The Soul of Key West volume 1

"The Soul of Key West" is a 104-page anthology of the Key West music scene through the eye of local photographer Ralph De Palma, as told by the musicians. Their stories are a true description of the lives of professional musicians. The book includes 46 interviews, and over 200 hundred photographs culled from a collection of 2500. It is the first book about Key West's fantastic musicians. "Key West is becoming a music destination, much like Nashville or New Orleans. Our island is full of talent that migrated here from those much larger music cities," says De Palma. "If Nashville is the 'Music City' then Key West is most certainly the 'Music Island'. On any given night, a short walk of a few blocks and one can listen to some of the best original music, played by world class musicians, in fantastic venues, for the price of a cold drink." De Palma's passion for Key West's vibrant music scene led him to spend countless hours photographing and interviewing dozens of musicians. His photographs capture the rocking spirit of a tiny island filled with over 50 venues featuring live music. his words roll out the stories, struggles, and triumphs of musicians who play for us night after night.