America: why did it take so long?

[Chrone]

But not very many renowned composers of classical music before the 20th century, if not before the 1930's.
Do you know why?

America actually had a vibrant, unique music tradition up until around 1800 or so, at which point Lowell Mason and the "Better Music Boys" showed up and squeezed all the life out of it.

http://www.amaranthpublishing.com/LowellMason.htm