Nothing symbolizes the dream of the American West, from its rugged, dramatic landscapes to its cowboy culture, like Stetson. It was founded in 1865 by John B. Stetson, an explorer and adventurer who, during a long Western expedition, fashioned a hat with a high crown and a wide flat brim that could withstand the elements. It worked so well that he decided to mass-produce it. Renowned for its handmade, high-quality hats, Stetson soon came to represent quintessential American values: innovation, resilience, and trailblazing independence. This book celebrates the profound impact and influence of Stetson, and the cowboy aesthetic, on American culture. In sections including “Stetson in Song” and “Stetson on Screen,” stunning photographs show a diverse range of musicians who lay claim to the Stetson as part of their image, from Gene Autry and Loretta Lynn to Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson to Beyoncé—and a who’s who of American movie stars from Robert Redford and Clint Eastwood to Jane Fonda.
