Musically, Western Swing Revival differs little from Western swing itself -- it is still the same joyous, eclectic mix of big-band jazz, country songs, and pop melodies that made the genre one of the most popular music styles in the '40s. Western swing revival simply marks the moment when the genre reasserted itself as part of country's mainstream. Following World War II, Western swing slowly lost its fanbase as honky tonk and country-pop won over the country audience. In the early '70s, the genre reappeared thanks to the dedication of Merle Haggard and Asleep at the Wheel, two artists who incorporated Western swing into their sound and brought the music back to the top of the country charts. Throughout the '70s, '80s, and '90s, Western swing revival retained a poplar cult following, occasionally slipping a hit single or two onto the charts.