From the historic stage of the Grand Ole Opry to the dim light of a recording studio, here is a ruggedly authentic behind the scenes tour that takes you places outsiders have never been allowed to go. Part social history, part backstage pass, this penetrating and graceful book presents the most comprehensive portraits yet painted of Garth Brooks and Wynonna Judd-two of the most celebrated artists of our times-as well as a touching picture of Wade Hayes, a young man who hopes to follow them to the exalted heights of one of America's richest traditions: the world of country music.

Much has been made of Feiler's veracity, but, to a large degree, his larger theses are independent of the specifics. Brooks and Judd have each taken their digs at Feiler (the latter being more surprising, since Feiler's portrait of Judd is, ultimately, quite flattering), so one might take his biography of their lives with a grain of salt. Even so, his conclusions about Nashville's changing face, both musically and operationally, are usually spot-on.

The Cliff's Notes rendition of Feiler's work focuses on his portraiture of the three principals: Garth Brooks as an obsessive careerist who only finds joy during his time on stage, Wynonna Judd as the screwed-up (but ultimately triumphant) result of a screwed-up childhood brought upon her by the most heinous of mothers, and Wade Hayes as the naif, making his way through a hurricane of market forces. By threading these three stories with history of Nashville's business, the reader sees how the threads of art and commerce have intertwined over the years, with commerce realizing a substantial choke-hold on artistry in the '90s.

Of particular interest is Feiler's description of the symbiosis between artists, labels and radio. The manipulations of hit single charts, the conniving for chart position (and the lurid world of not-exactly-payola that fuels it), the trading of accurate charts for those that can be "influenced" is eye-opening for those outside the industry. Feiler's discussion about various trends in country music, the rise of women signaled, in part, by the Judd's supremacy, the displacement of Wynonna by the sex-appeal of Shania, and the replacement of earlier artists by a new wave, are all very compelling.

The book is weighted towards reporting on Garth Brooks, which isn't necessarily a negative, since his is the most complex portrait, and Feiler finds his greatest insights in Brooks' rise and plateau. On the negative side, parts of this book were previously published as magazine articles, and there is some unnecessary repetition. The careful reader will wonder whether Feiler's editor actually read the entire book through.

Feiler is a fine writer, and has provided a unique portrait of Nashville through the peak of its '90s supremacy. Whether or not you believe the details he reports on his principal subjects, there's a deep ring of truth in his analyses.


Buyer Beware   February 10, 2002
2 out of 11 found this review helpful

Bruce Feiler presents what one supposes to be an 'insider's' look at country music. He had access to Garth Brooks for what was suposed to be a magazine article (which never materialised) for about 48 hours total. Much of what is written is a re-hash of past articles, conjecture and 'sound bites' from Garth Brooks. I have had it on good authority from Garth himself to disbelieve the majority of what is written about him. For example, Mr Feiler portrays Mr Brooks as a 'womaniser' throughout school; Mrs Brooks (Garth's mum) had stated in several interviews Garth did not date widely, and was somewhat shy in that area.

There are several easily verified errors in the book. The Wynonna web sites deride this piece of fiction, and perhaps that is the best description: fiction.


Comprehensive, smart, and fun to read   June 20, 1999
BFitzhugh@aol.com (Los Angeles)
2 out of 4 found this review helpful

Growing up in Mississippi, I heard my share of country music, though I was much more a top 40 and rock and roll fan. I ended up working in radio (album rock radio) during the country-rock era (Charlie Daniels, Poco, Marshall Tucker, John Prine, etc.) and one of my favorite albums (that's how long ago this was) was the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." So, while I can't say I'm an old time Hank Williams fan, I do have a fondness and familiarty with the music. But it turns out I didn't know that much about the music. Thankfully, Bruce Feiler has filled in all the blanks for me. His research is thorough and he weaves it seamlessly into the stories he has to tell on three good examples of Nashville in the '90's. It's a terrific mix of music history, market analysis, anecdote, and observation.


An excellent book; a must read for the Country star hopeful.   January 26, 1999
TOPJMY@aol.com (Denver)
0 out of 2 found this review helpful

Very easy reading. Every time I had a question in my mind, Bruce answered it fully. I was truly impressed with this book.


Very Captivating, but highly sensational...   September 15, 1998
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

O.k. here goes. I thought this book was tremendously captivating and informative. It shows a different side of two of the more super-superstars and also the hard knocks that a newcomer faces in the music business via Wade Hayes. I almost didn't read this book, simply because the artists had spoken out so much about how they didn't recommend it and did not approve of it. But, I think that every true fan of country music and even those who don't care for it so much, will get alot of useful and entertaining information from it. Alot of the outerworkings of the business, as well as behind the scenes accounts of the tabloids were what I believe to be the best part of the book. I am a dedicated Wynonna fan and after reading this book, have found that many things that were confusing before reading it, are not so confusing now: Strains between the Judds when they said everything was fine, about Wynonna's biological father, her suicide attempt after Naomi threw her out of the house. All very interesting reading and seems to have a "truth" ring to it.

However, I do advise that this book does have a sensational aspect to it. Feiler covers Garth Brooks and Wynonna at times that were tumultuous and very busy for the performers. But, it does give those who know very little about the business aspect of the music business, an insiders view on the workings of such.