The book industry, despite notable successes in 2008, is experiencing the same tumult as other niches in the economic world. Even the comic-book kingdom has suffered, with numerous indie stores signing off after poor sales. New technology tricks are now designed to rekindle the flame in this flagging economy.
The nation’s bookstores are still home to a number of fine titles that focus on music. Artist biographies and industry examinations provide us with a different viewpoint about the songs we hear every day.
Recommend a book about music, country or otherwise.
Rednecks And Bluenecks: The Politics Of Country Music, by Chris Willman, is a very interesting read.
Seconding Occasional Hope. Redneck and Bluenecks is really good. Very interesting to read.
I read the Hank Williams biography by Colin Escott over Christmas and I’d highly recommend it to those who are interested in a very detail oriented story of the legend’s life.
Right now I’m reading Sing Me Back Home: Love, Death, and Country Music by Dana Jennings and its an interesting look into the origins and effects of country music from 1950-1970 in rural America. It’s a little repetitive and preachy, but overall an enjoyable read.
I read “Sing Me Back Home” over the summer, and I enjoyed it. My favourite though, is “In the Country of Country” by Nicholas Dawidoff. It tries to differentiate all the streams of country as products of time and most importantly, of geography. Good read, and if you can find the CD of the same title, you can “hear” the thesis.
Marty Stuart’s “COUNTRY MUSIC, The Masters”..
This is a veritable Country Music museum, in book form.
Fine, first rate photography from Marty (and others) of legendary Country singers and memorabilia, great introductary commentary, and an awesome CD which features Marty’s own narration of autobiographical material.
There was a book called “Get Hot or Go Home” a book following Trisha Yearwood through her first year in the country music buisness up to when she lost the Horizon Award at the 1992 CMAs. Its a excellent book that really gives you a insight into the country music buisness. I highly recomend it.
John Einarson’s book “Desperados: The Roots Of Country-Rock”, which focuses on the country-rock scene in Southern California during the 1960s and 1970s, and the various roots that it sprang from. Buck Owens and the Bakersfield Sound get a mention as one of the influences in the twin-guitar approach taken by such bands as the Flying Burrito Brothers and Poco.
The last country music-related book I read was Wynonna’s autobiography, Coming Home To Myself. But I’ve bought and read so many by now, it’s hard to remember. Some of the best were Ralph Emery’s 3 books, Dolly’s book, Finding Her Voice by Robert K Oerman, and Mary Bufwack (his wife I believe?). There are lots more I can’t think of right now … I read a biography of George Strait last year that was really interesting too, but I can’t recall the writer’s name …
Cool discussion.
Another vote for Rednecks and Bluenecks