Voices of the Country Interviews with Classic Country Performers

"Voices of the Country" presents interviews with innovative musicians, producers, and songwriters who shaped the last 50 years of country music. From Eddy Arnold's new, smoother approach to song delivery to Loretta Lynn's take-no-prisoners feminism, these people opened new vistas in country music and American culture. Each has a unique, individual voice, including Chet Atkins's self-effacing modesty, Lynn's audacious storytelling, Charley Pride's proud knowledge of his landmark status as among the only African-Americans to break through country's racial barrier, and Sheb Wooley's optimism that "dreams will come true" - if you only choose the right goals. "Voices of the Country" will appeal to all fans of country music and the American scene that nurtured it.

Chapter 1 Introduction; Chapter 2 Seems Like a Dream, Eddy Arnold; Chapter 3 The Best I Could Do, Chet Atkins; Chapter 4 Arranger, Anita Kerr; Chapter 5 Little Country Girl, Ginny Wright; Chapter 6 Voice of the Country, Red Kirk; Chapter 7 Yesterday's Gone, Hank Loeklin; Chapter 8 American, Charley Pride; Chapter 9 Woman Enough, Loretta Lynn; Chapter 10 Dreams Will Come True, Sheb Wooley; Chapter 11 Circumstances, Billy Walker;

Michael Streissguth is the author of two biographies of country legends, Eddy Arnold and Jim Reeves, and edited The Johnny Cash Reader. He has written for the Encyclopedia of Country Music, Journal of Country Music, Country Music Magazine, and others. He teaches Communication and English at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York.