"A candid, affectionate glimpse into the real country music scene as it was performed and lived, Honky Tonk is a parade through the early years of future great performers (Tammy Wynette, Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, Hank Williams, Jr., Loretta Lynn) and already established legends (Porter Wagoner, Don Stover, Mother Maybelle Carter, Bill Monroe) as they perform, sign autographs, and brush up against true-blue fans.

From family-oriented music parks and bluegrass festivals, backstage and onstage at the Grand Ole Opry, to Tootsies, the most famous honky tonk in Nashville, Horenstein covers vast territory (from New England to the South) and a diverse roster of characters."

"With a visual directness that affectionately captures period details, Honky Tonk is a time capsule of an important era in countrymusic: the graying of the first great generation country artists, but before the outlaws, urban cowboys, and a multibillion-dollar entertainment industry. Horenstein's lively portrait of the community preserves the scene where musicians and fans, cowboys and townies, converged to step out, strum, and strut their stuff."--Jacket.