Author of I'd Fight the World: A Political History of Old-Time, Hillbilly, and Country Music
Now available on Audible
Read an excerpt on PopMatters
Hear it discussed by author here and here.
Listen to an author-compiled soundtrack.

No Depression magazine
"Excellent... Absorbing."

Times Literary Supplement
"La Chapelle's writing flourishes."

Harry Reid, former Senate majority leader
“I’d Fight the World provides unique insights into the iconic, American-made musical genres of old-time, hillbilly, and country and western. La Chapelle’s book is educational, interesting, and very easy to read. I recommend it without question.”

Kinky Friedman, independent gubernatorial candidate and author of Heroes of a Texas Childhood
“In I’d Fight the World, La Chapelle explores the turbulent and tawdry connections between country music and politics. Country music, at its best, can be described as the music of the people. My definition of ‘politics’ never changes: poli- means more than one and tics are bloodsucking parasites. La Chapelle takes us on a lively ride through it all.”

Jocelyn Neal, author of Country Music: A Cultural and Stylistic History
“Thoroughly researched and insightful, I’d Fight the World exposes the political themes embedded in country music of all stripes, as well as the sometimes subtle, sometimes blatant, always shrewd employment of this music by politicians. La Chapelle reveals a political legacy in country music that today’s audiences have an obligation to confront.”

David Gilbert, author of The Product of Our Souls
“In this well-written and expansive book, La Chapelle narrates a national history of politics and country music, from nineteenth-century populism to post–World War II conservatism. I’d Fight the World demonstrates how both political and cultural history can shine light upon each other, creating a rich tapestry of scholarship.”



Proud to Be an Okie


Proud to Be an Okie is listed in the Kansas City Star's TOP 100 BOOKS of the YEAR. Visit the Powell’s or Amazon entries for the the book here. Or order directly from the University of California Press .

"Proud to Be an Okie is the most important volume of country music history to emerge in years." -- No Depression magazine

"thoroughly researched, insightful. . . a lively and fascinating portrait of migrant culture and its assimilation into the mainstream, with country music as its soundtrack." --HARP Magazine http://www.harpmagazine.com/reviews/b...

"convincing and thought provoking. . . It is satisfying to discover that a detailed, scholarly work about this comprehensive subject can be so readable, because here is a work worth reading. Highly recommen