Now in paperback as well as in original hardcover format

An introductory primer, Homegrown Music: Discovering Bluegrass is directed at the newcomer to bluegrass, yet provides a novel perspective for those already captivated by it. It covers in a relaxed style the history of the music's development, from its predecessors to its innovatively progressive and blended styles. Touching upon important past personalities and current superstars, the book also gives a nod to young horizon artists, as well as those from the international scene. Other topics include instrumentation, songs, the festival experience, and “parking lot picking.”

Geared toward enthusiasts of all ages, this book addresses musician and nonmusician alike, and offers suggested starting points for listening to bluegrass. For those wanting to learn to play, “picking camps” and school bluegrass programs are discussed. Interesting insight is provided about the state of bluegrass in popular culture, past and present, as well as projection into its future preservation. Candid interviews with such legends as Earl Scruggs, Ralph Stanley and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band are included. An extensive up-to-the-minute resource guide of print, audio-visual, and Internet materials is also provided. Twenty-five photographs taken by the author illustrate the book. Foreword by Ricky Skaggs, considered the torchbearer for the next generation of bluegrass.

****Paperback edition features redesigned front cover

with photo by the author, taken at the 2003 World of Bluegrass, Louisville, Kentucky.

Every library should own a copy.

Library Journal, *starred review

It's the perfect introduction for those interested in knowing more about bluegrass and a needed addition to the canon of bluegrass scholarship.

Bluegrass Unlimited

If you've ever wondered what bluegrass was all about, here's a great place to begin.

The Boston Globe

I predicted that this insightful book would win Stephanie Ledgin an award. In 2005 she was recognized as the International Bluegrass Music Print Media Person of the Year.

Eddie Stubbs, WSM Grand Ole Opry announcer

Represents all of the bluegrass music community with sensitivity and intelligence. This book will help newcomers get the overview.

Bela Fleck, banjoist
 

Reading Stephanie Ledgin's book about bluegrass music allowed me to re-live all of the circumstances that led me to a life long love affair with this invigorating and highly disciplined American musical art form. Stephanie takes the reader through the many projects and personalities that have made the bluegrass movement a real one.

Mark O'Connor, violinist, composer, fiddler

An authoritative, wide-ranging, inspiring study of bluegrass music.

Bluegrass Music Profiles

From the beginning music lover to an experienced audiophile, Ledgin's book is a treat to be enjoyed.

Quincy (IL) Public Library Online Review

This book is a great introduction to bluegrass. Stephanie Ledgin draws on years of experience and affection for the music, and covers the bases in a swift-moving, concise style. People new to the music need an up-to-date, wide-ranging look at the music's history and leading artists. This is it.

Pete Wernick ("Dr. Banjo"), former President, International Bluegrass Music Association
 

...When Stephanie Ledgin first described her book to me, I thought it too daunting a task to take on for one person. How could she possibly catch all that is out there in this diverse world of players and keep it interesting? Well, Stephanie Ledgin did just that, and wrote a book I highly recommend to anyone interested in what is behind the sounds that make up the backbone of one of America's best world influences....

John McEuen, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
 

If you wanted to recommend one book to someone new to our music this one is pretty dam good.

Bluegrass Now

Ledgin writes a lively and interesting account of the roots and nature of this uniquely American art form.

Victoria College/University of Houston Library

If you're looking to get your feet wet in bluegrass, a good place to jump in.

Sing Out!

A very readable primer for bluegrass "newbies."

And even if you've been around the music awhile, you'll still enjoy her "25 recordings to jump-start your collection."

Messenger-Inquirer, Owensboro KY (and Knight Ridder news service)

I really treasure your book and the way you focused it. It expresses so very much of what I felt coming to bluegrass in my twenties and thirties. It very much changed our lives (as it did your life, as well). I know that anyone who is curious about bluegrass will find the book so valuable.

Nancy Nitchie, co-founder, Banjo Newsletter, personal communication

Table of Contents
Foreword by Ricky Skaggs  ·   Preface  ·   Acknowledgments  ·   Introduction: O Bluegrass, Where Art Thou?  ·   Homegrown Music: What Is Bluegrass?  ·    The Evolution of Bluegrass: A Mosaic of Influences  ·   Banjo Meets the High Lonesome Sound  ·   Bluegrass Bends and Blends  ·   Fiddling to Flatpicking  ·   Songs of Love, Death, Faith, and Family  ·   Popular Culture: Got Bluegrass?  ·   The International Language of Bluegrass  ·   Up Close: Concerts, Festivals, and Parking Lot Pickin'  ·   Pick It Up, Pass It On!  ·   On the Horizon  ·   Down the Road: Continuing the Tradition  ·   Afterword: Rediscovering Bluegrass  ·    Twenty-five  Recordings to Jump Start Your Collection...Plus a Random Sampling of Videos  ·   Where To From Here: Suggested Resources  ·   Selected Works Consulted   -   Index   -   Photo essay included