One man's hell

The archetype that governs the life stories of successful musicians, country and bluegrass legends in particular, involves one or more of the following elements: violent father; music career to escape a life picking cotton or mining coal; early mentor/huckster who undeservedly lists himself as co-author of songs to share in royalties. There have been so many variations on this theme that a fresh take would seem impossible.

By Dean Olsher

September 28, 2012