Graced by more than 200 illustrations; many of them seldom seen and some never before published; this sparkling volume offers vivid portraits of the men and women who created country music; the artists whose lives and songs formed the rich tradition from which so many others have drawn inspiration. Included here are not only such major figures as Jimmie Rodgers; The Carter Family; Fiddlin John Carson; Charlie Poole; and Gene Autry; who put country music on Americas cultural map; but many fascinating lesser-known figures as well; such as Carson Robison; Otto Gray; Chris Bouchillon; Emry Arthur and dozens more; many of whose stories are told here for the first time. To map some of the winding; untraveled roads that connect todays music to its ancestors; Tony Russell draws upon new research and rare source material; such as contemporary newspaper reports and magazine articles; internet genealogy sites; and his own interviews with the musicians or their families. The result is a lively mix of colorful tales and anecdotes; priceless contemporary accounts of performances; illuminating social and historical context; and well-grounded critical judgment. The illustrations include artist photographs; record labels; song sheets; newspaper clippings; cartoons; and magazine covers; recreating the look and feel of the entire culture of country music. Each essay includes as well a playlist of recommended and currently available recordings for each artist. Finally; the paperback edition now features an extensive index.
#3066267 in eBooks 2011-03-01 2011-03-01File Name: B004X5J0R2
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