Watermelon wine : remembering the golden years of country music

Originally published 25 years ago, Watermelon Wine was praised for its honest, unsentimental examination of the compassion as well as the passion behind authentic country music. Author Frye Gaillard looked at the commercialization of the Grand Ole Opry; the tradition-minded rebels such as Hank Williams, Waylon Jennings, and Tompall Glaser; the growing divide between country and folk music; how Johnny Cash inspired new songwriters and new ideas; how the changing relationships between men and women were affecting the music; the role of God and gospel; and Southern rock's increasing influence. A quarter-century later, the essays in the book seem prophetic and in many cases have become even more relevant. A new introduction by Nashville music journalist Peter Cooper and a new afterword by the author update the book's themes and show what has happened to its personalities. Commercializing The Heritage: The Grand Ole Opry -- The Tradition-minded Rebels: Hank Williams, Waylon Jennings, And Tompall Glaser -- The Estrangement Of Country And Folk: Losing Sight Of The Common Ground -- Johnny Cash: Putting The Traditions Back Together -- In The Wake Of Johnny Cash: New Writers And New Ideas -- Blacks, Blues, And Country -- Loretta And The Pill: The Changing Relationships Between Men And Women -- God, The Gospel, And Country Music -- Putting The Audiences Back Together -- Southern Rock: The New Good Ole Boys -- Back To Nashville: Commercialism And Creativity -- Vince. Frye Gaillard.