Lone Cone Library

The blues-a musical tradition uniquely American-has had a powerful influence on American poets, and this scintillating anthology offers a richness of poetry as varied and vital as the music that inspired it.

A young girl who misses her father, a traveling blues musician, lifts her own spirits by wearing his hat and singing his songs. Inspired by the childhood of Billie Holiday.

Daddy Longlegs, a blues musician in a backyard boogie-woogie band, shimmies through the cool grass, glides across the swimming pool, relaxes beside the waterspout, and preens his eight legs before the big concert.

All Roots Lead to Rock tells the story of a group of "couldabeens, hasbeens, shouldabeens," and just plain "weres" to show the many different influences that came together to make the mighty musical stew we call rock 'n' roll. The family tree of rock 'n' roll has many branches. And the roots are often lost in the dusky soil - far from view of even the most loyal listeners. So today's fans of Marilyn Manson may only be vaguely familiar with the original...

Alphabetically arranged entries highlight key artists, songs, events, issues and institutions associated with American blues.

Follow Ray Charles's rise from humble beginnings, overcoming hardship, loss, and blindness to become the undisputed king of rhythm n blues. Each spread relates a different stage of his life, and key moments are captured by evocative photos from the time and R�mi Courgeons beautiful illustrations. The narrative of the book is recorded on the accompanying CD, as well as 15 of the singers most emblematic recordings