Queen of the Hillbillies: The Writings of May Kennedy McCord
May Kennedy McCord, lovingly nicknamed “First Lady of the Ozarks” and “Queen of the Hillbillies,” spent half a century sharing the history, songs, and stories of her native Ozarks through newspaper columns, radio programs, and music festivals. Though her work made her one of the twentieth century’s preeminent folklorists, McCord was first and foremost an entertainer—at one time nearly as renowned as the hills she loved.

Despite the encouragement of her contemporaries, McCord never published a collection of her work. In 1956, Vance Randolph wrote to her, “If you didn’t have such a mental block against writing books, I could show you how to make a book out of extracts from your columns. It would be very little work, and sell like hotcakes. . . . I could write a solemn little introduction, telling the citizens what a fine gal you are! The hell of it is, most of the readers know all about you.” In Queen of the Hillbillies, editors Patti McCord and Kristene Sutliff at last bring together the best of McCord’s published and previously unpublished writings to share her knowledge, humor, and inimitable spirit with a new generation of readers.

1140214641
Queen of the Hillbillies: The Writings of May Kennedy McCord
May Kennedy McCord, lovingly nicknamed “First Lady of the Ozarks” and “Queen of the Hillbillies,” spent half a century sharing the history, songs, and stories of her native Ozarks through newspaper columns, radio programs, and music festivals. Though her work made her one of the twentieth century’s preeminent folklorists, McCord was first and foremost an entertainer—at one time nearly as renowned as the hills she loved.

Despite the encouragement of her contemporaries, McCord never published a collection of her work. In 1956, Vance Randolph wrote to her, “If you didn’t have such a mental block against writing books, I could show you how to make a book out of extracts from your columns. It would be very little work, and sell like hotcakes. . . . I could write a solemn little introduction, telling the citizens what a fine gal you are! The hell of it is, most of the readers know all about you.” In Queen of the Hillbillies, editors Patti McCord and Kristene Sutliff at last bring together the best of McCord’s published and previously unpublished writings to share her knowledge, humor, and inimitable spirit with a new generation of readers.

24.95 In Stock
Queen of the Hillbillies: The Writings of May Kennedy McCord

Queen of the Hillbillies: The Writings of May Kennedy McCord

Queen of the Hillbillies: The Writings of May Kennedy McCord

Queen of the Hillbillies: The Writings of May Kennedy McCord

Paperback

$24.95 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    In stock. Ships in 1-2 days.
  • PICK UP IN STORE

    Your local store may have stock of this item.

Related collections and offers


Overview

May Kennedy McCord, lovingly nicknamed “First Lady of the Ozarks” and “Queen of the Hillbillies,” spent half a century sharing the history, songs, and stories of her native Ozarks through newspaper columns, radio programs, and music festivals. Though her work made her one of the twentieth century’s preeminent folklorists, McCord was first and foremost an entertainer—at one time nearly as renowned as the hills she loved.

Despite the encouragement of her contemporaries, McCord never published a collection of her work. In 1956, Vance Randolph wrote to her, “If you didn’t have such a mental block against writing books, I could show you how to make a book out of extracts from your columns. It would be very little work, and sell like hotcakes. . . . I could write a solemn little introduction, telling the citizens what a fine gal you are! The hell of it is, most of the readers know all about you.” In Queen of the Hillbillies, editors Patti McCord and Kristene Sutliff at last bring together the best of McCord’s published and previously unpublished writings to share her knowledge, humor, and inimitable spirit with a new generation of readers.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781682261996
Publisher: University of Arkansas Press
Publication date: 04/08/2022
Series: Chronicles of the Ozarks
Pages: 366
Product dimensions: 5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Patti McCord is the granddaughter of May Kennedy McCord.

Kristene Sutliff is professor emerita at Missouri State University, where she directed the Ozarks Studies Institute for several years.

Both were born and raised in the Missouri Ozarks.

Table of Contents

Illustrations vii

Series Editor's Preface ix

Volume Editors' Preface xi

Acknowledgments xvii

Editors' Note xix

Introduction Remembering May Kennedy McCord 3

Chapter 1 The Ozarks Country 25

Chapter 2 The Good Old Days in the Ozarks 49

Chapter 3 Crime and the Law 75

Chapter 4 Ghost Stories 85

Chapter 5 Politics and Religion 103

Chapter 6 Death and Burial 121

Chapter 7 We Had Fun! 151

Chapter 8 Music of the Ozarks 177

Chapter 9 Critters in the Hills 197

Chapter 10 Superstitions and Granny Cures 221

Chapter 11 Signs and Gardens 251

Chapter 12 Time for School 263

Chapter 13 How We Did Things 277

Chapter 14 Seasons and Celebrations 297

Epilogue "Goodbye, My Time's Up" 325

Notes 327

Index 337

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews