The Encyclopedia of Country Music: The Ultimate Guide to the Music (Paperback)

by Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (Compiler), Paul Kingsbury (Editor) "Hollywood-based Abbott Records was an important independent label in country music in the early 1950s..." (more)
Key Phrases: New York, Top Ten, Los Angeles (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
A surprisingly frank product of the Nashville country music establishment (it was compiled by the Country Music Foundation), this title promises to be the definitive historical and biographical work of the past eight decades of country music. Some 150 authorities (e.g., Colin Escott and Ronnie Pugh) discuss the music in all its permutations, and the results are beyond impressive. Interspersed with the biographical entries are historical and sociological essays on the literature of country music, country songwriting, gospel, folk and popular music connections, and even touring and costuming. Thirteen appendixes cover the Country Music Hall of Fame, radio stations, and best-selling country albums. While all the major artists (e.g., Hank Williams, Ernest Tubb) are given their due, this work also gets at the second- and third-tier country singers as well as songwriters, musicians, DJs, record company executives, and others who have played roles in the genre. By covering contemporary artists as well as those who have been lost in the mists of time, the book is superior to any country music reference this reviewer has seen. Well written and heavily illustrated, this is the only country music reference work most libraries will need. An unparalleled work, worth its price and highly recommended.?David M. Turkalo, Suffolk Univ. Law School Lib., Boston
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
"Any serious country music fan will treasure this authoritative book."-- The Seattle Times

"Sets new standards in the field."--The Baltimore Sun

"Perhaps the best single-volume reference work on country music."--Billboard Magazine

"While a handful of worthwhile country music encyclopedias are in print, none are as comprehensive in scope as The Encyclopedia of Country Music.... For country fans with an eye for trivia, it doesn't get much better than this."--Tower Pulse

"Truly a labor of love.... I hope you find that it brings you a little closer to the music you love and leads you down paths that bring more music into your life."--Emmylou Harris, from the Foreword

"Should prove a valuable resource to those who work in the country music business. But it's also an entertaining read for the music's true fans."--Houston Chronicle

"This big, handsome volume, compiled by the staff of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, spans the history of country music, listing not only artists and groups but also important individuals and institutions."--San Francisco Examiner

"A long-awaited, major accomplishment, which educators, historians and students, broadcasters and music writers, artists and fans alike, will welcome and enjoy."--The Nashville Musician

"An unparalleled work, worth its price and highly recommended."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 664 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (December 16, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195176081
• ISBN-13: 978-0195176087
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #378,003 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful comprehensive guide to explore from A to Z, April 15, 1999

By	Doug Linton III ([e-mail]) (Birmingham, Alabama) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Country Music: The Ultimate Guide to the Music (Hardcover)

After hearing about this book, I was anxious to find it. I am pleased to report that it is indeed "the real deal" and not only met but exceeded my expectations. Well organized and easy to read, this encyclopedia provides just enough information in each entry to fill your plate. It is not too sketchy, nor too long in any areas (but I would have liked to read a bit more about Hank Williams and George Jones!) As an encyclopedia, it is not something you "read" per se, but rather "explore"...over and over. The names of familiar artists jump off the page and every scan can lead you to learn either something more about someone you know, or perhaps introduce you to someone or something totally new. Numerous illustrations (and it could use a few more)break up the mountain of text; the pictures provide enough rest for your eyes before scouring the pages for more well-researched documentation. This compilation is just awesome; the years of research have paid off in my humble opinion. What makes the book so wonderful is its scope -- suitable for a newcomer and also detailed and informative enough for the country music veteran. I highly recommend you buy at least two. One to enjoy as often as you want to and the other to offer as a special gift. Whoever you give this book to will NOT have another like it on the shelf. My "gift volume" will be going to my Dad as a tribute and thank-you for being weaned on the music that is country. If you love country music or think you want to, add this book to your library. There is enough interesting history and data collected here to satisfy even the largest musical appetite for the better part of year. ENJOY !!!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, June 30, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Country Music: The Ultimate Guide to the Music (Hardcover)

I work as a DJ at a country radio station and I produce and host a weekly classic country program. I needed a book that provided a good bit of general information about a wide variety of singers and groups without a lot of useless information and what not -- this book has exceeded my expectations! As an "encyclopedia," this isn't something that you read cover-to-cover, but anyone who has ever belted-out a note of country music can be found with just the right amount of information. If you are looking for a country music reference book, this is it!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A DJ's Guide to Country Music, September 25, 2005

By	Thomas D. Gilbert (Western Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am a DJ at a traditional country/bluegrass radio station. I use the Encyclopedia of Country Music constantly to add color and flavor to my show. Contains all kinds of info and neat trivia for just about all traditional artists. Really great guide for any country music fan or professional.