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Watermelon Wine NewSouth Books Originally published in 1978, Watermelon Wine received praise for its honest, unsentimental examination of the compassion as well as the passion behind authentic country music. A quarter-century later, the essays in the book seem prophetic, and in many cases have become even more relevant. 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 affected the music; the role of God and gospel; and Southern rock’s increasing influence. 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. Gaillard and Cooper have also collaborated to include a Listeners’ Guide to the best CDs by the artists featured in the book.
Reviews “Watermelon Wine is, plainly and simply, an incredibly good book.” “Now that country music is no longer considered rude, crude, and socially unacceptable by those who still don’t consider beer a proper after-dinner drink, I’m glad there’re still writers around who can stay honest while writing about the music. Frye Gaillard has written an honest book about it.” “I’ve often said you can’t describe music with words. However, in this book, Frye Gaillard comes awfully close. Perhaps it’s not so much the music he describes, as the spirit behind the music . . . In country music that may be even more important . . . and more elusive.” “At last, for this refugee from the Age of Sinatra, Frye Gaillard has made clear the charm, excitement, and appeal of country music.” “Now published in a 25th anniversary edition including a ‘listener's guide to country music’, Watermelon Wine: Remembering the Golden Years of Country Music is a straightforward examination of the country music tradition and the passions that fuel it by award-winning journalist and author Frye Gaillard. Chapters address diverse subsets of the genre from blues country to gospel country, the legacy of Johnny Cash, the impact of commercialism on country music creativity, and much more. A solid, hands-on assessment of one of America's most enduring musical traditions, once considered vulgar and crude but lately earning a respectable place in people's hearts for its raw emotion and vivacity.”
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