From the ten gallon hats and spurs of Texan cowboys, to the boot-stomping country music lovers in sweet home Alabama, a distinctive rhythm meshed with a southern drawl has become the anthem of the south. Recently, however, country music has gained popularity nationally, and can be heard pouring from bedroom windows in suburbian and urban America. Country music derived from Celtic music in the United Kingdom. The Irish and Scottish immigrants carried little baggage aside from stories of difficult circumstances and leprechauns, and sometimes a few make-shift instruments to entertain the family and neighbors. As this Celtic music became Americanized, it branched off into two other genres: country and folk. These two styles still contained the themes of either morose or story-like lyrics, and bluegrass encapsulated the former jig-like rhythms. Country music emerged soon after, with artists such as George Jones and Johnny Cash, and the story-telling nature of the immigrants continued with their lyrics. Willie Nelson took up arms in the “outlaw country” movement of the sixties and seventies, alongside Cash, and the cowboy themes from earlier days were ressurected. Southern Rock became popular in the 1970's with artists Lynyrd Skynrd and the Allman brothers, combining elements of blues, country, and rock with a dash of southern flair. Garth Brooks continued the trend in 1989, releasing his first album which mingled country and rock. In recent days, Carrie Underwood brought country to the Top 40 with the assistance of American Idol. CMT also played a part in giving country music national recognition. Launched in 1983, it features artist biographies, music videos, and reality shows.With the rising popularity of country, and the continual combinations of the traditional elements with modernized twists, country music will continue to develop and gain notoreity throughout the world.