Growing Up Country: What Makes Country Life Country

by Charlie Daniels (Editor)

From Growing Up Country :

“I learned early in life that country is not a place on a map. Country is a place in your heart. In your soul. In the very depth of your being.” —Bill Anderson

“One of the things I like most about country life is that nothing much has really changed . . . My grandchildren and I are still walking and hunting in the same woods and fishing in the same creeks as I did with my father.” —President Jimmy Carter

“Food was at the heart of our home. And, other than those troublesome vegetables, I loved all of it. We fried everything—we’d have even fried water if we could’ve.” —Keith Anderson

“I can’t imagine what my life would have been without peaceful days, mountain streams, homegrown and home-cooked food, country church, and all-day singing with dinner on the grounds with family and friends.” —Dolly Parton

“Growing up country—there’s nothing like it. It’s growing up with your grandmother and granddaddy around . . . it’s a lot of love when you need it, great cooking in the kitchen, and always being real.” —Eddie Montgomery Blackberry pie on the window ledge. The Grand Ole Opry on the radio. Sunday dinners on the table. Families swinging on the front porch after a hard day’s work. It’s all part of the country way of life.

Here, legendary country music singer Charlie Daniels introduces and edits a collection of heartfelt essays from an all-star cast of contributors on what it means to grow up country.

United by a love of music, these notables show us that country means more than just the twang of a guitar. They share a belief in hard work, integrity, strength of character, and having the courage not to quit. The stories here tell of rustic upbringings and rich spirits, of parents who believed in tough love and old-fashioned common sense, and of a strong sense of community, pride in your country, and a love of the natural world.

You’ll get an intimate glimpse into the lives

Country music royalty and all-time such as Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Brenda Lee, Dobie Gray, and Lee Greenwood

Southern rock such as Gary Rossington and Donnie Van Zant

The newest crop of stars : such as Sara Evans, Toby Keith, and Clint Black

Special such as former president Jimmy Carter, and seven-time all around rodeo champion Ty Murray

These snapshots show how living country has allowed our favorite singers, songwriters, and stage performers to make a career out of doing what they love while never forgetting that when you’ve grown up country, home isn’t just a place where you live, it’s a state of the heart.

201 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Charlie Daniels was an American multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, businessman, and actor. He was known for his contributions to country, bluegrass, gospel and Southern rock music. He was perhaps best known for his number one country hit "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" which won a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group in 1979 as well as single of the year at the Country Music Association Awards. He married his wife, Hazel, in 1963. Together, they have one son, Charlie Daniels, Jr.


Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Tristan Tuttle]

This was a DNF for me.

[T.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. Considering that some of those listed in the book have since passed away, it serves as a reminder, beyond their known contributions, that they were here. One of those in the book had been Troy "T-Roy" Gentry of Montgomery Gentry. He died a year ago September 8th in a tragic helicopter crash.

[John Brouwer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Growing up country means walking... into a world you know very little about, but a world where the lessons of honesty, selfreliance, and a solid work ethic would stand you in good stead no matter where the slippery paths of ambition would lead you."

Also, Kix Brooks' essay is the best.

[Kristy Finto · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really interesting. I liked learning about different people who had their roots in the country. I wish there was a bit more about each person, but it wasn't a big deal.

[Shilo Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, but somewhat repetitive.

[Tina Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, if you like country music and want to read stories of the stars.