Country Music is an eclectic, comprehensive look at the diverse artists, genres, and musical instruments that have shaped the country sound. This illustrated A-Z guide covers more than 700 country music artists, groups and bands. Articles also cover specific genres within country music as well as instruments used. Written in a lively, engaging style, the entries not only outline the careers of country music's greatest artists, they provide an understanding of the artist's importance or failings and a feeling for his or her style. Select discographies are provided at the end of each entry, while a bibliography and indexes by instrument, musical style, gender, genre and song title round out the work.