Music 101, now in its fourth season, features “Before the Needle Dropped: The Archaeology of the American Groove (Pre-1950), Part 1.” This fascinating episode digs into the musical foundations that shaped America before records, radio, and popular music became cultural forces. It explores the powerful influence of African rhythms, spirituals, work songs, blues, ragtime, jazz, folk, gospel, and early country music. Discover how diverse communities transformed hardship, tradition, faith, and everyday life into enduring sounds that laid the foundation for the American groove.