Country music—with its candid lyrics about everyday fears, frustrations, desires, and dilemmas—has arguably become the most popular style of music in the world: In 1998 superstar Garth Brooks was the biggest-selling solo performer in the history of music, second only in artist status to the Beatles. Country Music chronicles the rich history of the genre, from its early days in the 1920s to the multimillion-dollar industry of the present. Covering the music by decade from its birth in 1922 (when it first became a commercial category) to 1950, and by year from 1950 to 1997, this book includes facts about hundreds of country legends, as well as crossover artists like Elvis Presley, Linda Ronstadt, John Denver, and K.D. Lang. It also features: essays on the significant developments of each year; the most important records; debut artists; lists of honors (Grammys, Gold and Platinum sales, Country Music Association Awards, and Academy of Country Music Awards); milestones of noteworthy events; sidebars with artist biographies and interesting anecdotes; and over 200 rare photos, album covers, and sheet music. Now updated through 1997, this comprehensive reference presents invaluable information about a truly American phenomenon.