50 Years Down a Country Road: The Evolution of American Music―An Insider's Perspective on Timeless Stars and Eternal Themes

by Ralph Emery, Patsi Bale Cox

For the past half century, Ralph Emery's incredibly popular radio and television programs have allowed millions to tune into the newest hits and savor their old favorites. Now Ralph combines his unique perspective with an encyclopedic wealth of country lore as he examines the changing face of the music he loves. From Hank Williams, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, and Johnny Cash to Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, and the Dixie Chicks, he chronicles the lives and careers of the stars, many of them his close friends. He shows how country music has changed over the years, but also reveals how its eternal themes and timeless melodies have kept this quintessentially American genre alive and well for fans of all ages.

Genres: Music

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Tim Armstrong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ralph Emery takes us through his 50 years in the county music industry, telling stories about the artist that made country great. It was fine. Some chapters were better than others. I think the first quarter of the book was too focused on Hank Williams and it bogged down a bit.

[Sharon Bezrutczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was full of facts but very dry for me.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It is a Country Music history in a way & I learned a lot from Ralph & the artists he featured.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the book, Ralph Emery takes a fairly chronological approach to his 50 years in country music. He spotlights the individuals and groups that were popular during each decade. It read like a roller coaster to me. I really liked some parts, but others dragged.

[Koren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A history of country music with a personal stories from one of Nashvilles most beloved personalities. This book is 10 years old so some of the stories are a bit outdated but otherwise an interesting book.

[Jerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was travel down memory lane with background music during that era. We should do that in the Philippines and inspire our atists.

[Lulaberry]

I really enjoyed this book which included stories about some of my favorite country music writers and/or singers (Marty Robbins, Jim Reeves, Bobby Bare, Tom T. Hall, Carl Smith, to name a few).