Can you Hear the Change?

When I consider my knowledge about the south, I see that I know some things really well and others not at all. The topic when it comes to southern identity that I feel I know least about is southern music. The south was home to many famous singers that have made an impact on not only the country but also helped define southern identity. Try and pick one singer or songwriter that you believe has greatly influenced music in the south and has helped to define southern identity. Explain why you picked your choice.

Another aspect of southern music that I also would like some opinions on is the transformation that is going on in the south. I feel as if the current south is changing from the usual country music listening region into a more diverse music scene filled with hip-hop, rap, and R&B. You may not feel this way, but explain why or why not a new transformed musical south is forming. If you believe that a transformation is occurring or has already occurred explain what this transformation is and why it happened.

I think the south was this...

But now is also this...

But wait, I forgot about Jazz...