Johnny's Cash and Charley's Pride: Lasting Legends and Untold Adventures in Country Music

If you love country music or good writing get this book now.

There are two kinds of people in this world; those who have read Peter Cooper's book "Johnny's Cash & Charley's Pride" and those who ought to read it.After reading the first two pages of the introductory chapter, I thought that it had already been worth the price of admission.Peter Cooper writes the stories of songwriters, musicians and those whose lives influenced those musical artists that are profiled in this book. By writing their stories, we learn the stories not only of these individuals, both famous and not-so-famous, but the story of Country and Americana music. He tells the stories of the people and the music with a passion born of a love of country music and the people who helped make it an art form that has touched the souls of millions of people.. We can only be appreciative that a writer with his talent, skill and sensitivity has written a book that allows the reader to vicariously share his passion and his love of the people he writes about.The writing is as entertaining and it is informative. This book is on my Mt. Rushmore of books about music; not just Country/Americana music, but music period.

Cleverly and humorously written, this guide to Nashville country singers of the past four-plus decades is a real pleasure. It is jam-packed with astute observations and personal stories that even the most devoted country fan may find fresh and revealing. Alas, there is no real theme here, and the book has the feel of a collection of disconnected, loose-leaf notebook sketched stories strung together to earn its book cover. The musicians Cooper loves all seem to have earned the reputation as "the best ever ___" while other major figures are ignored or only briefly mentioned; this is the work of an unapologetic fan. A musician in addition to writer and historian, the author's insights are often invaluable; I have returned to check his litany of the best steel guitarists several times since finishing the book. Cooper's prose is folksy, well suited to honky tonk story-telling, but the throw-away transitions are occasionally wince-worthy, too cute by half. (But don't worry, there is nary a passage throughout as awful as the title, Jack Clement-authored or not.) Overall, this is a fun, fast summer ride and an absolute must-read for any serious country devotee.

Whether or not you are a country music fan, the title is intriguing enough to make you want to read this book. And once you do, you'll find it full of entertaining stories that are amusing, interesting, and at times sorrowful and thought provoking. Some of these stories you may have heard before, but many are told from conversations the author has had with his subjects and either aren't well known or known at all. And these stories are related in a "folksy" or conversational manner so that at times you may feel as though you are being spoken to directly.This book took me longer to read than I thought it would because as stories were being told about the artists and their songs and the stories behind some songs, I'd take time out to go back and listen to songs I hadn't heard in awhile or to discover songs I'd never listened to. So be prepared to want to grab your favorite device and go to your favorite streaming media service and (re-)discover some great music that Peter Cooper has chosen to write about. And that alone is reason enough to read this book.

BACK TO SCHOOL READING. . .September's back-to-school time, learning from reading. No better book than Johnny's Cash & Charlie's Pride: Lasting Legends and Untold Adventures in Country Music by Peter Cooper.Folks, this is journalism that's literature!! The writing's amongst the very, very best music journalism I've ever read.Not a single essay rehashes widely-known yarns. The tales told within are highly personal, captivating, insightful, fun and sensitive portraits of many of the foremost country music artists of all time.I couldn't quit once started. Even if you're not a fan of country music, these stories will never leave your mind once you've read them. My highest recommendation.

This was a gift to a long time fan who knew him personally.

This book gives a good behind the scenes look at some of the biggest influences in country music. Unfortunately, some things are better left untold. We see the stars on stage, under the bright lights and we often willingly buy into the image they present. But, even though those who are talented enough to make it big have extraordinary talent, they are fairly ordinary in their off-stage lives. The reality of show business can be a let down, and that was the case for me reading this book. The fame often takes a toll on the personal lives of those who pursue it. The stories here confirm that.

Good book but nothing about Charley Pride.

Peter Cooper, Senior Director at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, first established himself as an astute writer on The Tennessean, reporting on country music. Here he presents an extremely readable overview of the music is a conversational style, rather than loading facts as historic text upon the reader.Commencing with the past – icons Carter Family and Jimmie Rogers, WSM Radio and the Grand Ole Opry, and Hank Williams (whom Cooper celebrated by travelling this legend’s same final, fateful journey) – the book moves into contemporary realms with chapters on such as Merle Haggard, Porter Wagoner, Jimmy Martin, Taylor Swift, Loretta Lynn and others, drawn from interviews and presenting significant aspects of their career. There’s particular insights into singer/songwriters Kris Kristofferson and Tom T. Hall, steel guitarist Lloyd Green (which also makes reference to the dumbing down of country radio) and concludes with Johnny Cash and George Jones, two artists who battled their own particular demons.Filled with anecdotes, touches of humour and occasional song lyrics, “Johnny’s Cash & Charley’s Pride” is a book brought alive by the author’s passion for the music. (And, as you might be wondering, the book’s title is drawn from a novelty song producer by Nashville maverick, Jack Clement: “If I had Johnny’s Cash and Charley’s Pride/I wouldn’t have a Buck Owen on my car”).

I love country music listening to it and reading about it. This is not an in depth study of the music. It is a collection of recollections and anecdotes of a by gone time in country music featuring stories of many of the legends. It is written with warmth and humour, it is amusing. It will at time surprise you even if you felt you know a lot about the music. It is a good enjoyable read. Fun, Recommended if you like country music.

Great book even if you're not a country fan. If you are, it's a must read👍