According to one interview he gave his guitar style was a direct result of trying to play Country style. It just came out differently.
Not enough credit is given to musicians from the late 1930’s and the 1940’s for the development of Rock & Roll. Boogie Woogie, Country Boogie and Hillbilly Boogie were all just early forms of Rockabilly and Rock and Roll.
Listen to Louis Jordan, the Maddox Brothers and Rose, and Moon Mullican and you’ll see what I mean.
Don’t forget Robert Johnson, the original member of the “27” club.
CC