"a detailed history.rich, complex narrative.fascinating stories.most helpful.highly recommended"-- Choice ; "a must-read. A definitive work on its subject.will have you tapping your toes from first page to last"-- Our State ; "excellent.well-written.

a welcome addition to the growing body of literature on North Carolina's musical heritage.deserves a place on the shelf"-- The North Carolina Historical Review ;"a valuable introduction to Joe Sweeney's life and career as well as an overview of minstrelsy and the banjo during their developmental years. Scholars and casual readers alike will find something of interest in this work, especially in the discussions of America's early nineteenth-century musical activities. Carlin successfully rescues Joe Sweeney from obscurity and demonstrates the important role he played in making the banjo one of the most ubiquitous parts of American musical culture"-- Winterthur Portfolio ; "he seems to leave no stone unturned, enlightening the reader as to a musician's first instrument, how he/she procured it, how that person learned to play and where it all led Interesting insight in provided.well researched and documented.fans will enjoy this richly descriptive look at ordinary people who contributed extraordinarily to America's musical heritage. Recommended"-- Sing Out! "Carlin has left no note unsung.exhaustive research"-- Greensboro News and Record ; "extensively researched and liberally illustrated"-- Courier-Tribune.

com ; "a quick enjoyable read.peppered with verbatim accounts from many of the musicians and their surviving family members"-- The Dispatch, (Lexington, N.C.); "a book that should be eagerly welcomed by serious students of country-music history.attractive and meticulous.thorough researcher, Carlin writes very well"-- Dirty Linen.