If a supposed C&W song doesn't have a steel guitar, what do you call it?
Modern Country and Western.
Chet Atkins helped to develop this sound way back when. They added strings and chorus singers and tried to make the music sound more "Pop" so that it would appeal to a larger audience. Todays CW is a highbred of this. The steel guitars have slowly faded into the background and its hard to find a good steel player any more.
I just cannot get into it. I have become a fan of bluegrass in the past 10 years or so. I hardly play my electric guitars any more. I have over a dozen good ones. My acoustics are hung on my living room wall and I play through the four on a regular basis, while jamming to bluegrass accompaniment discs. Two Martins, a Gibson, and a Blueridge Carter Stanley model.
If you look at the videos from the 50's shows--they were actually pretty "cornball." Crazy outfits for the bluegrass and country singers, fake teeth missing (to give it that country flavor), etc. etc. Bluegrass came into its own later. Most of the greats (Ralph Stanley, Bill Monroe,) added class to the genre. Suits and ties are the main uniform of the classic bluegrass groups now.
A lot of the music was good though. I will admit to the fact that steel guitar music always haunted me with its ability to "cry" to a song. I played steel guitar and for me it was mostly gospel, and in church. I still own a classic Fender E9 with three pedals and four knee levers. Considered professional grade in its day (70's).
I was brought up on this stuff and hence my comments above which not everyone will agree to.
That's why there are so many genres of music. I am glad that we can all find something that turns the crank. :yes:
A typical song with I would call Country and it has those beautiful crying steel guitar sounds. " Almost Persuaded" by David Houston. Circa 1966
https://youtu.be/G7tcU0j_li8
I also like the song "Don't Bogart That Joint." It ain't Country, but I love the steel guitar in it.
https://youtu.be/EvGJvzwKqg0