The Downhome Sound: Diversity and Politics in Americana Music

American roots music, also known as Americana music, can be challenging to categorize, spanning the genres of jazz, bluegrass, country, blues, rock and roll, and an assortment of variations in between. In The Downhome Sound, Mandi Bates Bailey explores the messages, artists, community, and appeal of this seemingly disparate musical collective. To understand the art form's intended meanings and typical audiences, she analyzes lyrics and interviews Americana artists, journalists, and festival organizers to uncover a desire for inclusion and diversity. Bailey also conducts an experiment to assess listener reception relative to more commercial forms of music. The result is an in-depth study of the political and cultural influence of Americana and its implications for social justice.

Author: Mandi Bates Bailey
Publisher: LSU Press
Published: 03/08/2023
Pages: 200
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 8.82h x 5.59w x 0.32d
ISBN: 9780807179161

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 03/01/2023 pg. 138

About the Author

Mandi Bates Bailey is professor of political science, Africana studies, and women's and gender studies at Valdosta State University.
Guy Davis is a Grammy-nominated traditional blues guitarist.