Country music originated in the 20th century and has roots based in the blues, American folk music and Western ‘cowboy’ styles. The formal introduction of the genre can be traced back to the 1920s with Fiddlin’ John Carson’s Little Log Cabin in the Lane (June, 1923). This marked the first phase of country music which, within a year, grew to popularity with Vernon Dahart’s hit Wreck of the Old 97 (May, 1924). Jimmie Rodgers went on to fuse various influences to great success, leading to him being recognised as one of the foremost early country singers. As the Great Depression hit, there was a diversification of country styles into the 1930s and 1940s marking the second phase of traditional country music. One of the styles that rose to prominence was cowboy/western country due to popularisation in Hollywood and radio airplay.