The Delmore Brothers: Truth Is Stranger Than Publicity (Distributed for the Country Music Foundation Press)

The Delmore Brothers—Alton and Rabon Delmore—molded blues and country-gospel into an influential, guitar-driven harmony sound with classic songs such as “Brown’s Ferry Blues” and “Blues Stay Away from Me.” Older brother Alton also left behind this fascinating, long-unpublished autobiography, which brings to life the early Grand Ole Opry and the struggles of pioneering country musicians. Edited by historian Charles K. Wolfe, The Delmore Brothers: Truth is Stranger Than Publicity lives up to its title.

Alton Delmore performed with his brother Rabon as the Delmore Brothers from 1926 to 1952. The late Charles K. Wolfe was a professor of English and folklore studies at Middle Tennessee State University. He is the author of ten books about American music.