A Good-Natured Riot: Local, Translocal, and Virtual

by Charles K. Wolfe

Book Overview

Winner of the Ralph J. Gleason Music Book Award
Winner of the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award

On November 28, 1925, a white-bearded man sat before one of Nashville radio station WSM's newfangled carbon microphones to play a few old-time fiddle tunes. Uncle Jimmy Thompson played on the air for an hour that night, and throughout the region listeners at their old crystal sets suddenly perked up. Back in Nashville the response at the...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 082651331X
• ISBN13: 9780826513311
• Release Date: May 1999
• Publisher: Vanderbilt University Press
• Length: 328 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

Early Years of a Radio Classic

Using biographies of early stars, Charles Wolfe deftly weaves the history of one of the longest running radio programs. The result is a highly readable, entertaining, and educational survey of the Opry's first two decades. This period was dominated by string bands, such as those led by Dr. Humphrey Bate, Theron Hale, and the Brinkley Brothers. But individuals soon came to dominate the program. Chief among them the irrepressable Uncle Dave Macon and the man who would become the living embodiment of the Opry, Roy Acuff. Wolfe is equally adept at discussing both entertainers' personalities and the business of radio and programing. This book belongs in every Country music and radio lover's collection.

A riveting history of the Grand Ole Opry

This book excels all that I have read about a fascinating subject! Contrary to most history books, you'll read this one until you finish it, I promise.