Country music, originating in the southern United States in the 1920s, is a genre deeply rooted in American folk and blues. It is characterized by its use of acoustic instruments such as guitars, fiddles, banjos, and harmonicas, and its lyrical focus on themes of love, work, hardship, and faith. Pioneering artists like the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers greatly influenced the genre, while later artists like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton have become globally recognized figures. Country music has significantly shaped the landscape of American music, with its influence seen in numerous sub-genres such as country rock, country pop, and bluegrass.