Joseph M. Thompson
Manage episode 447451518 series 3606467
In this episode of Upstart Crow, host Jennifer Disano interviews Dr. Joseph M. Thompson, historian at Mississippi State University and author of the book Cold War Country: How Nashville's Music Row and the Pentagon Created the Sound of American Patriotism. Thompson dives into the intricate ties between Nashville's country music industry and the U.S. military, revealing how Music Row collaborated with the Pentagon to shape a patriotic American sound that reached soldiers and civilians alike.
Thompson first explains the true start of country music in the 1920's. Then beginning in the 1940's and 50's, how it grows in part through military support. With artists performing for troops worldwide, crafting a sound that embodied American values into the Cold War. He discusses how these efforts influenced the genre's trajectory, impacted race relations within the music industry, and contributed to country music’s image as a symbol of American patriotism. This conversation uncovers the lesser-known intersections of culture, politics, and military strategy, showing how entertainment and national interests often aligned in unexpected ways.
Learn more about Joseph M. Thompson on his website: https://www.josephmthompson.com/
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Editing and Mixing by - Jon D. Miller/AmberTree Media
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