The Grand Ole Opry: The Making of an American Icon

by Colin Escott and Vince Gill

Book Overview

This official guide chronicles the story of the birthplace of country music as told by the people who were there. Escott presents the official inside history of the home of country music, offering fans an exclusive look into the heart and soul of country music. Full color, and packed with photos from the Opry Archives covering 80 years of history.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1931722862
• ISBN13: 9781931722865
• Release Date: November 2006
• Publisher: Center Street
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Country Music Fans will love it

Subtitled: The Making of an American Icon The story of how the Grand Ole Opry started and how it remains a vital part of country music today is told by music legends, both current and past. Interviews, notes and letters from legends of today, as well as those who live on only in the hearts of country music fans, are used to bring us little known facts and details about the Opry. Minnie Pearl, Pee Wee Reese, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and Elvis Presley all stood on the same stage and felt the same sense of honor at being there. Funny stories, stories of tragedy and loss and tales from entertainment history are told about, and by, entertainers. WSM radio started in 1925 as the brainchild of the son of a top executive of National Life Insurance Company. To get backing, he used the call letters WSM that the insurance company had used for years to mean, "we shield millions." The first few years of the fledgling station were rocky. From the struggle to keep the station alive came the idea to air a show called Radio Barn Dance that evolved into the Grand Ole Opry. The history is interesting, the stories entertaining and the pictures delightful. Armchair Interviews says: The perfect coffee table book for country music fans.