Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson Namechecked in Congress

A resolution honoring the contribution country music has made to American life and culture was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives recently. The resolution, calling country music a "uniquely American art form," passed unanimously, 421-0.

Introduced by Florida Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) in July, HR-650 invokes the names of Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson and Elvis Presley, while also recognizing the historical significance of WSM Radio and the Grand Ole Opry.

"Country music traces its roots to the folk tradition of the British Isles and the Celts of central and western Europe," Stearns said in a statement on the House floor. "However, here in the United States, early immigrants, as well as African slaves, contributed to a new, distinct style of music that continued to develop through the 18th and 19th centuries. The history of country music is the history of our country."

Stearns also mentioned bluegrass, folk and gospel music, and noted the influence all forms of American country music have had throughout the world.