12" Wooden Ruler made in U.S.A. of American-grown basswood American Country Music is a genre of popular music that has its roots in Appalachian folk music, Western cowboy music, the folk music of Northern Mexico, and the blues. Both Appalachian and Western music are derived from the folk music of England, Ireland, and Scotland. It is a rich mix. Nashville became the center of Country Music by the mid-1950’s, with Patsy Cline its biggest early star. The best-known African-American country star would have to be Charley Pride. During the peak years of his recording career, between 1966 and 1987, he had 52 top ten hits, 30 of which reached number one. After each musician's name we list one of their best-known songs, and the year in which it was published. The order of the list is by the year in which that song was published. The “head” image is of John R. “Johnny” Cash, who has the rare honor of having been inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll and Gospel Music Halls of Fame.