Early American styles, including string band music, ballads, and sacred songs, are oftentimes lumped together in what category?

The category that encompasses early American styles such as string band music, ballads, and sacred songs is referred to as old-time music. This genre represents a rich musical tradition that draws from a variety of influences, including folk music, and is characterized by its roots in rural and traditional contexts.

Old-time music is closely associated with the Southern Appalachian region, where it emerged as a way of preserving cultural narratives and communal experiences through song and storytelling. The instrumentation commonly includes fiddles, banjos, and acoustic guitars, aligning with the sounds and formats found in string band traditions and folk ballads. This genre is significant for its role in shaping the foundations of many subsequent styles of American music, including bluegrass and country, which have evolved from these early forms. This historical context and the characteristics of the music highlight why old-time music serves as an appropriate overarching category for these styles.