Overview

Long before the United States had presidents from the world of movies and reality TV, we had scores of politicians with connections to country music. In I’d Fight the World, Peter La Chapelle traces the deep bonds between country music and politics, from the nineteenth-century rise of fiddler-politicians to more recent figures like Pappy O’Daniel, Roy Acuff, and Rob Quist. These performers and politicians both rode and resisted cultural waves: some advocated for the poor and dispossessed, and others voiced religious and racial anger, but they all walked the line between exploiting their celebrity and righteously taking on the world. La Chapelle vividly shows how country music campaigners have profoundly influenced the American political landscape.

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9780226923000

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Reviews

In this well-written and expansive book, La Chapelle narrates a national history of politics and country music, from nineteenth-century populism to post-World War II conservatism. I'd Fight the World demonstrates how both political and cultural history can shine light upon each other, creating a rich tapestry of scholarship. --David Gilbert, author of The Product of Our Souls Thoroughly researched and insightful, I'd Fight the World exposes the political themes embedded in country music of all stripes, as well as the sometimes subtle, sometimes blatant, always shrewd employment of this music by politicians. La Chapelle reveals a political legacy in country music that today's audiences have an obligation to confront. --Jocelyn Neal, author of Country Music: A Cultural and Stylistic History In I'd Fight the World, La Chapelle explores the turbulent and tawdry connections between country music and politics. Country music, at its best, can be described as the music of the people. My definition of 'politics' never changes: poli- means more than one and tics are bloodsucking parasites. La Chapelle takes us on a lively ride through it all. --Kinky Friedman, independent gubernatorial candidate and author of Heroes of a Texas Childhood I'd Fight the World provides unique insights into the iconic, American-made musical genres of old-time, hillbilly, and country and western. La Chapelle's book is educational, interesting, and very easy to read. I recommend it without question. --Harry Reid, former Senate majority leader

I'd Fight the World provides unique insights into the iconic, American-made musical genres of old-time, hillbilly, and country and western. La Chapelle's book is educational, interesting, and very easy to read. I recommend it without question. --Harry Reid, former US Senate majority leader In this well-written and expansive book, La Chapelle narrates a national history of politics and country music, from nineteenth-century populism to post-World War II conservatism. I'd Fight the World demonstrates how both political and cultural history can shine light upon each other, creating a rich tapestry of scholarship. --David Gilbert, author of The Product of Our Souls Thoroughly researched and insightful, I'd Fight the World exposes the political themes embedded in country music of all stripes, as well as the sometimes subtle, sometimes blatant, always shrewd employment of this music by politicians. La Chapelle reveals a political legacy in country music that today's audiences have an obligation to confront. --Jocelyn Neal, author of Country Music: A Cultural and Stylistic History In I'd Fight the World, La Chapelle explores the turbulent and tawdry connections between country music and politics. Country music, at its best, can be described as the music of the people. My definition of 'politics' never changes: poli- means more than one and tics are bloodsucking parasites. La Chapelle takes us on a lively ride through it all. --Kinky Friedman, independent gubernatorial candidate and author of Heroes of a Texas Childhood

I'd Fight the World provides unique insights into the iconic, American-made musical genres of old-time, hillbilly, and country and western. La Chapelle's book is educational, interesting, and very easy to read. I recommend it without question. --Harry Reid, former US Senate majority leader Thoroughly researched and insightful, I'd Fight the World exposes the political themes embedded in country music of all stripes, as well as the sometimes subtle, sometimes blatant, always shrewd employment of this music by politicians. La Chapelle reveals a political legacy in country music that today's audiences have an obligation to confront. --Jocelyn Neal, author of Country Music: A Cultural and Stylistic History In I'd Fight the World, La Chapelle explores the turbulent and tawdry connections between country music and politics. Country music, at its best, can be described as the music of the people. My definition of 'politics' never changes: poli- means more than one and tics are bloodsucking parasites. La Chapelle takes us on a lively ride through it all. --Kinky Friedman, independent gubernatorial candidate and author of Heroes of a Texas Childhood In this well-written and expansive book, La Chapelle narrates a national history of politics and country music, from nineteenth-century populism to post-World War II conservatism. I'd Fight the World demonstrates how both political and cultural history can shine light upon each other, creating a rich tapestry of scholarship. --David Gilbert, author of The Product of Our Souls

Author Information

Peter La Chapelle is professor of history at Nevada State College.

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