There is a quote attributed to Pablo Picasso that says something to the effect of “Good artists copy, Great artists steal”. Which upon further investigation, is probably based on a T.S. Elliot quote.

That’s a long way to get to this morning's theme. In early March, friend of the show Nate Gibson, host of Back to the Country on WORT, played 3 hours of Country Disco on his show and provided some history of the melting of Country and Disco genres in the late 70’s including playing some songs deriding the genre entirely. We do not have three hours but we are going to do our best.

The internet defines country disco as a musical fusion genre that emerged in the late 1970s. It blended the traditional instrumentation of country music—such as pedal steel guitars, fiddles, and vocal twang—with the driving, four-on-the-floor rhythms, synthesized basslines, and lush string or horn arrangements characteristic of disco.

HERE’S WHAT WE PLAYED

Country Disc Bob Newkirk

When I Stop Leaving (I’ll Be Gone) Charley Pride

Get It Up Ronnie Milsap

Country Disco Lee “Shot” Williams

Baby I’m Burnin’ Dolly Parton

Friend, Lover, Wife Johnny Paycheck

I Can’t Wait Any Longer Bill Anderson

I Ain’t Got No Business Doin’ Business Today George Jones

Oh Honey - Oh Babe Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty

Ring of Fire Carlene Carter

Kaw-Liga Hank Williams, Jr.

Folsom Prison Blues Jerry Lee Lewis

I Just Want To Be Your Everything Connie Smith

I Will Survive Billie Jo Spears

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