time to share your talent with the world. Maybe you won’t become the next Johnny Cash or Dolly Parton, but you’ll sure have fun along the way. If you’re not the creative type, you can simply read a biography of a famous country musician or watch a documentary about country music. And don’t forget to spread the word about the holiday on social media with the hashtag #CountryMusicDay.