BITTER SWEET, Ky. — I have recently become intrigued with discovering more about my ancestors on both my mother and father’s side of the family.

And I have found some interesting things in my family tree including a possible tie to the Indian princess Pocahontas. Who knew, right?

While it is exciting to discover someone famous or someone connected to someone famous … like George Washington in one’s lineage, the majority of my family members were just regular folks; farmers, carpenters, soldiers along with a few renegades and a couple of musicians.

Now before you turn to the auction page, hear me out.

The music that has been a part of my life has shaped me as much as my family members, and I suspect that is the same for many of us in tune with our musical being.

At one time I thought I could spot the hippies of the 1960s who favored rock and folk music, or the good ole boys and girls who listened only to country tunes, or the folks who surrounded their musical lives with the classics.

But that would be stereotyping to a certain extent and in looking at my own musical tree, I found that wasn’t the case. And if it wasn’t true for me, it’s likely not true for you.

By default, my first influences from music came from artists my father listened to including Buck Owens, Porter Wagoner, Jim Ed Brown, who we recently lost, and Flatt and Scruggs.

I still listen to old recordings of these singers and many more from that era. But in researching my musical tree further I discovered performers from many different genres were a part of my life including James Taylor, Marvin Gaye, Dan Fogelberg and the Doobie Brothers, for Pete’s sake. Who knew, right?

My point is, it took all of those musical roots to take me to where I am as a writer, as a musician and as a person.

I will say this; at the end of the day when I sit back in my recliner and pop my ear buds in, I almost always return to the roots of my musical tree. Those wonderful country stars created a solid foundation on which I have built my house of music. I hope you all remember where you came from whether it be related to the music you enjoy or the life you lead.

For all of my musical "ancestors," I give you a big A and a big thank you.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.