Books in the Music in American Life series

Combining the history of country music's roots with portraits of its primary performers, this work examines the close relationship between "America's truest music" and the working-class culture that has constituted its principal source, nurtured its development, and provided its most dedicated supporters.

Written by an award-winning composer whose music has been performed in the US, Europe, and the Far East, this title combines the whimsical and the treacherous into a chronicle that takes in various things from the KGB to Macy's store windows, Alcatraz to the Beach Boys, Hollywood thrillers to the United Nations, Joseph Stalin to Shirley Temple.

One of the ethnomusicologists takes the reader along for a tour of his workplace.

Offers a comprehensive history of King Records, one of the most influential independent record companies in the history of American music. This book tells the story of a small outsider record company in Cincinnati, Ohio, that attracted an extremely diverse roster of artists, including the Stanley Brothers, Grandpa Jones, Redd Foxx and Earl Bostic.

An authoritative source on Railroad Folksong. This book provides a discussion of the human aspects of railroad history, railroad folklore, and the evolution of the American folksong. It contains a detailed analysis of eighty-five songs, from "John Henry" and "The Wabash Cannonball" to "Hell-Bound Train" and "Casey Jones".

The first comprehensive examination of the early blues industry and the music it produced

An exhaustive reference detailing the mirth and music of country music humorists and comedians

An astute collection of inquiries into the rich history and impact of the National Barn Dance

Twentieth-century composers created thousands of original works for solo percussion and percussion ensemble. In this concise book, percussionist Thomas Siwe offers an essential and much-needed survey of groundbreaking musical literature.

Reveals the courage, hope, and grit of the American erotic experience as chronicled in the headlines of the nation's public press from the earliest issue of "The Boston News-Letter" to the major newspapers of today. This book provides a view of the events that have most influenced politics and culture.

The inter tribal pow-wow is the most widespread venue for traditional Indian music and dance in North America. Now in paperback, this book is a journey into the dances and music, the traditions and regalia, and the functions and significance of the Pow-wow.

An academic book on bluegrass.

An authoritative history of the trailblazers of the independent rock 'n' roll record industry

The participatory tradition of Sacred Harp singing fosters a diverse musical community

Traces the life, influences on fellow musicians, and struggles of a pioneer among American composers who turned to the island of Bali for inspiration. Presenting an unconventional life, this title is designed for scholars, musicians or those interested in 20th century American or Balinese music.