Nine songs recorded by George Strait, including: Winter Wonderland * Frosty the Snow Man * Santa Claus Is Coming to Town. Includes guitar chord frames.

Here is a comprehensive look at one of the biggest stars in the hard-driving, often heartbreaking world of country music. A chronicle of Strait's journey from playing Texas honkytonks to his big break in 1981, when he released Strait Country, to his stunning success just four albums later, when he debuted at number 1 on Billboard's country music chart. The white-stetsoned Strait is one of America's top concert attractions, and the Country Music Association named him Entertainer of the Year. Told with all the warmth, honesty, grit, and passion of the legendary artist himself, this is the story of the man behind the superstar myth -- of the family that shaped his youth, of his relationship with his wife, Norma, and of the tragic auto accident that killed his teenage daughter . . . and changed his life forever. Sure to be a revelation and an inspiration to his millions of fans.

Immediately upon publication in 1998, the Encyclopedia of Country Music became a much-loved reference source, prized for the wealth of information it contained on that most American of musical genres. Countless fans have used it as the source for answers to questions about everything from country's first commercially successful recording, to the genre's pioneering music videos, to what conjunto music is. This thoroughly revised new edition includes more than 1,200 A-Z entries covering nine decades of history and artistry, from the Carter Family recordings of the 1920s to the reign of Taylor Swift in the first decade of the twenty-first century. Compiled by a team of experts at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the encyclopedia has been brought completely up-to-date, with new entries on the artists who have profoundly influenced country music in recent years, such as the Dixie Chicks and Keith Urban. The new edition also explores the latest and most critical trends within the industry, shedding light on such topics as the digital revolution, the shifting politics of country music, and the impact of American Idol (reflected in the stardom of Carrie Underwood). Other essays cover the literature of country music, the importance of Nashville as a music center, and the colorful outfits that have long been a staple of the genre. The volume features hundreds of images, including a photo essay of album covers; a foreword by country music superstar Vince Gill (the winner of twenty Grammy Awards); and twelve fascinating appendices, ranging from lists of awards to the best-selling country albums of all time. Winner of the Best Reference Award from the Popular Culture Association "Any serious country music fan will treasure this authoritative book." --The Seattle Times "A long-awaited, major accomplishment, which educators, historians and students, broadcasters and music writers, artists and fans alike, will welcome and enjoy." --The Nashville Musician "Should prove a valuable resource to those who work in the country music business. But it's also an entertaining read for the music's true fans." --Houston Chronicle "This big, handsome volume spans the history of country music, listing not only artists and groups but also important individuals and institutions." --San Francisco Examiner "Promises to be the definitive historical and biographical work on the past eight decades of country music. Well written and heavily illustratedan unparalleled work, worth its price and highly recommended." --Library Journal

This text presents a comprehensive and up-to-date reference work on popular music, from the early 20th century to the present day.

This book highlights 50 of the most important entertainers in contemporary country music, providing a brief biography of each artist with special emphasis on experiences that influenced their musical careers. The artists are divided into five categories: "The New Traditionalists" (artists such as George Strait, Reba McEntire, and Clint Black who established the mainstream country sound in the 1980s); "Alternative Country" (artists such as Steve Earle and Bela Fleck who made country music on their own terms); "Groups" (ensemble acts such as Alabama, the Dixie Chicks, and Rascal Flatts that have carried on the traditions of the Carter Family and other prominent groups of the 1920s and 1930s); "Country-Pop" (artists such as Garth Brooks and Shania Twain who firmly established the "countrypolitan" sound as the cash cow of Nashville); and "New Country" (the next generation of country-pop artists, with particular attention paid to international megastars such as Keith Urban, and teen sensations, including LeAnn Rimes and Taylor Swift).

Just like you, Goldmine is passionate about vinyl. It rocks our world. So trust us when we say that the Goldmine Record Album Price Guide is a vinyl collector's best friend. Inside these pages you'll find the latest pricing and identification information for rock, pop, alternative, jazz and country albums valued at $10 or more. And that's just for starters. Goldmine Record Album Price Guide features: • Updated prices for more than 100,000 American vinyl LPs released since 1948. • A detailed explanation of the Goldmine Grading Guide, the industry standard. • Tips to help you accurately grade and value your records--including promo pressings. • An easy-to-use, well-organized format. Whether you're new to the scene or a veteran collector, Goldmine Record Album Price Guide is here to help!