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Darius Rucker can now call himself an author with the release of his first-ever memoir, Life’s Too Short. The book arrived on Tuesday (May 28), and fans are already clamoring to get their hands on a copy, which has earned itself the title of a No. 1 Amazon bestseller in country & folk composer biographies.
The “Wagon Wheel” singer’s memoir joins the growing list of music books out there, but for country music fans, you can now get an inside look into the artist’s life straight from his perspective. If that doesn’t satiate your appetite for country music books, there is a multitude of musician memoirs and history books you can dive into that’ll provide further insight in the history of the beloved music genre, as well as dive into your favorite artist’s climb to fame.
Whether you’re looking for gifts for music lovers or want to update your merch collection with a sleek hardcover worthy of being placed on the top of your coffee table books, country music tomes will offer display-worthy cover art as well as information that’ll help you feel closer to your favorite artist.
Keep reading to learn where to buy country music books online — including Rucker’s memoir and history-focused books.
What Are the Best Country Music Artist Books?
Clear some space on your bookshelf, because we’ve rounded up some of the best country music books published (so far) to help you stock up on must-read stories about the genre.
‘Life’s Too Short’ by Darius Rucker
From his life growing up in South Carolina with his single mother to the founding of his band Hootie & the Blowfish, Rucker’s memoir will take you through it all — including some of his most memorable stories while on the road. You’ll also discover some of the songs that shaped him along the way, including ones by artists and bands such as KISS, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Lou Reed, Billy Joel and Nanci Griffith.
‘Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones’ by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton has been a longtime influence within the country music community — including with her fashion choice. The “Jolene” singer takes you behind each iconic look through Behind the Seams, as well as how she developed her own unique fashion for artists and fans to look up to.
‘My Black Country’ by Alice Randall
Alice Randall spotlights her own history as the first Black woman to co-write an No. 1 country hit, while also weaving in the history of Black artists within country music and the moments that helped shape and put them in the spotlight. Not only will this book touch on Randall’s own accounts, but will pull from moments from before her time, as well as look to what the future holds for her community’s influence in country music.
‘Energy Follows Thought: The Stories Behind My Songs’ by Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson bares it all in this honest book that breaks down the stories behind some of his greatest hits and the lesser known songs that mean the most to him. You can also expect stories about his family, the artists he’s collaborated with and even about his guitar, Trigger.
‘Not That Fancy’ by Reba McEntire
If you want to live your life the Reba way, then pick up a copy of Not That Fancy, which features tips, tricks and even recipes that the country artist swears by. Within its pages are photos of the singer as well as tidbits and stories of her own personal experiences that have helped shape and inspire her today.
‘Johnny Cash: The Life’ by Robert Hilburn
Robert Hilburn aims to break down Johnny Cash’s life in this detailed biography that maps out the legendary singer’s path to fame. As a music journalist, Hilburn followed the successes and trials that Cash encountered while also including never-before-seen material taken from the late singer’s inner circle, according to the official description.
‘Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics’ by Dolly Parton & Robert K. Oermann
Dolly Parton strips down the lyrics to 175 of her songs in this honest book about the music she’s shared with fans. Alongside the “9 to 5” singer’s words are pages of unseen photographs captured throughout her decades of work within the music industry. This is considered a must-have for any fan of the country music icon.
‘Me & Patsy Kickin’ Up Dust’ by Loretta Lynn
Loretta Lynn goes back in time within her book as she gives fans a deeper look into her close relationship with Patsy Cline. You’ll hear straight from Lynn as she recounts moments from their friendship and success through music together up until Clines untimely death and the impact it continues to have.
‘Hank Williams: The Biography’ by William Macewen, George Merritt & Colin Escott
Fans can learn more about the man behind the hit “Your Cheatin’ Heart” through this biography featuring never-before-seen photographs and a breakdown of his song catalog, from hits to lesser known titles. Outside of his music career, the authors analyze his tumultuous personal life including his struggles with addiction and how it impacted his career.
‘Waylon : An Autobiography’ by Waylon Jennings
Read about Waylon Jenning’s life before becoming a hit musician and the love that pushed him to be the success he’s known for today in his only autobiography. Readers will hear from Jennings himself as he details his struggles growing up, becoming Buddy Holly’s protege through his drug abuse, three failed marriages and meeting his wife Jessi Colter.
‘Tammy Wynette: Tragic Country Queen’ by Jimmy McDonough
Queen of country Tammy Wynette left behind a legacy that transcends time, and now fans can connect further with the artist through this biography. You’ll learn more about her struggle with not only making it in a fast-changing Nashville, but her high-profile marriage that ended in divorce, the impact of her hit songs on the country music landscape and her battle with addiction and illness.
‘Forever and Ever, Amen’ by Randy Travis
Randy Travis breaks down his own life in this riveting memoir. The country singer goes through three important decades starting with going back to his roots, describing working class life in North Carolina to his club singing life in Nashville. You’ll also hear from him about his overnight success from the release of the 1986 album Storms of Life, which kicked off a neotraditional movement within the country music genre.
What Are the Best Country Music History Books?
Discover the origins of country music through books that go beyond a single artist and focus on the events and people that have shaped the genre.
Shop some of the best country music history books below.
‘Country Music USA: 50th Anniversary Edition’ by Bill C. Malone & Tracey E. W. Laird
Consider this book the ultimate history guide on country music, with more than 700 pages detailing the “stories of the people who made country music into such an integral part of our nation’s culture,” according to the official description. You’ll go back in time to the origins of the genre, discovering the people and events that helped build and shape what you know and listen to today.
‘Her Country’ by Marissa R. Moss
Marissa R. Moss uses her book to examine women within the country music landscape and their rise within a traditionally male-dominant genre. Using artists such as Kacey Musgraves and Shania Twain (among others), Moss maps out their careers while putting a shining a light on the continued fight female artists within the genre have to face in order to be heard.
‘The Encyclopedia of Country Music’ by Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
The official Country Music Hall of Fame released its second edition of their in-depth encyclopedia, which covers nine decades of history and artistry. As you flip through, you’ll be met with photo essays on album covers as well as informative sections on some of the most influential bands and singers of the genre including Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift before she turned pop.
‘Dreaming Out Loud’ by Bruce Feiler
Author Bruce Feiler takes readers behind-the-scenes of Nashville’s country music world during a time when the genre was under heavy scrutiny. The history book chooses to follow legends Garth Brooks, Wynonna Judd and Wade Hayes as they help revolutionize country music and push its evolution forward into a less ridiculed and more celebrated genre.
For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best books about jazz, Taylor Swift books and music trivia games.
