I am fascinated by the places that music comes from, like fife-and-drum blues from southern Mississippi or Cajun music out of Lafayette, Louisiana, shape-note singing, old harp singing from the mountains - I love that stuff. It's like the beginning of rock and roll: something comes down from the hills, and something comes up from the delta.
Robbie Robertson highlights the deep cultural roots of American music, emphasizing how regional traditions serve as the foundational origins of rock and roll. This perspective underscores the importance of local musical expressions—such as blues from the Mississippi Delta or Cajun tunes—and their role in shaping popular music. It evokes a sense of awe for the organic and community-driven nature of these genres, showing how musical innovation often emerges from rural and marginalized communities. Recognizing these roots fosters a greater appreciation for the authenticity and diversity inherent in today's musical landscape and reminds us that great art often begins in humble, spirited places.
