Huh. That's weird, pdq. I never thought of "Western" music as named for California. Nor are Merle Haggard, or Buck Owens, who I would think of as "Western" singers. Here in Kansas, "Heartland" of the U.S., both Merle and Buck would be called "old country," as would Hank Williams, Sr., Frankie Laine, Lacy J. Dalton, Dolly Parton, Ferlin Husky, et al.

Western usually refers to groups like Sons of the Pioneers, Sons of the San Joaquin, Roy Rogers and band (NOT the blues singer, of course) and Gene Autry's songs. "Western" is starting to make a comeback around here on the local radio stations, mostly due to the Prairie Rose Ramblers, a fine local band.

As for "modern country," I don't listen to it. Define it as you will, folks.

Lin