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

Book Description

To its millions of fans, country music is America's music, offering a window on the sweet dreams and cruel disappointments of ordinary American lives. Now the renowned Country Music Foundation, custodian of Nashville's legendary Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, has compiled a fascinating and infinitely useful guide to this beloved musical genre--The Encyclopedia of Country Music. Nearly 1,300 alphabetical entries put eight decades of country music at readers' fingertips, from the earliest '20s recordings of the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers to the '90s chart-topping albums of LeAnn Rimes and Garth Brooks. A distinguished field of 137 contributors provides an eminently readable and reliable guide to the singers, songwriters, record companies, and industry movers and shakers who have made country music the increasingly popular--and profitable--juggernaut it is today. Hundreds of photographs, some never before published, accompany the text, including 75 color photographs from the CMF Library's record collection, surveying the history of the country music album cover. Twelve appendices provide lists of country's all-time best-selling albums, country music stations nationwide, all the country music awards won over the years, and much more. Authoritative, accessible, and unerringly accurate, The Encyclopedia of Country Music will delight fans. It is an essential reference for libraries, radio stations, and the entertainment industry.

Customer Reviews:

A DJ's Guide to Country Music.......2005-09-25

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.......2005-07-11

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

Great book!.......2001-07-01

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.......1999-04-16

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 !!!

The Billboard Illustrated Encyclopedia of Music: From Rock, Pop, Jazz, Blues and Hip Hop to Classical, Country, Folk, World and More

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The Billboard Illustrated Encyclopedia of Music: From Rock, Pop, Jazz, Blues and Hip Hop to Classical, Country, Folk, World and More
Paul du Noyer
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0823078698

Book Description

Music touches us all, from the dancing and rebellion of youth to the quiet contemplation of the older listener. Music provides the beat to the rhythm of our lives, introducing TV programs, selling advertisements, blasting out from market stalls or along the aisles of superstores.

The Billboard Illustrated Encyclopedia of Music is the ultimate guide for anyone with a passing or a passionate interest in music. Authoritative, informative, accessible, and entertaining, the book conveys the spirit and substance of practically every type of music one might listen to, from rock, pop, jazz, folk, blues, hip-hop, reggae, and dance, to classical music, country, gospel, R&B, soul, soundtracks, musical theater, and world music.

Organized by genre, the book presents a concise introduction to each music form, listing its major exponents, offering a four-bar sample of its style, and provides information on major musicians, performers, composers, and songwriters - over 12,000 names in all - highlighting their main period of activity and cross-references to the relevant music style section.

Also included are three useful appendices. A short "Instruments" glossary covers all key instruments mentioned in the narrative, showing the reader which type of music each instrument is normally used in, with examples of its best or most rewarding use. "How to Read Music, the Basics" instructs the reader on how to read music, providing a simply understanding of the four bar examples of music offered with each major genre. The appendices contain a comprehensive bibliography as well.

Bringing the world of music to life are 800 colorful illustrations of musicians, instruments, album covers, music engravings, and more.

Whether passionate or casual listener, anyone interested in music will find The Billboard Illustrated Encyclopedia of Music a must-have for both enjoyable reading as well as for reference.

Book Description

The Banjo Encyclopedia is a comprehensive, in-depth banjo instructional tool that covers the many intricacies of bluegrass banjo playing, including numerous topics that may have been overlooked in banjo instruction to date. The Banjo Encyclopedia can take a student from the beginning, to intermediate, and right through to more advanced styles of banjo playing. Ross Nickerson uses his many years of experience helping hundreds of aspiring banjo pickers by offering the banjo student an opportunity to learn in a practical, straightforward manner. This wide-ranging banjo instructional book will focus on many techniques that will help every aspect of a banjo player's musicianship while simplifying many subjects in the learning process. The included 99-track CD recording will enable the student to learn easily by hearing author Ross Nickerson demonstrate each song, and perform many of the banjo licks and phrases included in the book slow, and up to tempo. The CD also i! ncludes an advanced song section with a full bluegrass band accompanying Ross along with additional intermediate songs for the student to learn. The Banjo Encyclopedia is undoubtedly one of the most complete five-string banjo books on the market today and a must for every banjo player's collection.

Customer Reviews:

This has it all.......2007-04-02

Very Good. who knew any one could write so much on the banjo. Very good to get goin and doin it right from the start.

Great book, but needs to be spiral bound!!.......2005-02-22

I bought this based on customer reviews and it appears to be all it's cracked up to be. However I wanted to warn folks that a book this thick and perfect bound is not very practical. You will have to break the spine to get it to flatten out and actually use. Or you can have it trimmed and rebound at a print shop. I noticed that the website, BanjoTeacher.com, does offer a spiral-bound version and am sorry I didn't go that route. I just don't like tossing my credit info all over the internet, so it would be nice if Amazon could carry the spiral bound edition as well.

The way to learn banjo!.......2004-11-29

This is a great way to begin your banjo journey. I have taken lessons with Ross and he is a fantastic teacher. He has an easy way about him that draws you into the instrument instead of scaring you off it.

The book is written in that very same style. It is very comprehensive but it is broken up into sections that allow you to progress naturally. You will find yourself going back to chapters well after your "beginner" stage. He shows you many different styles of playing and even how to mix them together! I think it's better than the Scruggs book. (but you should own that as well - just because)

If you play banjo or are thinking about it, buy this book. Trust me.

A welcome and thorough study of the instrument.......2004-10-19

In the old days, banjo techniques were passed down orally from generation to generation as part of regional and familial folklore. Today, aspiring 5-string pickers have a multitude of high quality instructional materials readily available. Ross Nickerson has an impressive resume as a performer, recording artist and teacher. One of his primary goals is to help avoid having to learn everything the hard way. He provides time saving, practical lessons and advice. The Banjo Encyclopedia is very comprehensive, covers many topics, and is a tool that should be referenced regularly.

He starts at square one with the basics of holding the banjo, using picks, reading tab, tuning, positioning hands, and overcoming difficulties. Rolls and exercises are then covered. Chapters are dedicated to right hand technique, as well as that for the left hand. By the end of Chapter 3, one is learning "Banks of the Ohio" and "Bury Me Beneath the Willow." An important lesson that many books fail to present is practice habits and practicing priorities. Nickerson does a fine job emphasizing the importance of a good practicing routine. Basic Scrugg's picking is then addressed and related to the songs, "Sitting on Top of the World" and "Nine Pound Hammer." Melodic and single-string styles of playing introduce some fiddle tunes, and then the author has us put it all together along with rhythm and chordal backup. Chapter ten broaches the subject of improvisation, before we get into kickoffs, turnarounds, and endings. Playing at slower tempos and in waltz time are covered. Finally a chapter on banjo maintenance by Mike Munford addresses all the parts. Advanced songs taught include John Henry and Train 45. The accompanying CD is 78 minutes long, and clear references to the disc tracks are given throughout the book. Nickerson teaches in a very straightforward style, although I might have slightly changed the sequence of some of the instructional material. The Banjo Encyclopedia is a welcome and thorough study of the instrument, most appropriate for beginning and intermediate players. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

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A USEFUL COMPENDIUM
Yikes
The best resource directory for the harmonica
If you love the harp, you will love this book!
If you love the harp, you will love this book!

The Encyclopedia of the Harmonica
Peter Krampert
Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Harmonicas, Harps and Heavy Breathers, Updated Edition: The Evolution of the People's Instrument

ASIN: 0786658959

Book Description

The Encyclopedia of the Harmonica is the most comprehensive book ever written on the instrument, offering over 900 articles on players, bands, techniques, resources and a discography of over 5,000 recordings by harmonica players. Originally released in 1998, this new edition includes dozens of new articles on players and bands as well as over 1,500 new recordings. It is profusely illustrated with over 150 photographs of the players who have made the harmonica the world's most popular musical instrument. This book has been critically acclaimed by readers in over 25 countries and is a must-have for any serious harmonica enthusiast.

Customer Reviews:

A USEFUL COMPENDIUM.......2001-01-26

This is an extremely useful resource. It gives an idea of the broadness of the harmonica world and the people who dwell in it. Most instruments have a history, and Mr. Krampert has made a major contribution to annodating ours.

Yikes.......2000-06-16

This book does NOT have it all. Particularly not on "every" aspect of harmonica. The "700+ articles" are on average 1-2 sentences of general knowledge (rarely useful). I love the harp and do NOT love this book. I can "live" just fine without it and it is NOT "the best harmonica book ever written". Almost every other harmonica book here on amazon is better. The other reviews here are insane. (and/or by the author?)

The best resource directory for the harmonica.......1999-07-08

This book has it all. Over 700 articles and over 3,500 recordings listed on virtually every aspect of the harmonica, it's players and it's wonderful history as well as a resource directory in the back. If you don't have this book, then you're not a harmonica player.

If you love the harp, you will love this book!.......1999-02-11

This Encyclopedia of the Harmonica is THE most complete reference guide this harp player has ever found on the instrument! In addition to having interesting historical facts about the harmonica itself, there are several hundred bios & discographies on players ranging from John Popper of Blues Traveler to Stevie Wonder to Mick Jagger to Alanis Morisette to Corky Siegal & everybody in between, including some people you really wouldn't expect, like the outlaw Jesse James and Abraham Lincoln? This book has it all! I highly recommend The Encyclopedia of the Harmonica to every harp player around, young or old, blues or classical,whatever! My wife gave this book to me for my birthday. It would make a great gift for any harp player you know.

If you love the harp, you will love this book!.......1999-02-11

The Billboard Illustrated Encyclopedia of Country Music

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The Billboard Illustrated Encyclopedia of Country Music

Manufacturer: Billboard Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Music | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0823077810
Release Date: 2007-05-29

Book Description

Country is old. Country is new. Country is us. Now The Billboard Illustrated Encyclopedia of Country Music explores the most durable of genres, following its development through the twentieth century and up to today. Chapters trace the history of country chronologically, from early hillbilly music (Roy Acuff & The Carter Family), "singing cowboys" (Gene Autry & Roy Rogers), bluegrass (Bill Monroe & the Stanley Brothers), honky tonk (Hank Williams & Ernest Tubb), rockabilly (Carl Perkins & Jerry Lee Lewis), and Nashville (Johnny Cash & Patsy Cline), to country rock (the Byrds & the Eagles), outlaws (Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard), mainstream country and pop crossovers (Tammy Wynette & Dolly Parton), and the neo-traditionalists (Garth Brooks & Emmylou Harris), as well as the more recent "alternative country" (Lucinda Williams & Gillian Welch), and the bluegrass revival (Alison Krauss & Bela Fleck). From the earliest days of country to the latest artists, The Billboard Illustrated Encyclopedia of Country Music tells the story of a great American genre in words and pictures.

The Big Book of Country Music: A Biographical Encyclopedia

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The Big Book of Country Music: A Biographical Encyclopedia
Richard Carlin
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0140235094

The Comprehensive Country Music Encyclopedia

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The Comprehensive Country Music Encyclopedia
Country Music Magazine Editors
Manufacturer: Crown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Country Music: The Encyclopedia

ASIN: 0812922476
Release Date: 1994-10-18

Book Description

Country music has come of age. It has a rich history in American culture, and its story is well told in this definitive encyclopedia, written with verve and insight by the editors of America's leading and most popular country music magazine. The background of all the major -- and minor -- performers in country music, their greatest hits, fascinating anecdotes about their childhoods, their rise to (or fall from) fame, the truth behind publicity releases and general rumor -- it's all here, from Roy Acuff and Billy Ray Cyrus to Patsy Cline and Reba McEntire.

The Comprehensive Country Music Encyclopedia offers a fresh, absorbing portrait of country music from its folkloric origins to its present status as the popular music of choice for 42 percent of the adult population, according to industry estimates. Indeed, in the past decade, the country music audience has tripled. Between 1988 and 1990, sales of country records jumped 56 percent as sales of rock-'n'-roll records slumped 5 percent. Combining more than six hundred short descriptive entries with longer evaluative articles, the encyclopedia is informative, engaging, and a pleasure to read. The critical events and individuals that have shaped country music are all here in one indispensable volume.

More than a reference book to be consulted simply for the dates or details of a particular artist's hits or career, the encyclopedia offers a virtual social history of country music. It distinguishes itself not only by the unassailable authority of its contributors -- the most knowledgeable and gifted writers in this field -- but by its in-depth portraits of country music's pioneers and contemporary stars. Individual entries are placed within a larger historical and musical context. Linking discrete facts, dates, and events through what amount to interpretive essays, The Comprehensive Country Music Encyclopedia presents the overarching themes and musical ideas that have animated the landscape of country music.

An additional feature of the encyclopedia is the more than six hundred photographs, many rarely seen. These superb photographs convey the social and cultural spirit of the artists depicted. Together with the compelling text, the encyclopedia is certain to engage the curiosity, interests, and passions of every reader, and of every fan.

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Authoritative and informative source for country music info.

Country Music: The Encyclopedia
Irwin Stambler , and Grelun Landon
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0312264879

Amazon.com

During the last 10 years, the country-music industry has exploded with new stars and new sounds. The creators of The Encyclopedia of Folk, Country and Western Music are back with an all-new, revised, and updated country-music reference. Ranging from Hank Williams Sr. to BR5-49, each biographical sketch traces the artist's career and lists notable recordings. Want to know which early country artists appeared on the National Barn Dance radio show? Curious about which banjo players use the Scruggs picking style? The general subject index makes for mighty good readin'. Entries are also indexed by artist and album and song titles, and an appendix lists award- winners and members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Whether you prefer Bob Wills or Shania Twain, this is the ultimate reference for any country-music lover.

Book Description

This completely revised and updated edition of Irwin Stambler and Grelun Landon's landmark encyclopedia of country music isn't limited to pure country anymore; in fact, its broad range covers country, country rock, bluegrass, rockabilly, country gospel, honky-tonk, western swing, cowboy (and cowgirl!) singers, and more!And unlike other encyclopedias, Country Music: The Encyclopedia is more than just a list of names and dates. It's the most personal country reference book there is, filled with original, first-person interviews with stars young and old, from Hank Williams to Shania Twain. In addition, the 75 percent new or substantially revised entries, and a series of indexes that allow you to reference song titles, album titles, performers, and types of music-as well as anything else that interests you in a general subject index-make Country Music: The Encyclopedia the greatest book of its kind.Country Music: The Encyclopedia contains: * Complete awards information, year by year * Scores of photos of the hottest stars * And, for the first time, a complete set of indexes-by performer, by song and album title, and general subject index-that no other country encyclopedia offers] AUTHORBIO: Irwin Stambler and Grelun Landon's previous editions of this book were entitled The Encyclopedia of Folk, Country and Western Music (SMP, 1969, 1982, hardcover; 1984, trade paperback). Both Stambler and Landon live and work in Los Angeles.]

Customer Reviews:

Authoritative and informative source for country music info........1999-09-26

I'm not a huge fan of country music, but I found this encyclopedia, with its many interviews and interesting tidbits, to be a fascinating read. The author seems to have amazing access to many of the most prominent country music stars and fills his accounts with witty accounts of the stars' lives. In short, I recommend this book highly.

Definitive Country: The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Country Music

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Far Too Many Errors and Omissions
Definitive Country: The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Country Music
GREAT!!!!!!!!!!
Aweinspiring in its completeness.
The best country music reference on the market today.

Definitive Country: The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Country Music
Barry McCloud
Manufacturer: Perigee Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Far Too Many Errors and Omissions.......2007-09-10

As a reference for serious collectors of Country music, this volume [first published in 1995] contains a great deal of information, but at the same time there are some glaring errors and omissions which makes one wonder just how "definitive" it really is.

Not mentioned at all, for instance, are: Jerry Abbot; Don Adams; Daniele Alexander; Wyvon Alexander; Rayburn Anthony; Atlanta [nine Country hits from 1983-1988]; The Bama Band; Pop Eckler & His Young'uns, an early Bluegrass band from Kentucky well known in the late 1930s/early 1940s; Larry Ballard ["Young Blood And Sweet Country Music" - especially since his Elektra stablemate Linda Hargrove rates a listing];

The Canadian group The Family Brown - seven Country single hits from 1981 to 1986 is also missing, as are; Charlie Feathers [one of the better Rockabilly performers of the mid-1950s; Steve Fromholz; Orval Prophet [Johnny Six]; Tracy Nelson; Wayne Nutt [Oil Field Man/The Ballad Of Wendell Nutt]; The Poplin Family [Gwine Back To Sumter]; James Talley [Got No Bread, No Milk, No Honey, But We Sure Got Love]; Chip Taylor [brother of actor John Voigt]; Dennis Weaver [of Gunsmoke and McCloud TV fame] who did two Country albums: One More Road and Dennis Weaver].

There are many more missing from this huge volume [1132 pages], as well as outright errors such as having Claude King dying in 1983. Which, of course, could very well call into question some of the other "facts."

Unfortunately, in order to determine just how many omissions and inaccuracies there are would require meticulous research. Something the author and his publisher, Perigee Books, should have done before putting it into print.

Definitive Country: The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Country Music.......2007-02-20

The book is absolutely awesome. I ordered two copies...from two different sellers. There was a misunderstanding at first from the seller "rsovmo" but it was clarified. I have now given this seller a thumbs up rating of 5 stars.

GREAT!!!!!!!!!!.......1999-04-07

1 000 stars from a country fan from Bulgaria

Aweinspiring in its completeness........1998-11-24

Thia book is absolutely nonpareil...To just cite one example of its incredible scholarship, the article on Gus Hardin notonly tells us that the very first song she ever sang in a night club was "You Make me Feel like a Natural Woman.", (How in Gods name did they find THAT out),it also tell sus that she was went to the same high school as David Gates, J.J. Cale, Hoyt Axton,Leon Russell,and Gaillard Sartain, Will Rogers High in Tulsa, whicH must have been one rocking place. The mere fact that this encyclopedia HAS an entry on the unfortunatly recently departed "fallen angel" is enough to tell any reader just how "definitive", Definitive Country is!

The best country music reference on the market today........1998-01-16

"Definitive Country" is by far the most thorough reference ever done on the subject of country music! It has been an invaluable source for material on my websites. I highly recommend it for all true country music enthusiasts.

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Encyclopedia of Canadian Country Music
Rick Jackson
Manufacturer: Quarry Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1550821512

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