Country Music Goes To War
Contributors: Charles K. Wolfe (Editor); James E. Akenson (Editor)
Publisher: University Press of Kentucky
Published: January 15, 2005
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 250
ISBN-13: 9780813123080
Subjects: Country & western; Cultural studies; Music and war; History & Criticism - General; Music/Songbooks; Social aspects; Music; USA; Genres & Styles - Country & Bluegrass - General; Popular Culture - General; Country music; History and criticism; Political ballads and songs
First sentence: Despite lasting only four years-from 1861 to 1865-the American Civil War continues to fascinate the public and scholars in the United States and around the world.
Description: "Dramatic and tragic sentiments are often at the heart of country music lyrics, making the theme of war a natural subject for this genre of music. While the popularity of war songs has varied over the last two centuries, several of these songs have become part of the standard country music repertoire. Country Music Goes to War presents fourteen essays that explore the tradition of war-related country music and its impact." "The essays in Country Music Goes to War discuss songs dating from the Civil War to the 9/11 attacks and the current war in Iraq, as well as country musicians from such unlikely places as Northern Ireland and Australia. Although the authors approach their subjects from varying perspectives, all address one common concern: what functions do these songs play in different societies and historical periods? The authors contend that country music is a cultural bellwether, and its artists and songs continue to spark discussion, capture hearts, and inspire listeners."--BOOK JACKET.