The Encyclopedia of Country Music

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

“"This is the definitive book on country music and it will be a valuable resource to those who work in the music industry." --CBC Radio”

"Any serious country music fan will treasure this authoritative book."-- The Seattle Times "Sets new standards in the field."--The Baltimore Sun "Perhaps the best single-volume reference work on country music."--Billboard Magazine "While a handful of worthwhile country music encyclopedias are in print, none are as comprehensive in scope as The Encyclopedia of Country Music.... For country fans with an eye for trivia, it doesn't get much better than this."--Tower Pulse "Truly a labor of love.... I hope you find that it brings you a little closer to the music you love and leads you down paths that bring more music into your life."--Emmylou Harris, from the Foreword "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, compiled by the staff of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, spans the history of country music, listing not only artists and groups but also important individuals and institutions."--San Francisco Examiner "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 "An unparalleled work, worth its price and highly recommended." "The Encyclopedia of Country Music, 2nd edition, is the most comprehensive treatment of the genre to date."--Journal of the Society for American Music

Paul Kingsbury, editor of the first edition of the Encyclopedia of Country Music, is the co-editor (with Alanna Nash) of Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Country Music in America and the author of The Grand Ole Opry History of Country Music. Michael McCall, a prominent music journalist, is a writer and editor at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. John W. Rumble is senior historian at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

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

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