Early Country Musician Doc Williams (1914-2011): Contributions to the Development of Country Music and Applications for a General Music Curriculum, Grades 3-5

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to document early country musician Doc Williams’ musical career, to evaluate his specific contributions to early country music from 1932 to 1951, and to develop curriculum materials for grades 3-5 general music classes based on his music. I chose 1951 as the end point for this study because at that time Williams began frequent tours to the northeast and Canada. These later years, although worthy of attention, launched a new phase of his career, beyond the scope of this study. During the course of the study, I address the following questions: 1) What was the nature of Williams’ musical education and development as a musician? 2) What are his contributions to country music? 3) In what ways can Williams’ music be used in a general music curriculum for grades 3-5? Doc Williams was born Andrew Smik Jr. in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 26, 1914. He began his life-long musical career playing country music on radio in 1932. His success on WWVA’s “Wheeling Jamboree” contributed to his popularity in the Northeast and throughout Canada. Williams’ practices in country music are the reason many regard him as a pioneer of country music. Radio broadcasts, personal appearances, songwriting, song publishing, and recording were all important components of his life-long career. His music is exemplary of the early country music genre. Therefore, his contributions to early country music make his music worthy of study. Historically, country music has been marginalized in the music curriculum. This study demonstrates the relevance and value of early country music such as that of Williams in a general music curriculum.