Roll over image to zoom in
The Encyclopedia of Country Music: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
£19.50£38.90 (-50%)
Immediately upon publication in 1998, the Encyclopedia of Country Music became a much-loved reference source, prized for the wealth of information it contained on that most American of musical genres. Countless fans have used it as the source for answers to questions about everything from country’s first commercially successful recording, to the genre’s pioneering music videos, to what conjunto music is.
This thoroughly revised new edition includes more than1,200 A-Z entries covering nine decades of history and artistry, from the Carter Family recordings of the 1920s to the reign of Taylor Swift in the first decade of the twenty-first century. Compiled by a team of experts at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the encyclopedia has been brought completely up-to-date, with new entries on the artists who have profoundly influenced country music in recent years, such as the Dixie Chicks and Keith Urban. The new edition also explores the latest and most critical trends within the industry, shedding light on such topics as the digital revolution, the shifting politics of country music, and the impact of American Idol (reflected in the stardom of Carrie Underwood). Other essays cover the literature of country music, the importance of Nashville as a music center, and the colorful outfits that have long been a staple of the genre.
The volume features hundreds of images, including a photo essay of album covers; a foreword by country music superstar Vince Gill (the winner of twenty Grammy Awards); and twelve fascinating appendices, ranging from lists of awards to the best-selling country albums of all time.
This thoroughly revised new edition includes more than1,200 A-Z entries covering nine decades of history and artistry, from the Carter Family recordings of the 1920s to the reign of Taylor Swift in the first decade of the twenty-first century. Compiled by a team of experts at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the encyclopedia has been brought completely up-to-date, with new entries on the artists who have profoundly influenced country music in recent years, such as the Dixie Chicks and Keith Urban. The new edition also explores the latest and most critical trends within the industry, shedding light on such topics as the digital revolution, the shifting politics of country music, and the impact of American Idol (reflected in the stardom of Carrie Underwood). Other essays cover the literature of country music, the importance of Nashville as a music center, and the colorful outfits that have long been a staple of the genre.
The volume features hundreds of images, including a photo essay of album covers; a foreword by country music superstar Vince Gill (the winner of twenty Grammy Awards); and twelve fascinating appendices, ranging from lists of awards to the best-selling country albums of all time.
Read more
Additional information
| Publisher | OUP USA, 2nd edition (29 Mar. 2012) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Hardcover | 640 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0195395638 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0195395631 |
| Dimensions | 28.45 x 4.06 x 22.61 cm |
by Angel Delta
At 626 pages the second edition of the Encyclopedia Of Country Music is an essential addition to the library of anyone with a serious interest in country music. With over 1200 entries arranged alphabetically the volume defines almost a century of this most enduring musical style.
Observing that Stephen Foster (b 1826), writer of “Beautiful Dreamer” has a lasting influence on country music, the book references Uncle Dave Macon (b 1870) as the first significant Grand Ole Opry performer and Vernon Dalhart (b 1883) whose 1924 recording “The Wreck Of The Old ’97” became country music’s first million seller. The importance of The Carter Family and Jimmy Rodgers are chronicled and on through Hank Williams and Johnny Cash to Dwight Yoakam and Garth Brooks. Then to the 21st century and entries for Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, Sugarland and Carrie Underwood. The book is comprehensive enough to acknowledge the influence of the genre upon, among others, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, The Eagles, Gram Parsons and Neil Young.
It would seem that no significant performer within the country scene could be omitted so it is surprising that there are no entries for Heather Myles, Chip Taylor and Gretchen Peters, for example.
But, despite that, for every country star of which you have heard there are plenty of entries for those that you probably haven’t including Cousin Emmy (b 1903), Cousin Wilbur Westbrooks (b 1911) Fred Kirby (b 1910) and Frank Luther (b 1895).
There are entries for record companies important to the genre (Rich R Tone Records, Bluebird, Edison, RCA etc), and significant country producers such as Jack Clement, Owen Bradley and Chet Atkins. There are two additional essays in this second edition: “The Fightin’ Side Of Me, The Politics Of Country Music”, and “Twenty Years Of Change, Country Music’s Digital Transformation”. Unlike the first paperback edition this hardback second edition has 16 pages of full colour plates devoted to album cover art from Jimmy Rodgers and Roy Acuff to Josh Turner and Jason Aldean.
The appendices include Country Musics All Time Best Selling Albums, headed by “The Eagle’s, Their Greatest Hits, 1971-75” and Garth Brooks “Double Live”; Grammy Awards Related To Country Music; ACM awards and CMA Awards; The Nashville Songwriters’ Hall Of Fame and BMI’s Most Performed Country Song Of The Year Award – the last three entries of which were written or co-written by Taylor Swift.
By any standard, this is a reference work of considerable historical importance. It is also a fascinating and absorbing description of all of the factors that combine to make country the most vibrant chronicle of American musical culture of the last nine decades.
by Ron Jones
An excelent book, much more up to date than expected, and very informative.
by DCBrockwell
Arrived in great condition. Fantastic book with loads of useful information.
by Laura
Arrived quickly and well packaged. Perfect gift for any country music lover ❤️
by The Original Red
Superb accurate book o.f country music.The most up to date book available.Perfect for any fan of country music for artistes past and present.