Western Swing Revival
tagStarted 1970Peak 1973–1995Last big hit still active
Western Swing Revival revives classic swing-country instrumentation and dance rhythm with updated recording quality and often a playful sense of historical self-awareness. The music keeps the bounce and sophistication of the original style while speaking to new roots audiences.
History
Asleep at the Wheel became the central revival act in the 1970s, followed by Hot Club of Cowtown, the Time Jumpers, the Quebe Sisters, Junior Brown, Carolyn Martin, and others. The revival kept Bob Wills not just remembered but practically employed by later generations.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- Britannica, "Asleep at the Wheel" (britannica.com)
- Country Music Hall of Fame Bob Wills revival context (countrymusichalloffame.org)