The Encyclopedia of Country Music

Book Overview

Immediately upon publication in 1998, the Encyclopedia of Country Music became a much-loved reference source, prized for the wealth of information it contained on that most American of musical genres. Countless fans have used it as the source for answers to questions about everything from country's first commercially successful recording, to the genre's pioneering music videos, to what conjunto music is.

This thoroughly revised new edition includes more than 1,200 A-Z entries covering nine decades of history and artistry, from the Carter Family recordings of the 1920s to the reign of Taylor Swift in the first decade of the twenty-first century. Compiled by a team of experts at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the encyclopedia has been brought completely up-to-date, with new entries on the artists who have profoundly influenced country music in recent years, such as the Dixie Chicks and Keith Urban. The new edition also explores the latest and most critical trends within the industry, shedding light on such topics as the digital revolution, the shifting politics of country music, and the impact of American Idol (reflected in the stardom of Carrie Underwood). Other essays cover the literature of country music, the importance of Nashville as a music center, and the colorful outfits that have long been a staple of the genre.

The volume features hundreds of images, including a photo essay of album covers; a foreword by country music superstar Vince Gill (the winner of twenty Grammy Awards); and twelve fascinating appendices, ranging from lists of awards to the best-selling country albums of all time.

Winner of the Best Reference Award from the Popular Culture Association

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

"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

"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 spans the history of country music, listing not only artists and groups but also important individuals and institutions."
--San Francisco Examiner

"Promises to be the definitive historical and biographical work on the past eight decades of country music. Well written and heavily illustratedan unparalleled work, worth its price and highly recommended."
--Library Journal

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195395638
• ISBN13: 9780195395631
• Release Date: February 2012
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 640 Pages
• Weight: 4.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 8.9" x 11.2"

Customer Reviews

The best of its kind

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.

A DJ's Guide to Country Music

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.

Chock full of info

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

Great book!

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!

A wonderful comprehensive guide to explore from A to Z

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 !!!