Queen of the Hillbillies: The Writings of May Kennedy McCord

by Patti McCord (Editor), Kristene Sutliff (Editor)

May Kennedy McCord, lovingly nicknamed “First Lady of the Ozarks” and “Queen of the Hillbillies,” spent half a century sharing the history, songs, and stories of her native Ozarks through newspaper columns, radio programs, and music festivals. Though her work made her one of the twentieth century’s preeminent folklorists, McCord was first and foremost an entertainer—at one time nearly as renowned as the hills she loved. Despite the encouragement of her contemporaries, McCord never published a collection of her work. In 1956, Vance Randolph wrote to her, “If you didn’t have such a mental block against writing books, I could show you how to make a book out of extracts from your columns. It would be very little work, and sell like hotcakes. . . . I could write a solemn little introduction, telling the citizens what a fine gal you are! The hell of it is, most of the readers know all about you.” In Queen of the Hillbillies , editors Patti McCord and Kristene Sutliff at last bring together the best of McCord’s published and previously unpublished writings to share her knowledge, humor, and inimitable spirit with a new generation of readers.

366 pages, Paperback

Published April 8, 2022

Reviews

[Kenneth Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up in the early 1950's we did not yet have a television, but we had several radios in the house. Tuned to KWTO (Keep Watching the Ozarks) broadcasting from Springfield, MO, I got to hear many radio programs, dramas, sometimes live music and other live broadcasts.

One program that I remember originated live and was called "Hillbilly Heartbeats." This was May Kennedy McCord's program about life in the Ozarks. She read poems, stories, Ozarkian remedies for about any illness ever known, gardening tips and she sang songs accompanying herself on the guitar.

At the time I thought why would anybody listen to this. Even though I didn't think I was listening apparently I heard more than I thought.

As I read this book containing her original writing not published before, a wave of nostalgia struck me as I recognized the Ozarkian dialect I was familiar with from my grandparents and their peers. Some of the old cures and remedies she shared on the radio program I remembered hearing my grandmother and mother talking about and probably using them on me and my sisters. The community picnics and get togethers, church services, baptisms and funerals she talked about were a trip back in time that I was familiar with.

May Kennedy McCord's granddaughter, Patti McCord, put this book together using her grandmother's notes and transcripts. It was a pleasant reminder of the "old timers" who worked hard without the modern conveniences we take for granted and yet lived fulfilling lives using what they had and what they knew. I am glad she has preserved this bit of Ozark history.

[Dawn Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that I am finished sobbing… I am a 7th generation Ozarker, displaced and very homesick. This brings back my grandpa and grandma, who I think knew May. I am writing a show about May, which is why I was given this book to begin with.

I LOVED this. I wish there was a 4.5. This is very much a collection of her writings and letters to her. So it can be “random” at times. And that is what this book set out to do…share this.

This is my February reading challenge book - a book set in your hometown, city, or state.

[Craig Amason · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection filled to the brim with nostalgia and folklore from a woman whose love for her region of the country could not possibly be surpassed by any other chronicler. May Kennedy McCord was cut from the cloth of women journalists/columnists from the early to mid-20th century when hometown and regional media outlets valued perspectives and commentary from the ground level that their consumers could really appreciate. While reading this book I was reminded of writers like Erma Bombeck and Celestine Sibley, but May Kennedy McCord was much more interested in preserving folk wisdom and humor than many of her contemporary journalists, and she lived in a region saturated with it.

One of the co-editors of this book is the granddaughter of May Kennedy McCord, who has such fond memories of her grandmother. Her love and admiration shine through the pages. The book is conveniently divided into subject chapters covering everything from ghost stories, politics, and religion to music and some of the most outrageous superstitions I have ever heard. Much of McCord's wit is familiar to me having been raised in the Deep South with traditions and customs similar to that of the Ozarks. The funniest line in the whole book to me was, “I would give my bridge work to go down to Kimberling Park this Fourth on White River.” I laughed out loud at this and many other passages throughout this delightful book.

[Greta Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book is such an essential read for anyone interested in Ozarks culture. The book touches on every aspect of Ozarks life, from food to pets to ceremonies and celebrations to other long lasting traditions.

May is such an under-appreciated folklorist and journalist and I’m so glad that there is finally a book that chronicles so much of her life and work. From my little knowledge of May, I believe this book really captures her spirit and personality.

My favorite part of the book was the first half. It felt like it had a stronger narrative than the later half, which is mostly a variety of submitted writings from May’s readers. Thought this submitted work adds depth to the book, encompassing more perspectives, some parts lose a clean narrative toward the end of the book.

Overall, a very worthwhile read for anyone interested in the Ozarks and early 1900s life.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine collection of stories and articles from the early 20th century Ozarks. Her purpose was to entertain, so it makes sense that her reminisces seem to be through rose colored glasses. My family has been in the Ozarks since the 1850s. Times were often hard, and scarcity was the rule for many generations. I especially enjoyed the chapter on home remedies!