RESOLUTION RECOGNIZES TREMENDOUS CONTRIBUTION OF COUNTRY MUSIC TO AMERICAN LIFE AND CULTURE

Washington, Oct 8, 2009 - “Country music traces its roots to the folk tradition of the British Isles and the Celts of central and western Europe,” explained Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). “However, here in the United States, early immigrants, as well as African slaves, contributed to a new, distinct style of music that continued to develop through the 18th and 19th centuries. The history of country music is the history of our country. The motto of the United States, E Pluribus Unum, meaning – out of many, one – depicts the history and origin of our great country.”

The House today approved the Resolution offered by Stearns, H.Res. 650, Recognizing Country Music’s Contributions to American Life and Culture. Added Stearns, “Subgenres such as bluegrass, folk, and gospel have combined the unique instrumentation of country with powerful vocals to create one-of-a-kind sounds. Today, the influence of American country music is world-wide, with large fan bases in Canada and Australia as well.”

Video of Floor statement