While it is generally known that much modern American popular music is influenced by African-American musical tradition, it should also be acknowledged that early American music was so influenced as well. It is tempting to say that any difference between American folk music and folk music from the United Kingdom is attributable to the African influences. It is tempting to say, but it would be difficult to support with evidence. Certainly the African and European influences blended on the North American continent, but there were also Native American influences, as well as geographic and experiential factors that contributed to the unique development of American folk music. Nor is it the purpose here to say that this music is better because it is African or it is superior because it is European. Perhaps the best use to make of an analysis such as this it to realize that all the folk traditions of America are not divided into "yours" and "mine," but are in reality "ours."