The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has been called the "Smithsonian of country music." Its 350,000-square-foot Nashville headquarters hold more than 500 historic instruments, 1,900 stage costumes, 300,000 records, 500,000 photographs, a historic letterpress poster printing shop still in operation, and even complete automobiles driven by country stars. Now, in this spectacular book, CMHOF uses its incomparable collection to tell the story of America's music as never before, from its precommercial roots to the present day. Alongside a lively narrative by the museum's expert staff, vibrant photographs bring readers up close to the music's most important artifacts. Here are DeFord Bailey's Hohner Marine Band harmonica and Maybelle Carter's arch-top Gibson; Gene Autry's cowboy boots and Minnie Pearl's straw hat; Hank Williams's and Dolly Parton's handwritten lyrics; Willie Nelson's bandanna and Shania Twain's Ultrasuede stage costume; Jelly Roll's denim jacket and Carrie Underwood's sumptuous ball gown. Together with these precious relics appear a generous selection of rare posters, publicity photos, and behind-the-scenes snapshots that bring the personalities of country to life. Special features include biographies of all the members of the Country Music Hall of Fame and a curated playlist for every era of country. This keepsake volume--published in an oversize square format recalling an album sleeve--commemorates the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's downtown Nashville location.

It will be treasured by country fans worldwide.