What is a hickabilly?

"Hickabilly" is a musical genre that combines elements of hillbilly music (which encompasses genres like country, bluegrass, and folk) with rockabilly. It's essentially a fusion of these two genres, resulting in a sound that is both upbeat and energetic, often with a twangy guitar and a strong emphasis on rhythm and percussion.

Here are some key characteristics of hickabilly:

* Upbeat and energetic rhythms: The music typically has a fast tempo and a strong backbeat, similar to rockabilly.

* Twangy guitar: A prominent feature of the genre is the use of a distinctive, twangy electric guitar sound.

* Influences from hillbilly music: You'll often find elements of traditional country music, bluegrass, and folk music in hickabilly, such as banjo, mandolin, and fiddle.

* Vocal style: Vocals in hickabilly can range from soulful country crooning to raucous rockabilly shouts.

* Lyrical themes: Lyrics often deal with themes of love, heartbreak, life in the country, and social commentary, much like traditional country and folk music.

Some well-known hickabilly bands include:

* The Stray Cats

* The Blasters

* The Reverend Horton Heat

* The Brian Setzer Orchestra

Hickabilly is often seen as a bridge between country music and rock and roll, appealing to fans of both genres. It continues to be popular today, particularly in underground scenes and among fans of classic rockabilly.