In the round: the circular heritage of country music

Abstract

Heritage is always in the process of becoming – whether a building through alteration, redesign or destruction and rebuild, or a cultural tradition through new renderings. The heritage of country music is no different, yet has rarely been addressed, surprisingly, given its clear references to more conventional meanings of heritage, and specifically its origins and re-acquaintance with tradition. Here, key relationships within country music are explored and assessed through musical composition, alongside ethnographic and geographic discussion of its core elements: its origins in the folk music of the British Isles, manifestations in North America, and presentation to audiences and its cultural significance on both sides of the Atlantic. Exploring these themes reveals a heritage in circular conversation, with British country music adding its voice to the ongoing song ‘in the round.’

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