Southern Music, American Music

The updated version of this important study is a welcome addition to the history of American popular music. Each chapter is a thorough overview of various genres and eras of folk and popular music in America. The central claim that most of what we perceive to be American music is deeply rooted in the music of America's southland is a strong one, and it adds to our understanding of connections between regional culture and history. The excellent discography provides a terrific guide to important musicians and recordings, and the new information on Cajun, Zydeco, Norteno, and contemporary acoustic music update the earlier edition.