Final answer:
Country rock artists in the early 1970s reacted to the growing popularity of mainstream rock music and sought to blend it with country music to create a new sound.
Step-by-step explanation:
Country rock artists in the early 1970s were reacting to the increasing popularity of mainstream rock music and the desire to create a new sound that blended the elements of country music with the energy and attitude of rock. They wanted to bring a fresh and innovative approach to country music by incorporating electric guitars, drums, and other elements typically associated with rock music.