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Stringbean: The Life and Murder of a Country Legend (Music in American Life) Paperback – May 3, 2023

by Taylor Hagood (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 48 ratings
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The artist’s impact on country music and how his death changed the genre

A beloved member of the country music community, David “Stringbean” Akeman found nationwide fame as a cast member of Hee Haw. The 1973 murder of Stringbean and his wife forever changed Nashville’s sense of itself. Millions of others mourned not only the slain couple but the passing of the way of life that country music had long represented.

Taylor Hagood merges the story of Stringbean’s life with an account of murder and courtroom drama. Mentored by Uncle Dave Macon and Bill Monroe, Stringbean was a bridge to country’s early days. His instrumental savvy and old-time singing style drew upon a deep love for traditional country music that, along with his humor and humanity, won him the reverence of younger artists and made his violent death all the more shocking. Hagood delves into the unexpected questions and uneasy resolutions raised by the atmosphere of retribution surrounding the murder trial and recounts the redemption story that followed decades later.

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    264 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    University of Illinois Press
  4. Publication date
    May 3, 2023
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.8 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0252087119
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0252087110
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The story about the life of the man and the details of his life's tragic end is expertly covered in this new book. . . . After reading this book, I feel as though I got to know David "Stringbean" Akeman and his story very well. Highly recommended!" --Dan Miller, Bluegrass Unlimited

“Stringbean was one of the very first friends Doolittle, my husband, and I made when we first came to Nashville in 1960. He and his wife Estelle were some of the nicest folks you could find anywhere. . . . It was heartbreaking when we lost him and his wife.”--Loretta Lynn

“Stringbean and Estelle would be like your favorite aunt and uncle, or your favorite cousin. Any time we had a celebration, they were always there, and most of the time cooked for everybody. Those were precious times.”--Lulu Roman, Hee Haw star

"This tale will appeal to readers curious about the formative years of the United States' country-music scene." --Library Journal

"Get your orders in! You will like this book. Thanks, Taylor Hagood, for filling in so many blanks, even those you filled in from your remote closeness to the gentle and genuine spirit of Stringbean. Stringbean is still a vital part of our music. Stringbean shows us that." --Bluegrass Standard

"Stringbean: The Life and Murder of a Country Legend by Talyor Hagood, not only serves to remind and establish Stringbean’s often overlooked musical legacy, but also serves as a true crime thriller with a highly detailed account of the murder and ensuing trial. Hagood expertly details Stringbean’s long career and gives new meaning to both him and his music." --Americana UK

"Hagood, who writes with an appealingly loose and earnest style, has genuine affection for Stringbean. Perhaps the most moving passages are those in which Hagood reflects on the symbiotic relationship between the man and his trusty Vega No. 9 Tubaphone banjo. " --NewCity

"Almost as soon as I picked up Taylor Hagood's biography of David Akeman, I knew I could put aside my instinct to find fault in order to luxuriate in a well-documented, carefully constructed combination of biography and true crime story. . . . I highly recommend this well-researched and highly readable book." --Ted Lehmann

“It was always a rare treat to get to see the hat flipping, banjo picking man from ole Kentucky on the television or old video tape. Stringbean was one of my first musical heroes as a kid while learning to play the banjo. I'm very excited to get this book! I can never get enough of Ole String! Thank you, Taylor!”--Leroy Troy, Grand Ole Opry star and 1996 National Old-Time Banjo Champion

"Taylor Hagood is a gifted writer, and I'm truly pleased with the book he wrote about my uncle, David Akemon."--Phillip Akemon

About the Author

Taylor Hagood is a professor in the department of English at Florida Atlantic University. His books include Faulkner, Writer of Disability and Secrecy, Magic, and the One-Act Plays of Harlem Renaissance Women Writers.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ University of Illinois Press; First Edition (May 3, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 264 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0252087119
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0252087110
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.8 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 48 ratings

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Taylor Hagood

Taylor Hagood

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
48 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Kristin B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2024
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Good book on this interesting story
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Avid Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Learning details about Stringbean’s life and death is a great read!
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2024
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Well researched story that finally answers long overdue questions!
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kerry
4.0 out of 5 stars well written.
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2023
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Chilling accountof acouples needles murders.
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Good book easy to read and I like the extra history that comes with the story
5.0 out of 5 stars The history
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2023
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The way string bean is written makes it fun to read and the history that is going to at the moment
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Linda Schultz
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written, answered a lot of questions.
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2023
Verified Purchase
Nothing I dislike, but so many questions I had are now answered. ,knowing his early beginnings and what inspired his music. Great read, read the book in two days.
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JohnnyNash
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2023
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A very good book about the tragic death of an Opry star and his wife. Lead detective assisted with the book and gives a first hand perspective. Hard to find since out of print so copies are very limited. Grab one if you get the opportunity
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Lulasmom
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating
Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2023
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Superbly written insight into a fascinating time period
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TMac
5.0 out of 5 stars Finally a very historical account of the Legend Stringbean David Akeman
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2023
Taylor Hagood has hit this one out of the park. The amount of research and factual evidence that has been collected to write this book is astounding. Also the way the author uses imagery and wit in his writing keeps the reader interested, making this book hard to set down. I recommend this book to everyone and anyone country or bluegrass fan or not. The murders of Stringbean and Estelle is very significant in the historical make up of the Nashville music machine and how it made artists and musicians lock their doors. Taylor also writes about the happy and better days in their lives so it is not just a book of sadness and tragedy. You will not find information on David Stringbean Akeman anywhere but inside this book. I give it 10 stars out of 5! Good work Taylor and I hope you will keep writing amazing books such as this one.
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