Abstract This paper explains that Clay Walker is one of the recording stars responsible for the current popular explosion of country music, a multi-billion dollar industry, which has surpassed rock-and-roll and pop music to become the best-selling music genre in the United States. The author points out that Clay is well-known for his high-energy concerts and performance style, even though he has multiple sclerosis. The paper relates that Walker uses techniques of country music, such as themes and stereotypical portrayals to good advantage; however, he also uses some elements from classical music. For example, in his song, "If I Could Make a Living," Walker uses a musical style from Elizabethan songwriters, which is called antimetabole.
Table of Contents
Review and Discussion
Biography of the Artist
Musical Development
Musical Style and Style Changes
Conclusion
From the Paper "Walker was born on August 19, 1969 and was raised on a farm in Beaumont, Texas, the hometown of George Jones. Walker came to country music at an early age when his father presented him with a guitar when he was only 9 years old. Following his graduation from high school (where he "haunted the practice rooms of the music department teaching himself to play the piano"), Walker pursued a full-time musical career by playing concerts across the United States and Canada. "For over three years, he toured and went to school, taking courses about the music business. During this time, he acted as his own manager." Walker's real break came when he took a job as the house singer at a club in Beaumont, Texas."
