Good Readin'

Here's a recommended reading list for those who like to read about bluegrass and old time music in addition to listening to it.

America's Music - Bluegrass: A History of Bluegrass Music in the Words of Its Pioneers
by Barry R. Willis, Dick Weissman (Editor), Art Menius (Editor), Bob Cherry

ISBN 0-9652407-1-1 hardcover

ISBN 0-9652407-0-3 softcover

Copyright 1989, Published by Pine Valley Music (First printing in 10/97, Second printing 1/98)

THE Bluegrass Book.  Far and a way the best bluegrass history book.  628 pages.  Unfortunately the hardcover is out of print.  You may be able to find used ones at abebooks.com or alibris or even on ebay.  You may still obtain the softcover version from Mel Bay or directly from Pine Valley Music.  If you love bluegrass this book belongs on your bookshelf.
 

   
Can't You Hear Me Callin': The Life of Bill Monroe, Father of Bluegrass by Richard D. Smith

The biography of the man that started it all.

 

 
   
The Bill Monroe Reader (Music in American Life) by Tom Ewing (Editor)
 

 

 

 
   
Bluegrass: A History (Music in American Life) by Neil V. Rosenberg

 

 

 
   
TRAVELING THE HIGH WAY HOME: Ralph Stanley and the World of Traditional Bluegrass Music by John Wright
 

In his words and the words of those who know him and have played with him.  An excellent book.

 

 
   
Bluegrass: An Informal Guide by Richard D. Smith
 

 

 
   
Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone?: The Carter Family and Their Legacy in American Music by Mark Zwonitzer with Charles Hirshberg
 

The story of the first family of country music.  There's no denyin' their influence on bluegrass.  A very interesting story about a very influential family.

 

 
   
A Good-Natured Riot: The Birth of the Grand Ole Opry by Charles K. Wolfe

Not the story of the wanna-be pop diva and hat act that most of country music is today.  This is the story of how The Opry began with real, old-time string bands. The story of how Uncle Dave Macon, DeFord Bailey, The Fruit Jar Drinkers, The Gully Jumpers, Bill Monroe, and all the rest made The Opry what it was and occasionally still is today.