Honky-Tonk Girls

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HONKY-TONK GIRLS

HONKY-TONK GIRLS were women with no particular skill who entertained cowboys in saloons, later called honky-tonks, during the 1800s in the state of Texas. They would sing and dance and drink alongside any cowboy they met in the saloon. They were carefree, happy people who made the cowboys feel important for the evening.

The spirit of the honky-tonk has evolved into modern-day country music. The songs of country singer Loretta Lynn, whose first big hit in 1960 was titled, "Honky Tonk Girl," are classic examples of honky-tonk music. Most honky-tonk music contains stories about religion, family, and hard luck. Its roots are with the common people, similar to the roughhouse cowboy.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Honky-Tonk Music, Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia, 2002.

Rice, James, "Texas Honky Tonk Music," 1985, available from http://www.ssqq.com/information.

Donna W.Reamy