Customer Reviews

The Encyclopedia of Country Music: The Ultimate Guide to the Music

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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 !!!

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!

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.

Great compilation of all things country, from the by-gone days to the fairly current country stars.

If you are a true fan of country music,then you must add this book to your library! I don't know of any other book on this subject that is as comprehensive as this one. It is well worth the price.

Extremely useful reference where you'll find not only the artists (in each case followed by a note on "Representative Recordings" to which you may or may not agree) but also articles on record companies, producers, styles, instruments or entries such as "ASCAP", "CMF", "Hee Haw", "Jukeboxes", "Louisiana Hayride", "The Nashville Sound", "RIAA" or "Country Music in Washington, D.C.". The texts are as far as I have seen very well written and somewhat neutral (not unusual in general compilations such as this) from the pencils of Mary A. Bufwack, Chet Filippo, Rich Kienzle, Greil Marcus, Neil V. Rosenberg and Charles Wolfe to mention a few of the most well known names. Also ten interesting essay articles from writers such as Bill C. Malone, Colin Escott and Ronnie Pugh.

The first edition had a colour section with country album cover art from the early days to the present. The section is still there in the 2004 edition but in black and white, (it is still called "Color Section" though, and it doesn't follows page 274 as stated in the contents but starts after page 226). A small blemish on an otherwise helpful volume.

When the word "Enclyclopedia" is used for Kingsbury's title, it is very accurate. It is super-detailed, well-written, and worth the price. If there is only one sourcebook for country music fans, this one is it. The only drawback is that the material does not reach past around 1997 - so, if one is looking for, let's say, the Peasall Sisters, they won't be found until there's at least a 2002-2005 update. Other than that, it's supergreat source material for classic (truly and not instant-classic) country.

The description made this book sound much better than it is. I really thought for the Kindle edition it would be organized so you could search the book by artist or year or whatever. It really needs something either in the Table or Contents or in an index where you can click on an artist name and go right to the information on that person. I got the impression from the other reviews that there were small sections for each artist - there are not.

Wish I would not have bought this book now - not worth it. Perhaps worth it as a freebie.

The Enclyclopedia of Country Music was a gift for my husband. He says this book is very informative and contains detailed biographical information on country western singers/performers as well as many individuals associated with/involved in the production/playing of country western music. He enjoys this book tremendously and spends many moments/hours via phone discussing details contained in this book with his brother. One of the best gift selections for him I have made.

This book is exactly what I wanted as a gift for my 88-year old father. It contains excellent information for someone wanting to search for facts about country music and musicians without having to read an entire book on each subject.