Wearing a big hat and playing a guitar, a country music singer is using his rising and falling voice to tell the audience about his love, hope and loss. Few people could avoid getting caught up in his feelings.
This is the appeal（魅力）of country music, which speaks to the basic emotions of human life. Throughout the 20th century, it has grown into one of the most original and lasting American musical forms.
Country music's roots are in the songs of the American South, brought over by early immigrants(移民) from England. Those songs expressed the hardships of rural life and deep religious beliefs. In the 1920s, country music came into being as its first recordings were made. Early stars like Jimmy Rodger, known as "The Father of Country Music", and the Carter Family established its strong traditions － good song-writing, singing and playing.
Much of this music was written for and brought to the American public through the cowboy films of the 1930s and 1940s. It was widely popular then and many singers turned up on stage wearing Western fringe and cowboy hats.
In the 1950s, the country music recording industry was set up in Nashville and moved away from its rough roots. But singers like John Denver, with his hit track "Take Me Home, Country Roads", insisted on the originality and emotions of "real" country music.
Younger artists in the 1990s turned to older country styles and mixed t3vhem with elements of rock 'n' roll. Steve Earle, with his song "The Devil's Right Hand", is typical of this so-called "another country music".
Country music continues to speak to Americans of all ages and backgrounds. And it gives the nation an identity（独特性）.
Unlike pop music, country music was American, and only American. During its development, it continued to emphasize that "American" element and sounded completely different from its English ancestors. It may even be said that its sound and story tell the history of the United States.
小题1:Which of the following is the typical image(形象) when a country music singer performs?
A．Wearing a big hat and playing a guitar.
B．Using the rising and falling voice.
C．Telling about his love, hope and loss.
D．Singing for those working in the fields.小题2:Which of the following statements about country music is TRUE according to the passage?
A．Country music was created by immigrants from England.
B．Country music comes from South American songs.
C．John Denver was known as "The Father of Country Music"
D．Country music that belongs to pop music was American, and only American.小题3:The underlined expression “getting caught up in” probably means_________.
A．become interested or involved in
B．becoming fashionable or popularin
C．become caught in
D．breaking away from小题4:The author mentioned Jimmy Rodger, John Denver and Steve Earle to __.
A．tell us the stage singing style of country music
B．show the process of the development of country music
C．attract the audience's attention to country music
D．introduce some famous stars to readers小题5:When did Country music begin to turn into a stage art？
A．In the 1920s
B．In the 1940s
C．in the 1950s
D．in the 1990s
