Music Facts: American Roots Music
American roots music is inspired by a variety of genres like folk, traditional country, Tejano, blues, and gospel.
American roots music has a powerful history, including 1960s youth singing protest anthems, labor organizers belting "union songs," and enslaved African Americans singing spirituals.
Recent GRAMMY winners for Best American Roots Performance include John Prine, Sara Bareilles and Alabama Shakes.