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

Other author Wolfe, Charles K. editor.
Other author Akenson, James Edward, 1943- editor.
Format Book
Publication InfoLexington, KY : The University Press of Kentucky, ©2005.
Descriptionviii, 250 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm
Subjects
Country music--History and criticism.
Country music--Social aspects.
Music and war.
Political ballads and songs--History and criticism.

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.
Abstract 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. This book presents fourteen essays that explore the tradition of war-related country music and its impact. The essays in this book discuss songs dating from the Civil War to the 9/11 attacks and the 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.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references.
LCCN 2004020806
ISBN0813123089 (hardcover : alk. paper)