Grass Roots : An Illustrated History of Bluegrass and Mountain Music

Burlington Free Press
"GRASS ROOTS begins at the beginning, tracing the origin of bluegrass to the stringbands and fiddlers of Appalachia, who were influenced by Irish and Scottish reels. [From there] Hill chronicles the rise to fame of the many bluegrass luminaries.... The book is handsome -- the art staff of Vermont Life magazine did the layout -- and the cover was thoughtfully conceived. GRASS ROOTS gives a nostalgic view of a nostalgic music."


Jean S. Osborne, President, JIM & JESSE Fan Club
"GRASS ROOTS is a treasure, and I'm proud of it. [It is] very well written, and interesting to read. It is well put together. There is enough good pictures to make it eye catching, and enough interesting material to hold one's attention. I would highly recommend it, and shall do so in the JIM & JESSE Newsletter which I am currently putting together."


Sharon Volles, Central New York Bluegrass Association
"I must say Mr. Hill certainly did a great deal of research... to write such an informative piece of literature. I am sure bluegrass fans all around the country would be pleased to have this book in their collection. The pictures alone are well worth the price of the book."


Book Description
This is a general history of bluegrass music and related old-time music, from its Appalachian origins to worldwide popularity. Hill's interesting study earned excellent reviews from bluegrass sources, and has remained in print for 20 years. Over 100 photos are included in this history, some of archival quality and many in color. GRASS ROOTS explores the lives, accomplishments and impact of many legendary performers, including Bill Monroe, Uncle Dave Macon, Flatt and Scruggs, Grandpa Jones, the Stanley Brothers, the Country Gentlemen and others who have pioneered and influenced our Southern mountain culture and the musical traditions it has inspired.


About the Author
Fred Hill is the author of OUTRUNNING YOUR SHADOW: CARING FOR DYING PARENTS (1999, VanMeter Publishing). He has also published scholarly articles, poetry, and over 50 short stories. His background in bluegrass includes experience as a radio DJ in Kentucky and Vermont and as a musician in bluegrass and other musical styles. Hill also taught high school social studies in New Hampshire. Today he lives in Indiana, picks a little banjo, is working on several other bluegrass publishing projects.


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