Maybe a better way to phrase my question is, what American genres weren’t influenced or started by African American traditions.

I just listened to the podcast, Uncivil. An episode discusses the song “I wish I was in Dixie” and how it was likely coopted by a white Manhattan song writer in the late 1850s from a group of black singers in Ohio. The ballad of the confederacy came from black tradition. It got my wondering if it’s possible to rewrite history that dramatically, how has it been rewritten for other songs and genres.

Ragtime music and later Jazz were of African origin. Rock and roll was heavily influenced by the blues, also of African American origin. Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and other popular groups were directly influenced by the delta blues. Country, which some consider the “least” African American genre also was heavily influenced by the black experience.

I’m not sure what I’m asking exactly, I just want to know more.