Examples of Americana Music 

Americana music is considered to be music rooted in American tradition. The genre has a diverse range of performers and influences. Artists that are considered examples of the genre include Bob Wills, John Prine, and The Cadillac Three. It is popular in the South and is often characterized by slow, folky songs. 

John Prine 

The songs of John Prine are often characterized by an honest, direct voice. Songs such as “Spanish Pipedream” and “Iron Mountain” explore troubling subject matter like Cold War militarism, but do so with humor and simple country instrumentation. The lyrics are also blunt, but Prine manages to bring the subject matter to life with his honest approach. 

Prine’s songs are often a bit sad or poignant. Some of them depict the same old feeling that many people may have when faced with life’s challenges. In “White Meat Is on the Run,” he croaks of a life in which the “dark meat” is overcooked, but the “white meat is on the run.” Life, however, makes no apparent sense, but through art, we can make stories out of it. 

Midland 

In a country music world, it can be hard to tell if a band is authentic or not. The Midland band is considered an example of the genre. In addition to their music, they have a marketing and lifestyle brand. Cameron Duddy and Mark Wystrach used their connections in the entertainment industry to achieve success. This marketing campaign includes selling fake turquoise necklaces, and they use their music to promote themselves. The band’s lead singer and songwriter is a native of Oregon. According to the band’s website, they formed their band after attending bass player Cameron Duddy’s wedding in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 

Americana music has different roots than traditional country. From the Muscle Shoals music hub in Alabama, to the jazz joints in New Orleans, the genre has a variety of influences. 

The Cadillac Three 

The Cadillac Three is a trio from Nashville, Tennessee. The members were previously in the band American Bang, which had a hit in 2010. They later changed their name to the Cadillac Three after signing with Big Machine Records. While they do not strictly fall into the category of Americana, they do bring certain hallmarks of the genre to country music. 

While Americana music has many different roots, it has been categorized as American roots music. It is considered to be classic American music, and includes songs like bluegrass, folk, and country blues. However, Americana music is also influenced by other genres, such as rockabilly and alternative country. Many of its songs are full of figurative language and express raw emotions. 

Bob Wills 

In 1968, Wills was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The following year, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Wills also received a special citation from ASCAP. In 1973, he reunited with some of his former Playboys to record one last album. The album featured 27 Wills standards. Unfortunately, Wills suffered a stroke during the recording session. He died in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1975. 

Wills had a very successful career. He became a staple of the country music genre. He was also an inspiration for Chuck Berry, who was also inspired by Wills’ music. In addition, he ranked #27 on CMT’s 2003 list of the 40 Greatest Men of Country Music.