Customer Reviews

Milton Brown and the Founding of Western Swing (Music in American Life)

5 star:		(3)
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Great reading for the newcomer as well as the old seasoned lover of this Texas born music. Cary Ginell & Roy Lee Brown did a super job on this book! History told is in great detail. As my old friend Frank Reneau, who was a Crystal Spring Rambler & Light Crust Doughboy as well said, "It took me back 65 years!"
Highly recommended!

This is an OUTSTANDING account of the birth of Western Swing in Fort Worth, Texas by a handful of talented musicians. It is a real shame that the "Father of Western Swing", Milton Brown, lost his life in the prime of his music career. He would have gone on to much fame and fortune... no doubt.

The only slightly negative comment I have is the bad and untrue portrayal of Bob Wills in this book. Bob did more than anyone to spread Milton's unique and wonderful blend of country, hillbilly, jazz, blues & big band to create the finest dance music ever recorded. Bob was truly the "King of Western Swing" with regard to his pioneering efforts to spread this amazing music across America and around the world ... and I felt the book did not pay the deserved homage of Bob's true talent and contribution.

Cary Ginell did a great job on this book! He has brought well-deserved attention to the innovative music of Milton Brown and the Musical Brownies. The best parts of the book are the reminiscences by Milton Brown's brother Roy Lee Brown. Roy Lee's vivid memories of growing up with Milton and working as a "string-fixer" for the Musical Brownies back in the 1930's are priceless. Cary Ginell also performed a great service by interviewing several of the surviving Brownies and preserving their stories as well. The essential audio companion to this book is the 5 CD set "Milton Brown:The Complete Recordings of the Father of Western Swing 1932-37" on the Texas Rose label. Highly recommended!

Cary Ginell has captured a part of our country western music history that has gone essentially unpublished; giving way to the likes of Bob Wills, Hank Thompson and others. A part of our heritage moving off the horizon has been captured in part by the research of Mr. Ginell and help document the beginnings of western swing. As one of the contributors to his research, I enjoyed reading his perspective of the evolution of this part of our culture. Although I disagree with some of the conclusions reached between the relationship between Milton Brown and my father and grandfather, I find his work to include a balanced blend of stories and recollections from people who were a part of the evolution. Crystal Springs, "Papa Sam" and "Baby Henry" Cunningham were central to the creation and spread of this music phenomenon. From Papa Sam's early efforts to uplift spirits through a musical forum to Baby Henry's "ear" and search for a particular sound; this music was born at Crystal Springs in Fort Worth, Texas. Papa Sam and the Babe moved this music throughout Texas and the neighboring states through radio, recordings, and personal appearances. Mr. Ginell slightly missed the mark giving weight to there not being a formal business arrangement between Milton Brown and Papa Sam. In those days your word was your bond and a handshake was more binding than anything we have today. Milton Brown and Bob Wills were both indebted to the efforts and support given them by my father and grandfather; and vice versa. Their relationships were binding and lasting beyond the superficial disagreements fueled by the price of fame gained. After approaching their peaks (Milton and Bob), they would still call on the Babe when they were hurting. Most people didn't see the stars when they were a little tarnished and needed some polishing before being put back in their places for all to see. Most of their problems extending beyond family to outside relationships (personal and professional), financial support and alcohol were attended to in a very discreet and sometimes forcefull manner by the two people they knew had the ability and heart to come alongside. Good job, Cary, maybe we'll see more on Crystal Springs, Papa Sam and the Babe before all those from that era pass.