Three chords and the truth
Subtitle: hope and heartbreak and the changing fortunes of Nashville
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 1997
Number of pages: 450
Description: In Three Chords and the Truth, Laurence Leamer explores the passionate life of country music. In its pages, you will witness the entire spectrum of today's country and the process of making stars.

From the inner life and conflicts of Garth Brooks to Wynonna's struggle to create a career of her own, from Vince Gill's love of musicianship and moving songs to Shania Twain's rugged road to superstardom, Three Chords and the Truth illuminates the difficulties, the commitments, the joys, and the hardships that lie beyond the spotlight and the studio.

With unprecedented access to the stars, managers, songwriters, and executives, Leamer takes you straight to the inner sanctum of the business - and shows how and where the songs and success originate.

Here is the story of great songwriters like Harlan Howard, who, when asked what a country song was, answered "three chords and the truth." Here, also, is the story of the key people who've turned country's regional appeal into an international phenomenon and the stars - from Patty Loveless to Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire to LeAnn Rimes, Brooks & Dunn to BR5-49, James Bonamy to Mindy McCready, Emmy Lou Harris to Mary Chapin Carpenter.