I am a freelance Country music journalist and author. I have two books published: "European Confession" and "Country Conversations: Timeless Stories from the Legends of Country Music."
I am also Advertising Director for a Country music radio station.
I am passionate about Classic Country music and Traditional Country music. I especially enjoy listening to new artists who lean toward the traditional country side of music.
My spare time is consumed with public speaking engagements and booksigning events. And, writing yet another book.
I love reading books dealing with figures in history, music and motivational books. I enjoy solving problems for people I care about. And I care about ALL people.
Check out my website: www.TEJBooks.com.

My passion is ...

Traditional Country Music

I know too much about ...

Classic Country Music

My parents always told me ...

To dream as big as I wanted.

My childhood ambition ...

To be a radio disc jockey.

My favorite memory ...

Growing up in the rural south.

Why I write ...

To take my knowledge and pass it on to others.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

Beautiful Door by Billy Bob Thornton

My first job ...

Grill cook at Sonic Drive-In

My best moment ...

The birth of my girls.

My inspiration ...

My wife and my daughters.

Entertainment > Music Genres, Trends & Scenes A beginner's guide to country music

2 of 5

Country music as a recorded genre has been in existence commercially since the 1920's. But it was the Bristol Recording Sessions by RCA-Victor in the 1930's that really propelled the genre. From these sessions in Bristol, Tennessee, the general listening public were exposed to A.P. Carter & The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers. Springing from these two folk/hillbilly acts came artists like Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and The Louvin Brothers in later decades.

A newcomer to Country music should begin with the early Nashville Sound including artists like Webb Pierce, Faron Young, Kitty Wells...

More..