Since the 1920s, the old-time music of Northwest Connecticut has often mingled with broader national trends. Influences included sheet music, records, traveling musicians, radio, and later TV.

John Nuese, seen in several of the photos above, learned to play guitar (upside down!) from old-time Cornwall musicians and went on to perform with major bands and as a Nashville studio musician.

The International Submarine Band, featuring Gram Parsons and John Nuese, introduced a “country” element into American rock ‘n roll.