Finding Her Voice: Women in Country Music, 1800-2000

Country Music Foundation Press

by Mary A. Bufwack, Robert K. Oermann

After its initial publication in 1993, Mary A. Bufwack and Robert K. Oermann's Finding Her Voice: The Saga of Women in Country Music quickly became an essential book for country music scholars and fans. Now back in print, with updated material, an additional chapter, and new photos, Finding Her Voice is poised to reach a whole new generation of country music fans.From country's earliest pioneers to its greatest legends, Finding Her Voice documents the lives of the female artists who have shaped the music for over two hundred years. Through interviews, photos, and primary texts, Bufwack and Oermann weave a vast and complex tapestry of personalities and talent. Long overlooked and underappreciated by scholars, female country music artists have always been immensely popular with fans. This book gets to the heart of the special bond female artists have with their audiences. People seeking to understand the context out of which mega-stars such as Shania Twain, Faith Hill, and the Dixie Chicks emerged need look no farther than this book.





Co-published with the Country Music Foundation Press

Genres: Music, History, Pop Culture, Nonfiction

616 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Colleen Mertens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the original 1993 edition and loved how detailed this was. It was interesting and well researched. I loved that they gave background on the times in general and how that impacted the music. I'm saddened at all the garbage women have had to put up with to do anything in life and know that this garbage still happens today. A great book though for fans of country music.

[Bliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this, and learned quite a lot. I've returned to it several times since first reading it.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book has provided me with YEARS (decades?) of music to discover, to track down, or to revisit. I’ve learned so much! This is THE definitive book on the history of women in country music. At 600 pages, it is thorough, well-organized, and engrossing but not overly academic or burdensome to read (just maybe approach it chapter by chapter). The book was published around 1994, so the final few chapters are somewhat dated. But the majority of the book covers the 1930s-1970s, which are the eras I’d assume most readers would be interested in anyway. An indispensable and informative book I will surely return to for references for years to come. Highly recommended!

[Sparkie Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, well researched history of how women have been treated in the music business. Like many others, I have been treated badly by club owners, promoters and more. It continues to be a sexist battle to be treated fairly. Women have added a rich, diverse sound and we need more representation on the charts. At least the internet has provided more opportunities to get the music out to a wider audience than the major record companies and radio charts can provide.
Great interviews. This is an essential book for anyone wanting to fully understand the scope of the contribution of women to the music business.from mountain music to the new millennium.
A great read.

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredibly well-researched overview of the history of women in country music from the 1920s to the early 90s, when it was published. I was shocked (although I probably shouldn't have been) by the degree of sexism faced by the early stars, all the way up to legendary figures like Dolly Parton or Emmylou Harris. If you have even a passing interest in country music, feminism, modern social history or the entertainment industry, you should look for this title.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

informative. The best of country music is heard through the voices of a sad, regretful, longing woman's or a deep, plodding, melodious man's voice. Or an ensemle which cannot be predicted if properly harmonized.