What’s it about?
The Music Lover’s Guide To North America takes readers on a tour through more than 150 museums, exhibits, and historic sites devoted exclusively to the music, instruments, and people that propelled music in the U.S. and Canada to the rest of the world in the 20th century. As Paul McCartney said in a recent interview: “America was where all the music we loved came from. Old rock and roll, the blues, the whole thing.”
Everyone knows about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and maybe the Motown Museum in Detroit. But did you know about the Hank Williams storefront in his hometown of Montgomery, Alabama? Or the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma?
Everyone knows about the Ryman in Nashville, but did you know there’s an equally stunning museum right across the street – the National Museum of African American Music – that celebrates the role and influence of Black musicians?
The Music Lover’s Guide takes you well below the tip of the iceberg to a wealth of highlights, from mom-‘n’-pop storefronts to world-class museums.
Whether you’re an armchair traveler or a road trip enthusiast, this guide is packed full of descriptions and little-known facts that will enrich your knowledge of and appreciation for the music that was the soundscape of our lives.
Endorsements / Reviews
“Museums. Markers. Plantations. Recording studios. Southern blues clubs and Mississippi juke joints. Join the road-trip of a lifetime as your new best friends chase the blues in this combination history book, travel guide and personal odyssey. Highly recommended.” Roger Stolle, Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art
“The ultimate music aficionado map . . . I am ready to hit the trail!” Tracy Pitcox, Texas Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame
“A rockin’ crash course on America’s musical (r)evolution . . . Only the word Essential is lacking in the book title.” Roger Stolle, Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art and blues author
“An indispensable guide to discovering the rich stories and vibrant culture of the blues.” Dr. Robert Nelson, National Blues Museum
“Be sure to take it along on your next musical road trip.” Steven Jenkins, Bob Dylan Center
“The Music Lover’s Guide to North America is a must-read for any fan of American music.” Rodney Hall, FAME Recording Studios
“A comprehensive guide to American music, the museums dedicated to preserving its legacy, and the talented musicians who continue to entertain us.” Webster Franklin, Tunica Convention & Visitors Bureau
“Talking about jazz and blues and keeps the soul without dumbing it down nor making it too complicated or esoteric for the lay person.” David Kunian, New Orleans Jazz Museum
“A wonderful cultural resource for any music lover or museum enthusiast.” Dwight Vaught, National Music Museum