Country music goes to war / edited by Charles K. Wolfe and James E. Akenson.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Wolfe, Charles K.

Akenson, James Edward, 1943-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Country music--History and criticism.

Country music.

Country music--Social aspects.

Music and war.

Political ballads and songs--History and criticism.

Political ballads and songs.

Genre:

Political ballads and songs.

Physical Description:

viii, 250 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Lexington, Ky. : The University Press of Kentucky, [2005]

Summary:

Dramatic and tragic sentiments are often at the heart of country music lyrics, making the theme of war a natural subject for this genre of music. While the popularity of war songs has varied over the last two centuries, several of these songs have become part of the standard country music repertoire. Country Music Goes to War presents fourteen essays that explore the tradition of war-related country music and its impact.

With the recent surge of patriotism and a renewed interest in songs that reflect on military triumphs and sacrifices, new versions of patriotic standards such as "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "America the beautiful" have been recorded by major contemporary artists. New songs about current military actions have become newsworthy items themselves, such as songs by Toby Keith, Darryl Worley, and Charlie Daniels.

The artists themselves often disagree about the role of country music in the public discourse. Spurred by the escalating tension and war in Iraq, the Dixie Chicks' Natalie Maines sparked a "war of views" by making disparaging comments about President Bush while on stage in London. Several other prominent country artists fired back; among them, Travis Tritt spoke out, referring to the comments as cowardly and a cheap shot. A verbal and musical feud has also developed between Maines and Toby Keith, who wrote the pro-war song "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue" and was chosen Entertainer of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards. This tension within the industry and its effects are among the significant topics explored in this collection.

The essays in Country Music Goes to War discuss songs dating from the Civil War to the 9/11 attacks and the current war in Iraq, as well as country musicians from such unlikely places as Northern Ireland and Australia. Although the authors approach their subjects from varying perspectives, all address one common concern: what functions do these songs play in different societies and historical periods? The authors contend that country music is a cultural bellwether, and its artists and songs continue to spark discussion, capture hearts, and inspire listeners.

Contents:

The Civil War in country music tradition / Andrew K. Smith and James E. Akenson

"Bloody war" : war songs in early country music / Charles K. Wolfe

"There's a Star Spangled Banner waving somewhere" : the story behind its success / Louis Hatchett and W.K. McNeil

Gene Autry in World War II / Don Cusic

Peace in the valley : the development of John Lair's enterprises during WW II / Michael Ann Williams

Hayloft patriotism : the national barn dance during World War II / Wayne W. Daniel

"Jesus hits like an atom bomb" : nuclear warfare in country music, 1944-56 / Charles K. Wolfe

Purple hearts, Heartbreak Ridge, and Korean mud : pain, patriotism, and faith in the 1950-53 "Police action" / Ivan M. Tribe

"Dear Ivan" : country music perspectives on the Soviet Union and the Cold War / Kevin S. Fontenot

"True patriot" : Brian Letton goes to war / Rae Wear

"Alternative" to what? : O brother, September 11, and the politics of country music / Aaron A. Fox

Ulster loyalism and country music, 1969-85 / David A. Wilson

In whose name? Country artists speak out on Gulf War II / Randy Rudder

Country music : a teaching tool for dealing with war / James E. Akenson.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN:

0813123089

OCLC:

56421871