America's Best Loved Country Songs: Country Music Encyclopedia Through 1989
America's Best Loved Country Songs is an annotated country music encyclopedia covering more than 3,200 songs from the genre's early roots through 1989. Its entries include recording and publishing details, chart placements, awards, and selected historical or songwriter notes.
At a glance
- Covers more than 3,200 classic country songs from early roots through the end of 1989.
- Includes recorded number-one hits dating from the early 1920s, plus notable gospel songs, fiddle tunes and instrumentals.
- Entries provide publishing, licensing and recording information, including chart placements and notable awards.
- Some entries include songwriter remarks or historical notes.
Reference price: $75.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- Broad historical scope and a large song catalog make it a useful reference for exploring country music through 1989.
- Combines song records with chart, award and licensing information rather than offering only a list of titles.
- Includes selected historical and songwriter commentary.
Technical specifications
10 specifications| Publisher | McFarland |
|---|---|
| Publication date | August 10, 2010 |
| Edition | annotated edition |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 334 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0786449942 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0786449941 |
| Reading age | 18 years and up |
| Dimensions | 8.5 x 0.67 x 11 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 1.65 pounds |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Country music listeners researching classic songs and their recording or chart histories.
- Researchers and reference-library users looking for a broad country song encyclopedia through 1989.
- Readers interested in notable gospel songs, fiddle tunes and instrumentals in country music.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking coverage of country songs released after 1989.
- Musicians primarily looking for sheet music or playable arrangements, which are not described in the supplied listing.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
22% 22% - 4 stars
41% 41% - 3 stars
0% 0% - 2 stars
37% 37% - 1 star
0% 0%
Aggregate customer ratings are mixed, with both positive and low ratings represented, but the small number of ratings limits what they can establish. They do not identify specific strengths or shortcomings. Buyers should judge the book against its stated scope and reference content, especially its coverage ending in 1989.
Frequently asked questions
What period does the encyclopedia cover?
The listing says it covers country music from its earliest roots through the end of 1989.
What information is provided for each song?
Entries include essential publishing, licensing and recording information, with chart placements and notable awards. Some also have songwriter remarks or historical notes.
Does the book include only recorded hit songs?
No. The description also mentions notable gospel songs that became part of the country repertory, major fiddle tunes and major instrumentals.
Does it include sheet music or arrangements?
The supplied description presents it as a song reference with historical and recording details. It does not describe sheet music or playable arrangements.
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