International Country Music Day: Quotes That Prove The Power Of The Genre

Though country music does not need a day or a date to be acknowledged, every year on Sept. 17, we celebrate International Country Music Day. Whether you love this genre or not, this day encourages us to take out the banjo, the fiddle or the steel guitar, and play some tunes.

Country music has its origins right here in America. In the early 1900s, country music roots sprouted in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Though Victor Records produced the first country record with singer Eck Robertson, it was Jimmie Rodgers who earned the name of the "Father of Country Music."

Rodger's song “Blue Yodel #1” sold more than one million copies in 1927, propelling him to stardom. In the 1930s and 1940s, cowboy movies featuring Roy Rogers and Gene Autry fanned the flames of country music.

Decades later, the genre remains strong and boasts of a talented pool of singers and songwriters, including Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban and many more.

So, on this happy day, let's read a few quotes that prove the power of country music.

1) If you talk bad about country music, it's like saying bad things about my momma. Them's fightin' words. - Dolly Parton

2) Everybody has their favorite sad songs. That's part of what I love so much about country music. Country music is never afraid to go with a sad song. - Chris Young

3) Of emotions, of love, of breakup, of love and hate and death and dying, mama, apple pie, and the whole thing. It covers a lot of territories, country music does. - Johnny Cash

4) Country music is completely punk-rock. It's the original punk-rock. - Neko Case

5) If you want me in the Hall of Fame put me in because of some contributions that I have made to country music. - Buck Owens

6) I think there's enough room in country music for everybody.- Charley Pride

7) My definition of country music is really pretty simple. It's when someone sings about their life and what they know, from an authentic place. - Taylor Swift