Book Review: Under the Influence of Classic Country

Music historian and scholar Sheree Homer scores once again with a massive study of country music's evolution, based on the memories of its active practitioners. Newly published by McFarland, "Under the Influence of Classic Country" is a good companion to Ken Burns' recent multi-episode documentary tracing the music's entire history. Ms. Homer set out to find, and interview, as many living country music performers as possible, resulting in the book's subtitle: "Profiles of 36 performers from the 1940s to today."

The book is broken up into seven sections and within each, Ms. Homer spotlights some of the most significant performers from that period. They are as follows:

1). Country and Rockabilly Groundbreakers:

Faron Young, Ernest Tubb, Ray Price, Bill Carter, Al Hendrix, Lefty Frizzell, and Billy Harlan.

2). Story Songwriters

Bill Anderson, Jeannie Seely, Jerry Reed, Bobby Bare, Loretta Lynn

3). Countrypolitan Hit Makers

Kenny Rogers, Charley Pride, Janie Fricke, Joe Stampley

4). Seventies Stars

Waylon Jennings, Freddie Hart, David Frizell, Mickey Gilley

5). Harmonius Duo's and Groups

The Cactus Blossoms, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Secret Sisters

6). Country Revivalists

BR5-49, Scotty Baker, Sarah Gayle Meech, Teri Joyce, The Lucky Stars, The Ragtime Wranglers, The Derailers, Pokey LaFarge

7). Rockabilly Sensations

Carmen Lee, Lance Lipinksy, Marcel Riesco, Randy Rich, Jonathan Lyons

Each individual is discussed biographically, as well as the significance of their contribution to the music. Many of the younger performers are interviewed themselves, but otherwise, Ms. Homer has tracked down associates and band members to recall greater specifics than just the basics of each performer. With her uncanny attention to historical detail, and understanding of the music's full development, Ms. Homer offers us keen insights into the important work of such landmark artists as Tubb, Lynn, and Pride, as well as those who have been proudly influenced by those artists and have built upon the music.

Sheree Homer's historical knowledge and enlightened perspective is the substance to her genuine love and appreciation of the music. It is this enthusiasm that permeates her study, making as entertaining as it is enlightening.

"Under the Influence of Classic Country" is an absolute must for libraries and research centers, and high recommended to fans and scholars of the music. You won't be disappointed.

The book can be ordered at this link: Classic Country