READ – The Grand Ole Opry: The Making of an American Icon

The Grand Ole Opry: The Making of an American Icon by Colin Escott [Center Street – $24.99]

Nashville is in the ascendant. Country music is again the best-selling musical genre in the U.S. Not since the late ’80s and early ’90s have the hat acts been so dominant at the cash register and in our cultural consciousness. So, going back to revisit the history of the Opry, the birthplace of so many storied country careers, is both timely and instructive. Escott’s photo-laden volume paints this illustrious history through lengthy first-person narratives from many of the Opry’s leading lights, including Country Music Hall of Fame members Bill Monroe, Ernest Tubb, Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl, as well as behind-the-scenes talent at both the Opry and it’s broadcast host, WSM Radio. Say “how-dee” to an American legend. [Amazon]