I think Rick's "Historical Scenario" makes a lot of sense when you're talking about ANY type of "sound." You can trace it back in Appalachian music as well and continue it through modern C/W. Read a book a few weeks ago on the history of women in Country Music and it was written around that very point that Rick makes.

And Willie....RE: the porousness of the western borders? Why of course man!!! That's why the Neil Young Center for the Terminally Screwed is located in Montana!

Spaw