Music Makers: Portraits and Songs from the Roots of America

by Tim Duffy (Editor)

The story of the Music Maker Relief Foundation, an organization established in 1994 to help artists working in the blues, R&B, hillbilly, and other "roots" forms of music, comes to life in this beautiful collection of essays, photographs, and lyrics. The artists, all of whom are 55 and over, were either abused or ignored by mainstream record labels and living in poverty until the foundation stepped in to help them with basic needs such as food, shelter, and medical care. The foundation also assists the musicians' careers by providing free studio recording time and local and national tour promotion. Featured are 75 musicians such as Beverly "Guitar" Watkins, Cootie Stark, Mudcat, Macavine Hayes, and Drink Small. Their well-documented lives take all who look, read, and listen on a soulful ride through music festivals, beer halls, concert stages, church pulpits, back porches, and city sidewalks.

193 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2002

Reviews

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone interested in blues, the culture of the American South, amazing and inspiring photography... read it. You won't be disappointed.

This beautiful book captures the soul of the south. It will make anyone a fan of the blues, and the artists who put their blood, sweat and tears into southern musical traditions.