by both whites and blacks, both influencing each other
directly and indirectly. The South's musical history actually starts before the Civil War, with the songs of the African slaves and the highlands folk music brought from Europe.Early rock n' roll musicians from the southeast :
Bo DiddleyBo Diddley (Mississippi), Ray CharlesBo Diddley (Mississippi), Ray Charles (from Florida, though his musical career started in Seattle), Carl PerkinsBo Diddley (Mississippi), Ray Charles (from Florida, though his musical career started in Seattle), Carl Perkins (Tennessee), Elvis Presley (born in Mississippi, although lived in Memphis, Tennessee during his career)