A daily series, Connect! Unite! Act! seeks to create face-to-face networks in each congressional district. Groups regularly socialize but also get out the vote, support candidates and engage in other local political actions that help our progressive movement grow and exert influence on the powers-that-be. Visit us every morning at 7:30 A.M. Pacific Time to see how you can get involved. The comment thread is fun and light-hearted, but we're serious about moving the progressive political agenda forward.
|
Do You Like Country Music ?
I do. I always have. When I was a kid my little town only had one radio station. This was before radio stations had formats where they only play one kind of music and before FM radio. Our little station might play Frank Sinatra and Johnny Cash back-to-back, then Patti Page, then a Johnny Horton song. There was high school football on Friday nights. I heard enough Country & Western to take a liking to it and I still like it to this day. A lot of people don't like Country Music because they don't think it's cool. Some people think a person's taste in music says something about who they are. They see Country Music as some kind of class marker; something only ignorant people like. I'm not like that. Life's too short. If I like something, I like it, no matter the genre. So I though I'd write a bit about the history of Country Music and share a couple of my favorites.
Now, when we talk about the history of Country Music, we're talking about the history of recorded Country Music. Like the Blues, Country Music started out as folk music. Music that people played on guitars and fiddles when they got together. Yes, before broadcasting, before radio, TV and social atomization, people gathered to socialize in groups. They played music and they sang songs. In churches, at picnics and in their homes when company came over; that's where folk music started and it started a long time ago. Recorded music only dates back to the early 20th century when recording equipment was invented. Recorded Country Music can be traced to one man, a recording engineer named Ralph Peer.
In the early 1920s, when portable recording machines were available, recording engineers traveled around the South seeking local talent and making location recordings. In June of 1923, following the advice of a record dealer, Ralph Peer set up his equipment in Atlanta. He worked for the Okeh record label and on June 14 he recorded this little number by a man named Fiddlin' John Carson:
That song, The Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane, was the first Country hit record. It sold enough copies that the record company invited Carson up to New York City to make some more records and it sent engineers scrambling around the South looking for the next big hit. Record companies recorded two kinds of folk music in the South; Blues, which they called "race music," and old-timey country, which they marketed as "hillbilly music."
In 1927 Peer, now working for the Victor label, set up his equipment in Bristol, Tennessee and recorded two more seminal sessions. On August 1, 1927 he recorded four songs by the Carter Family and on August 4 he recorded two songs by Jimmie Rodgers. The Carter Family are Country Music Royalty to this day and they were the first to record many songs that are now considered Country standards. Jimmie Rodgers, "The Singing Brakeman," was the first Country Music Star.
Rodgers had worked with black musicians in medicine shows around the South and he learned the Blues from them. Most of his songs are actually Blues songs. His guitar style is different from that of his African-American contemporaries and his rhythms are not as pronounced, but they're the Blues, with a I-IV-V chord structure and A-A-B lyric pattern. Rodgers added yodeling to his songs, which you don't often hear in Blues. This song, Blue Yodel #4, also called California Blues, is particularly important.
California Blues was hugely popular in Oklahoma and according to Woody Guthrie it was that song that launched the Okie Migration. It was Okies, and their kids, who created the Bakersfield Sound. This was a spare, stripped-down style of Country music played by the likes of Buck Owens and, my favorite, Merle Haggard. Merle did a whole album of Jimmie Rodgers covers. This Jimmie Rodgers Depression song appears on Haggard's Okie From Muskogee album. It was recorded live in Muskogee, OK in December of '69 and if I could only have one Country album, this would be the one.
Woody Guthrie was the troubadour of the Okie Migration. He rode the freight trains with the Hobos, picked fruit and lived in Okie camps in California. When Bob Dylan broke into the Folk scene in New York his style was a straight-up imitation of Guthrie's. Pete Seeger and all the New York Folkies thought he was the next Woody. But Dylan just liked Woody's style. He didn't want to do politics or sing Union songs. He was, after all, a middle-class kid from Minnesota with artistic ambitions; more of a poet than an organizer. I always though Merle should have been Guthrie's successor. His people were Okies. They'd ridden trains and picked fruit just like Woody did. Merle didn't want to go that route either but he's the real deal. He knows the history and the people. Merle had a minor hit with this one in 1981. He played it at the White House for Ronald Reagan.
All right my friends, that's all I've got for this morning. It's your turn now. Got any news, any interesting links ?
Do You Like Country Music ?
Latest Updates on Kossack Regional Meet-Up News Can Be Found Below the Orange Group Hug.
Let's Build Communities!
Our team is here to provide support and guidance to new and existing volunteer leaders of each regional and state group, helping them with recruiting, organizing and executing social and action events.
We invite you to join in this effort to build our community. There are many ways to pitch in.
If there isn't a group to join near you, please start one.
Instructions on HOW TO FORM A NEW DAILY KOS GROUP
List of All Existing Meatspace Groups
Where the Kogs Are: Index/Directory of the 130+ Localized Daily Kos Groups
THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY
Meetup Success! C+J/NE Kossacks Sept 6th
by nhox42 ♥ for New England Kossacks
The New England Kossacks got together at the home brillig and mik north of Boston. Kossacks drove from all over New England to attend. Looks like a great time was had by all.
Folks in attendance were: brillig, mik, K1, K2, Simple, nhox42, Ed Tracey, GreyHawk, Kathy, TrueBlueMajority, theKgirls, Bill in Portland Maine, Common Sense Mainer, mayim, dtheo, RubDMC, AnotherMassachusettsLiberal, Debbie in ME, ialonelady, CwV, sardonyx, Noor B, Andy, James and Alex.
New England Kossacks
Please visit nhox42's diary for MORE photos! Including yummy food pr0n. Enjoy! You can still REC it. You can join New England Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to nhox42.
by ZenTrainer ♥ for Nashville KosKats
August 16th, the KosKats met up at the lake at Shipwreck Cove; Patrick is Lucky, Zen Trainer, Mr. and Ms. Sow Hat and 2 red county anonymous dems.
From Zen Trainer:
The Democrats aren’t even trying here. We talked about how to get someone with some sense in here running our state party. I had a name in mind - Mary Mancini.
[...] The other thing we talked about is Moral Mondays. I’d like to really concentrate on getting our legislature to force our Governor to accept expanded Medicaid for our state. I need big time help for that. Most of the KosKats who came to this meet-up don’t live in Nashville, they are on the outskirts. So we need some more local KosKats to step up.
L-R: Photo 1 - Mr. Sow Hat, Patrick is Lucky & Sow Hat Photo 2 - Patrick is Lucky & Zentrainer
Please visit ZenTrainer's diary for photos plus food pr0n! Enjoy! You can still REC it. You can join Nashville KosKats by sending a Kosmail to ZenTrainer.
by mimi ♥ for Maryland Kos
A joint meet-up of the Kossacks from Virginia, Maryland and DC happened on August 23rd. What a nice turn-out with great political discussion. Thanks to team leaders JamieG from Md and NinthElegy for organizing.
Here's one photo:
Back row: STI (JamieG's husband), Sturunner, jhutson, Uncle Cosmo, TRsCousin
Midde row: VeenaS1, Diana in NoVa, Aximill, mollyd, mdmslle, JamieG from Md, JG in MD, a gilas girl
Front row: louisev, patbahn, Laura Wnderer, BDA in VA
Please visit mimi's diary for many MORE photos! Enjoy! You can still REC it.
You can join Maryland Kos by sending a Kosmail to JamieG from Md.
You can join VIRGINIA KOS by sending a Kosmail to JamieG from Md.
You can join DC KOSSACKS by sending a Kosmail to NinthElegy.
by Sara R ♥ for Koscadia
The Kosacadia Kossacks (rsmpdx, winglion, loggersbrat & Sara R) got together at their local Food Truck pod. They stamped money to support the Stamp Stampede which was organized by Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream as a citizen effort to promote a Constitutional amendment to undo the pernicious effects of the Citizens United decision. Sara R has set up a Daily Kos group to rally others to this cause, please send them a Kosmail if you'd like to join in.
Please visit Sara R's diary for details. You can still REC it. You can join Koscadia by sending a Kosmail to Sara R.
by John Crapper ♥ for Seattle and Puget Sound Kossacks
Excerpts from John Crapper:
[...] Within minutes of my first conversation with Penny GC she said it best. "You know, I feel like I already know you from your posts and comments. Do you know what I mean?" And I immediately nodded my head feeling exactly the same way. That is the beauty of the Kossack experience!
[...] Finally, I gave each an assignment. I am a teacher you know so it's in my DNA. I asked each person to recruit one person in their circle of friends to become a Kossack and join Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks. It's this simple. [...]
Thanks, Mr. Crapper for this excellent organizing of Seattle. We have big hopes for mobilizing all of Washington. So great of you to be on board here in the beginning with such an important metropolitan area.
L to R - Back row: Nelson (soon to be Kossack), Sarge in Seattle, Gemina13, bleeding blue, momomia,
Kneeling down, Yous truly John Crapper, Penny GC
Not in picture: LarissaW & John Crapper's SO
Please visit John Crapper's diary for many MORE details! You can still REC it. You can join
Seattle and Puget Sound Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to
John Crapper.
by remembrance ♥ for Silicon Valley Kossacks
Last Sunday, Silicon Valley Kossacks had their first meet up right in the hub of Downtown San Jose, where plutocrats, technocrats, and college students gather over local brew. The patio of Gordon Biersch was the setting of our open air meeting that would give cause to our newly formed group and inspire us to reach out to voters about progressive candidates and policies.
[...] If you live in the 17th, 18th, or 19th district, please join Silicon Valley Kossacks. If you are not a Daily Kos user but would like to work with us, please make a user account and leave us a comment below. You can follow our group by clicking on the ♥ at the top of the page.
L-R: Back Row: fiercefilms, Senor Unoball, esquimaux, madhause, navajo, Glen The Plumber, Lusty Front Row: Mrs. Senor Unoball, slowbutsure, norm, remembrance, TLO™
Please visit remembrance's diary for more information. You can still REC it. You can join Silicon Valley Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Glen The Plumber.
Four Corners Kossacks Welcome Entourage from New Mexico
by Thinking Fella ♥ for Four Corners Kossacks
A last minute call went out to anyone interested in welcoming Land of Enchantment and jnhobbs to Durango. LucyTooners and Mr. LucyTooners rose to the occasion. A fantastic evening was reported to me by texts and lots of food pr0n as evidence.
Here's the group photo!
L-R: Mr. LucyTooners, LucyTooners, Thinking Fella, Land of Enchantment & jnhobbs
You can join Four Corners Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Thinking Fella.
Event Organizers! Please contact wink from Netrootsradio.com by KosMail to schedule airtime with them to live broadcast the date of your Event. Wink & Justice will then promote it on The After Show radio program!
Announcing Mojave Kossacks!
Saturday, September 20th
Mojave Kossacks Inaugural Meet-up
Subtitled: Us Poor Bastards what Gotta Live in Teabagger Districts
Moody is looking for Kossacks in the CA-23 area, Antelope/Aerospace Valley, Bakersfield, Mojave, Barstow, Victorville/Apple Valley, and any other Red State SoCal Kossack willing to make the trip to Lancaster.
It's a potluck and if enough people sign up Moody will BBQ some New England style pulled pork.
TIME: 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Lancaster City Park
43063 N. 10th Street West • Lancaster
ORGANIZER: Send Moody Loner a kosmail to attend.
Latest diary: Okay, Let's Do This: Mojave Kossacks Meetup 9/20 2PM
Announcing Coachella Kossacks!
Saturday, September 20th
Coachella Kossacks Inaugural Meet-up
Calling all Kossacks in Morongo Basin and Coachella Valley
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Westfield Mall Food Court
Monterey and 111 • Palm Desert
ORGANIZER: Send Susan from 29 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. blue drop
2. ruscle
3. Susan from 29
4. susans
5. TheNinoThomad
|
Maybees: |
Latest diaries: Coachella Kossacks Sept 20 Meet Up
SERIOUSLY SEEKING Morongo Basin and Coachella Valley Kossacks
Sunday, September 21st
Voter Outreach & Registration + Kansas Kossacks Meet-up
Jean Schodorf (DailyKos endorsed), Jim Sherow (CD1), Dennis Anderson (State Insurance Commissioner) and more in tandem with LULAC - the League of United Latin American Citizens in an effort to reach out to a large and growing portion of the Kansas Community that has been left out by Republicans.
IF YOU ARE A KOSSACK IN AN UNORGANIZED KANSAS COUNTY, please attend!
TIME: 2:00 - 5:00 PM
LOCATION: Wright Park
Map • Dodge City
ORGANIZER: Send tmservo433 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. tmservo433
2.
3.
|
Maybees: |
Latest diary: Uniting a State: Kossack Meeting Dodge City, KS Sept. 21
Attribution: Jetsonorama
Sunday, September 21st
People's Climate March
TIME: Midday, TBD
LOCATION: Columbus Circle
Central Park West and 59th • New York City
Join hundreds of environmental and climate justice groups and tens of thousands of individuals on the streets of New York City on Sunday, September 21, 2014, for the People's Climate March. The march is being held two days before the UN Climate Summit, where political and corporate leaders are meeting prior to the December 2015 UNFCCC COP21 in Paris. It also precedes Climate Week NYC.
The links below provide information on transportation to New York, volunteer opportunities, events in New York, and other ways you can become involved in your local communities.
• Getting There: Links to available buses, trains, ride boards and creative group transit ideas near you to get the NYC for September 21st
• How to Get Involved
• RSVP and volunteer/donation opportunities
Latest diary: UN Climate Summit: What To Expect and Why it Matters
Sunday, September 21st
NYC Kossacks Meet-up with boatsie & WarrenS!
TIME: 5:00 PM
LOCATION: Spitzer's Corner
101 Rivington Street (Ludlow) • NYC
ORGANIZER: Send kathny a kosmail to RSVP
RSVPs:
1. boatsie
2. kathny
3. sidnora
4 rubyr
5. joanbrooker
6. WarrenS
7. NancyWH
8. Sean Robertson
|
Maybees:
mimi
raines
MizC
MizC's brother
|
Latest diary: NYC Post-march meetup 9/21 - w/special out-of-town GUESTS!
Saturday, September 27th
LA Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Guild Restaurant
611 W 7th St • Los Angeles
ORGANIZER: Send susans a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. susans
2. Shockwave
3.
|
Maybees: |
Latest diary: [Waiting for linked diary]
Seattle City Council member
Kshama Sawan
Saturday, October 4th
Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks Meet-up
SPECIAL SPEAKER: Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant who gained national attention in her successful campaign to get $15.00 min. wage passed in Seattle
TIME: 12:30 PM
LOCATION: Pyramid Alehouse, Brewery & Restaurant
1201 First Avenue South • Seattle
SET MENU COST: $25.00 per person (includes non-alcoholic beverage, gratuity, tax and your choice of entree from a limited-choice menu)
Space will be limited to the first thirty who RSVP for this event and I'm working to have the room filled to capacity, so don't delay.
Please note: A larger group, in a private room, bringing in a guest speaker requires more formality than our past meet ups. Please refer to the google group announcement for more details.
ORGANIZER: Send John Crapper a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. John Crapper
2. John Crapper's SO
3. bleeding blue
4. momomia
5. doingbusinessas
6. cinnamon68
7. Piren
8. Eagle Keeper
9. LarisaW
10. Diachronic
|
Maybees: |
Latest diary: Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks - Meet Kshama Sawant - Oct. 4
Saturday, October 4th
Dkos Asheville Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: The Cantina at Historic Biltmore Village
10 Biltmore Plaza • Asheville
ORGANIZER: Send randallt a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. randallt
2. davehouck
3. Joieau
4. Lamont Cranston
5. DawnN
6. SteelerGrrl
7. SteelerGuy
8. swhelden
9. Ottery Scribe
10. Burns Lass
11. Family guest
12. smiley7
13. people power granny
14. Gordon20024
|
Maybees:
munchkin
|
Latest diary: DKos Asheville: Weekly Open Thread
Sunday, October 19th
NYC Kossacks Meet-up with navajo
TIME: Noon
LOCATION: Spitzer's Corner
101 Rivington Street (Ludlow) • NYC
ORGANIZER: Send kathny a kosmail to RSVP
RSVPs:
1. navajo
2. ericlewis0
3. belinda ridgewood
|
Maybees:
mconvente
|
Saturday, November 8th
Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Pyramid Alehouse, Brewery & Restaurant
1201 First Avenue South • Seattle
ORGANIZER: Send John Crapper a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. John Crapper
2.
3.
|
Maybees: |
Latest diary: Seattle Meet Up - Dog Day Activities
navajo maintains the above event list. Kosmail her if you have any diaries
about your event or if you have changes or additions.
EVERYONE is welcome, tell us what you're working on,
share your show and tell, vent, whatever you want.
This is an open thread. Nothing is off topic.