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.