American Music: Born in the USA

When early settlers came to America they often brought few material items, but they brought many customs, traditions, and music of their homeland here. These things, mainly the music took root in America's soil and grew.

These emigrants came for many different reasons. Some came to escape poverty and find a better life. Many were forced out of their homeland by war. There were many who had no choice but were torn from their families and homes and brought here.

Unlike some versions of history state, this was not a land someone had "discovered." There were indigenous groups with established cultures who had lived here for thousands of years. In spite of the misconception that all Indians wore feathers, lived in teepees, and had the same culture, Native American music and culture differed regionally and from tribe to tribe. They each had their own music as well.

America really was a melting pot then. The music of Native Americans, white settlers, and the Black enslaved people mingled to create new forms and songs from Delta blues and "hillbilly" music, to rock. My biggest question is does the music reflect the culture, or does the culture reflect the music?

This is the history of American music. It's the music of the people.

From its birth in the 1700s through the 1970s. As you look at the history of music, you look at American history. It's not always a pretty story. Sometimes labor pains are hard, but in the end, it shouts loud and clear, "I was Born in the USA!"