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The Resurgence of Southern Rock in 2024 and Beyond

2024-12-15

The American South stands as a captivating realm of cultural dichotomies. These contradictions, having fueled the political maelstrom for centuries, are now igniting some of the most remarkable music of our time. In 2024, the story of rock is predominantly a tale of Southern rock, manifesting in both classic and indie-rock forms.

Unraveling the Southern Rock Phenomenon

Section 1: The Roots of Southern Rock

Rock & roll is inherently Southern music, as evidenced by luminaries like Little Richard (Georgia), Sister Rosetta Tharpe (Arkansas), Tina Turner (Tennessee), Elvis Presley (Mississippi), and Chuck Berry (Missouri). It migrated north and west, evolving racially and stylistically. In the 1970s, discerning rock fans across the nation placed "Southern rock" classics by Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker Band, Charlie Daniels Band, and Lynyrd Skynyrd alongside records by Grateful Dead, Eagles, Poco, Neil Young, and The Band. These records drew from the same well, distilling Southern sounds and mythology into quintessentially American music. 2: The misapprehension of the "rebel flag" as a racially neutral symbol tainted the Southern-rock subgenre. This complexity led to diverse interpretations, as seen in Drive-By Truckers' 2001 Southern Rock Opera. Patterson Hood, from Alabama, recognized the opera's timeliness due to current political racial aspects.

Section 2: Modern Southern Rock Artists

Katie "Waxahatchee" Crutchfield (Alabama) and Jake "MJ" Lenderman (North Carolina) crafted 21st-century rock music with distinct Southern sensibilities on Tigers Blood and Manning Fireworks. Lenderman's music is influenced by the Truckers, Neil Young, and The Band, with his politics subtly woven into his storytelling. He sings about dipshit braggart machismo in "Wristwatch" and conveys a rueful message in the title track of Manning Fireworks. 2: Patterson Hood is a fan of Lenderman and Wednesday, his band with Karly Hartzman. Another great 2023 Southern rock album is Weathervanes by Jason Isbell, who started in the Truckers. He was invited to play at the Democratic National Convention, singing "Something More Than Free" about a workingman's plight. Hood and the Truckers played at a delegate party. Meanwhile, at the RNC, Michigan's Kid Rock and Nashville's Sixwire covered Southern rock songs. A recent Trump ad had a Southern rock soundtrack.

Section 3: The Broader Southern Rock Landscape

"Southern rock" isn't just about traditional acts. Bands like the B-52's and R.E.M. were unashamedly progressive in sound and presentation. Forerunners like Big Star (Memphis) and the reunited dBs (North Carolina > New York City) also contributed. Their seminal early-Eighties LPs were reissued this year. Singer-songwriters like Lucinda Williams also play a part. 2: In October, Michael Stipe and Jason Isbell played R.E.M. songs at a Harris/Walz rally, hoping to influence the situation positively. They sang Isbell's "Hope the High Road," a prayer for a new reconstruction. This performance was more convincing than any politician's this year, highlighting the power of Southern rock.

Gracie Abrams, once lost in the muted tones of self-doubt and sorrow, has emerged in 2024 with a vibrant explosion of color. Her works, from the bright yellows and pinks of "The Secret of Us" to her dazzling tour sets, have captivated our eyes and hearts. This year, she has truly blossomed into a real pop star, and we are here to celebrate her success with a detailed recap.

Gracie Abrams' Journey from Insecurity to Pop Stardom

The Secret of Us

Gracie has undergone a remarkable transformation. No longer guided by insecurities like in "Good Riddance", she now gives herself answers and accepts the uncertainty of life. Her music, like diary entries, reveals her carefully articulated delusions. The release of "The Secret of Us" showcases her growth and evolution.This album is more than just extroverted fun. It is filled with regret, longing, and the duality of growing up. Gracie playfully explores different emotions, from a fantastical crush to the love for friends and the mourning of lost things. Through it all, she proves that she has mastered the art of conveying complex emotions.

The Secret of Us Tour

In September, Gracie kicked off her North American tour in Portland, Oregon. She has embraced the stage with a newfound love for performing. From bedroom shows to sharing the stage with Taylor Swift, she has never lost the personal element. After performing with Taylor in sold-out stadiums and featuring her on the title track, Gracie has earned the right to surprise her fans with special songs like "In Between" or "Rockland". Each show is a unique experience that keeps fans engaged.

The Secret of Us (Deluxe)

In October, Gracie released four deluxe tracks to wrap up this chapter of her musical life. "That's So True", a fan favorite, became a hit. But she doesn't hold back. She seamlessly transitions from the lighthearted gossip of "That's So True" to the uncertain reflection of "I Told You Things", leaving her feelings for us to unpack.This year has been a partnership between Gracie and her fans. From fun collabs to a Met Gala appearance and another Grammy nomination, it has been an unforgettable journey. We look forward to more adventures with Gracie in the future.Have a favorite Gracie Abrams memory from this year? Let's celebrate them together! Hit us up at @thehoneypop on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GRACIE ABRAMS:FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

Long before the recent buzz around Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album, a remarkable figure named Frankie Staton was quietly making waves. Frankie, a North Carolina native inspired by the likes of Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton, had been toiling in the shadows for decades. She recognized that she wasn't the only Black person facing such treatment and took it upon herself to book showcases aimed at highlighting Nashville's Black country music talent, which had been hidden in the mix.

The Grand Ole Opry Stage: A Milestone

Not long ago, Frankie finally achieved a significant milestone by stepping onto the stage at the Grand Ole Opry. This was a moment that had been long awaited and marked a turning point in her career. Her performance not only showcased her immense talent but also inspired a new generation of musicians. These young artists, inspired by Frankie's example, have not only shined a light on her work but have also carried it forward, ensuring that the legacy of Black country music in Nashville continues to thrive.

The Journey Through the Shadows

For decades, Frankie Staton faced numerous challenges as a Black country music artist in Nashville. She had to work hard to make her voice heard and her talent recognized. Despite the obstacles, she remained committed to her craft and continued to create beautiful music. Her perseverance and dedication serve as an inspiration to others, showing that with determination, one can overcome even the toughest of circumstances.

The Impact on a New Generation

The emergence of a new generation of musicians inspired by Frankie Staton is truly remarkable. These young artists are bringing a fresh perspective to Black country music and are helping to expand its reach. They are using their platforms to promote diversity and inclusion in the music industry and are making a significant impact. Frankie's influence can be seen in their work, as they carry on her legacy and continue to break down barriers.

The Importance of Local Journalism

Local journalism plays a crucial role in a functional democracy. The Nashville Banner, for example, provides context and clarity needed to understand the present and future of our city. Stories like the one about Frankie Staton take hours of staff time to report, write, edit, and publish. This free journalism is expensive to produce, but it is essential for the well-being of our community. Your contribution is crucial in ensuring that we can continue to bring you such important stories.