From what I understand, this is the narration of the PBS series COUNTRY MUSIC. I listened to this book on audiotape and listened to several sections more than once. My husband loves country music, but I was a Beatles fan. However, this series engenders a deep appreciation of the times and artistry of the people who made country music.
It is hard to imagine that Jimmie Rodgers, a folk singer who died in 1933, could cast such a long shadow on the medium that would become country music. Before reading this, I didn't appreciate the guitar playing and singing of the Carter Family and how they became the First Family of Country Music. Amazingly, a man like Hank Williams, who had a short, six-year career, is still spoken of as if he were still producing records.
This book covered a wide range of country music, starting with Negro spirituals and gospel music. The book explains how the constant struggle of the common man was what early singers described. This uniquely American genre started with gospel music mixed with music by people who labored long and hard.
What I found most interesting was the stories behind the artists. I knew nothing about most of them, and this explanation of where they came from and how they got started added much to the pattern of the quilt of country music. I learned to appreciate their struggles for their craft.
This is one of the best books I've read this year. Even if you are not a country music fan, there is much to savor while learning about this uniquely American musical genre. Snippets are added from people across the country music spectrum, adding a different dimension to the music being discussed. It is well-written and engaging throughout.
It is hard to imagine that Jimmie Rodgers, a folk singer who died in 1933, could cast such a long shadow on the medium that would become country music. Before reading this, I didn't appreciate the guitar playing and singing of the Carter Family and how they became the First Family of Country Music. Amazingly, a man like Hank Williams, who had a short, six-year career, is still spoken of as if he were still producing records.
This book covered a wide range of country music, starting with Negro spirituals and gospel music. The book explains how the constant struggle of the common man was what early singers described. This uniquely American genre started with gospel music mixed with music by people who labored long and hard.
What I found most interesting was the stories behind the artists. I knew nothing about most of them, and this explanation of where they came from and how they got started added much to the pattern of the quilt of country music. I learned to appreciate their struggles for their craft.
This is one of the best books I've read this year. Even if you are not a country music fan, there is much to savor while learning about this uniquely American musical genre. Snippets are added from people across the country music spectrum, adding a different dimension to the music being discussed. It is well-written and engaging throughout.
