Three IN-PERSON sessions January 12, 19, 26 This course begins with the birth of country music in the 1920's, then covers changes in country music over the years all the way through today's country music. There will be audio clips, videos, photos and interesting facts about the history of country music and the country music stars through the years. Major artists to be highlighted include Jimmie Rogers, the Carter Family, Roy Acuff, Dolly Parton, Gene Autry, Bob Wills, Carrie Underwood, Roy Rogers, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, George Straight, Shania Twain, Johnny Cash, Taylor Swift, Luke Combs and many, many more. We'll learn about the Grand Old Opry, the Louisiana Hayride, Billy Bob's Texas, WSM Radio in Nashville, the historic Bristol Sessions in Tennessee, National Barn Dance in Chicago, Jamboree USA in Wheeling, West Virginia and much more. Chuck Bridwell served as a full-time Minister of Music for 43 years in churches in Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, and Kentucky. Chuck is the founder and director of the 90-member Cresswind Community Chorus. He has musical works published by several different music companies. Mr. Bridwell earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and a Master of Church Music degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been an adjunct instructor in church music at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. For many years he was an enrichment speaker on 45-50 cruises with Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.