While on the air on Tuesday morning, I made a book recommendation, and said that I'd provide the title/author info online. Then, I promptly forgot to share. Oops.
This book - In The Country Of Country: A Journey To The Roots Of American Music - isn't a new book; in fact, it was written by Nicholas Dawidoff and was published in 1997. Dawidoff, a journalist, visited many of the birthplaces and/or hometowns of several country (and Bluegrass) legends to see if he could get an idea of how environment and surroundings were able to shape these performers. His subjects make for interesting reading, especially if you have any interest in "real" country music and its performers. As Dawidoff's research and interviews were conducted in the 1990s, many of his chosen subjects were still alive and making music (i.e. Bill Monroe, Buck Owens, Harlan Howard, Chet Atkins, Johnny Cash). Other performers profiled include the Stanley Brothers, the Louvin Brothers, Doc Watson, Emmylou Harris, Earl Scruggs, Merle Haggard, and George Jones, just to name a few.
While the book is still available at several online retailers, I suggest you visit your local library to see if they might own the book, or can borrow a copy for you via interlibrary loan. No matter how you have to obtain this book, though, do it, as I think it's worth the effort.
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