Voices of the Country

"Voices of the Country" presents interviews with innovative musicians, producers, and songwriters who shaped the last fifty 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. Streissguth is a sensitive and knowledgeable interviewer: he gets beyond the standard publicity tales to the heart of the real voice - and real experiences - of these important figures.

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.

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;