Author Description

A rollicking tour through the world of country music – from the honky tonks to the Grand Ole Opry. Here's the real lowdown on country – the music and the musicians, the myths, the mayhem, and the magic. Including: Who's on First: milestones in country music history ~ Musical Families: the intricacies of the Carters, the Cashes, and other big country families ~ Trademarks: how to recognize the real Minnie Pearl ~ The Country Music Image: how to talk like a country star ~ The Perfect Country Song: including cheatin' songs, drinkin' songs, songs of class consciousness, gospel songs, and more ~ Words to Live By: advice from country songs ~ Eighty Essential Albums for a Country Music Record Collection. Plus a personality test ("Are You a Country Star?"); "The Roadhog's Rules for Being a Country Star"; the ultimate explanation of the difference between "hard country" and "the Nashville sound"; and lists and quizzes covering theme songs, awards, and a whole lot more.