Very interesting book. Willman examines the connection between politics and country musicians as it existed in 2005 when the book was first published. His approach is anecdotal rather than scholarly, discussing the controversies of the time: the (first) Dixie Chicks brouhaha, Toby Keith, the Bush/Ke ...more
his book is a fascinating look at the political makeup of the stars and establishment of country music. Working both forward and backward from the Dixie Chicks' scandal, Willman interviews a whole host of musicians, songwriters, and other country music types to get their takes on where the country m ...more
This was a fascinating read. Willman did a fine job interviewing country music heavy-hitters from both sides of the political fence (Rodney Crowell, Kris Kristofferson, Ronnie Dunn, Toby Keith, etc.). Country music is big business today, and the 'boot up your ass' mentality is one of the reasons I d ...more
This book was ok. It had several really interesting chapters on the relationship between country music and the two political parties, especially how Democrats seem to have abandoned the mainstream country music audience. And of course I'm going to love any book that has an interview with Patterson H ...more
I read this basically because I love the Dixie Chicks, especially since they got in trouble for being outspoken.
It sort of extends to the conflict that I really like country music, and I'm a flaming commie pinko liberal (well, really green anarchist, but whatev) which often feels like a conflict.
Not a bad read, even if it was written by a guy who works for Entertainment Weekly. It was a bit fluffy, but still seemed to give a good overview of both sides and the middle of politics in country music. ...more