What could be considered more American than apple pie, more American than baseball? Well, baseball and apple pie are definitely the first things that come to mind when someone asks you what you think of when you think of America, but what if I asked you what would be all-American music? I think the first thing that should come to mind would be bluegrass music. Bluegrass music; played primarily with acoustic and stringed musical instruments and vocal harmonies, it features some variations and cultural roots from other countries, but remains as American as apple pie. Although bluegrass had its beginnings in the United States, its roots have long extended to other countries and cultures that contributed their musical preference to early America. Early settlers in America, including those from Ireland, Scotland, England, and even Africa, composed music and spent their time playing new songs about their daily lives. These songs often reflected life on the farms and homesteads of the new settlers. These settlers regularly played bluegrass music in the hill country of the southern United States; This is where bluegrass music received its first name, “mountain music” or “country music.” Due to the reduced scope of bluegrass, it was not until a significant invention changed the popularity of this vital music for so many people. “The invention of the phonograph and the advent of radio in the early 1900s brought this early music of the rural mountain South within the reach of people throughout the United States.” (IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association)) Although no one can claim to have invented bluegrass music, its humble beginnings can be attributed to a group that took advantage of the popular new phonograph. This group called "Bill Mo... middle of paper...... we have the knowledge to listen carefully to bluegrass and hopefully the inspiration to check out bluegrass for yourself. You can pick up an album from an artist I mentioned previously or go to one of the many bluegrass festivals. There's no better way to experience the rich and vibrant culture of bluegrass music than by attending one of its multi-day festivals. If you're in Kansas in September, do yourself a favor and stop by Winfield Kansas for the Walnut Valley Festival, you won't regret it. Works Cited Bean Blossom. 2011.IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association). 2011. November 2011. History of mountain music. 2003. November 2011. Traum, Happy. “Bluegrass Guitar.” Trauma, happy. bluegrass guitar. 1974.