Vintage Country

Discover the roots of country music withVintage Countryan illustrated journey through 100+ pioneering artists, styles, and essential recordings.

Vintage Countryis the first illustrated book to explore the rural and urban roots of country music, tracing its evolution from early recordings and radio days to its 1940s1950s rise, before Nashvilles dominance.

Written by renowned historian Tony Russell, it profiles over 100 key artists and bands, including Jimmie Rodgers, Doc Boggs, Taylors Kentucky Boys, Red Foley, DeZurik Sisters, Carl T. Sprague, Hackberry Ramblers, Hank Williams, Molly ODay, Merle Travis, and the Louvin Brothers.

The book is organized into six chapters by style and era: pre-Depression Old Time music, Radio Years stars (1930sWWII), cowboy & western music, Western swing, honky-tonk, and bluegrass. Each entry highlights the artists history, influences, and career, with an essential recordings list for quick reference.

Richly illustrated with posters, sheet music, and artifacts,Vintage Countrybrings the genres origins to life through evocative visuals and expert storytelling, making it a compelling resource for music lovers and historians alike.[AuthorName]By Tony Russell and Photographs by Scott B. Bomar[/AuthorName][AuthorBio]Tony Russellis a leading historian of American vernacular music. His books includeBlacks, Whites and Blues(1970; reprinted 2001),Country Music Records: A Discography, 19211942(2004),Country Music Originals: The Legends and the Lost(2007), andRural Rhythm: The Story of Old-Time Country Music in 78 Records(2021). He has been nominated twice for a Grammy for Best Album Notes and has received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Association of Recorded Sound Collections and the International Country Music Conference.
Scott B. Bomaris an award-winning writer, researcher, and music historian based in Los Angeles. He has authored or co-authored six books, includingThe Byrds: 19641967(with Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman, and David Crosby),Every Night Is Saturday Night(with Wanda Jackson),Johnny Cash at Folsom & San Quentin, and the forthcomingBakersfield Sounds: The Rise and Fall of Country Musics Nashville West.Scott has earned three Grammy nominations in the category of Best Album Notes, including for his 10-CD box setThe Bakersfield Sound. In 2024 he received the Chet Flippo Award for Excellence in Country Music Journalism.[/AuthorBio][NumIllustration]160 color and b/w photos[/NumIllustration][CoAuthor][/CoAuthor][SubTitle]The Essential Artists and Songs, from Old-Time to Honky-Tonk, 19201970[/SubTitle][ColorPattern]160 color and b/w photos[/ColorPattern]