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A Music Lover's Reading List

From Firsthand Stories Of Nashville’s Music Industry To Inspirational Words And Prayers, Check Out These Books For Fall

Party Like a Rockstar: The Crazy, Coincidental, Hard-Luck, and Harmonious Life of a Songwriter

By J.T. Harding

If you’ve ever listened to country radio, there’s a very good chance you’ve heard a song by hit songwriter J.T. Harding. Known for his songs recorded by artists like Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Uncle Kracker, and more, Harding has had great success as a multi-genre songwriter. Since the day he was born, his life has been a wild ride, filled with unbelievable but oh so true moments that he shares in this page turner. From details of his adoption story, and falling in love with music while growing up in a Detroit suburb, to all of the twists and turns in the music business that took him around the world before leading him to Nashville, this is one memoir you won’t want to put down.

The Business Behind the Song: Navigating a Career in the Music Industry
By Scott Brickell
Written by Christian music industry veteran Scott Brickell, this in-depth guide to the music industry is the perfect read for anyone wanting to pursue a career in the business. As a top artist manager in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) genre, Brickell—who country star Trace Adkins portrayed in the MercyMe biofilm, I Can Only Imagine—shares his knowledge from years in the industry working with acts including TobyMac, MercyMe, Audio Adrenaline, and Switchfoot. Through his detailed explanation of the various of jobs in the music business and all of the different steps and phases of an artist’s career, this is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about the ins and outs of the industry. With a knowledgeable glossary of all the music business terms and a Q&A with industry pros, there’s a lot to learn in this read!

A Song and A Prayer: 30 Devotions Inspired by My Favorite Songs 
By Loretta Lynn and Kim McLean

Through a beautiful pairing of Bible verses and song lyrics, country music legend Loretta Lynn and songwriter Kim McLean provide hope in this month-long devotional. Laid out with a Scripture verse, devotional message, short daily prayer, and lyrics from a corresponding song, this short daily read is perfect for those looking to start their day with intention and time with God. The lyrics in this devotional include songs written by Lynn—many co-written with McLean—and hymns she found meaningful. For a woman who made such a significant impact on the world through her words and music, Lynn wrote this book to share God’s love with anyone who reads it, and it will leave a mark as one of her final works.