This work represents a lifetime of research by Wayne Erbsen, professor of old-time and bluegrass music at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, who interviewed many legendary figures in Appalachian music. Often the first and only scholar to ever collect their stories, he provides in this book an indispensable history of bluegrass and old-time music in Appalachia for generations to come. The book begins with stories featuring many pioneers of old-time and bluegrass music. Next are chapters on brother duets from the 1930s, legendary banjo pickers and fiddle players, plus tales of 19th-century songwriters whose songs still populate bluegrass music. Also covered are wide-ranging and whimsical topics such as the Ghost of Scotty Stoneman, cowboys in bluegrass music, Charlie Cline's powerful snoring, a near-encounter with Bigfoot, and Hoss Cartwright's hat. “The many entertaining and informative essays in Wayne Erbsen’s Southern Mountain Music bring the reader up close to the pioneers of Bluegrass music. Erbsen, obviously a good listener, uses a light touch and lets their voices come forward. Jim Shumate talks about playing on Bill Monroe’s baseball team, and Zeke Morris explains how he shaped older bits and pieces into what became ‘Salty Dog Blues.’ Informed by 50 years of playing and studying the music, Wayne Erbsen presents an intimate picture of the beginnings of what came to be known as Bluegrass.”―Tim O’Brien, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter “Wayne Erbsen models a curiosity and scholarship that all listeners to music would be wise to emulate. The information he has unearthed is significant to an understanding of the sources and early development of both bluegrass music and the styles that preceded it. He focuses largely on characters and phenomena that have not been widely celebrated elsewhere in the literature, helping us to understand that many unsung heroes underpin the familiar icons.”―Fred Bartenstein, bluegrass and country music historian “From the mere enthusiast to the acclaimed historian of old time, bluegrass, or country music, this book is a must-read! Wayne Erbsen has written so many great articles over the last few decades that it is great to see some of his best articles published all together in this wonderful book! Pick up a copy. You won’t regret it!”―Jeremy Stephens, member of award winning bluegrass band High Fidelity “For those with an interest in early country, bluegrass, and old time music, Southern Mountain Music , by Wayne Erbsen takes you on a personally guided tour through the hills and hollers of the genres like you never had before. In Erbsen's collected writings, he shares an insider's sharp-eyed view of the music, music makers, influencers, humor, and the varied regions―from the mountains of Western North Carolina to the balmy shores of Southern California―that make up these timeless musical offerings.”―Alan Munde, banjo player, American Banjo Hall of Fame, International Bluegrass Music Association Hall of Fame, Steve Martin Banjo Prize Winner “For more than half a century, Wayne Erbsen has served “Southern Mountain Music” in multiple roles―as musician, educator, radio broadcaster, promoter, and writer. This book celebrates his work in the latter role and reflects his sustained passion for regional music traditions. Erbsen deeply respects the forebears of those traditions, and this book offers a bountiful harvest of feature articles about music along with vital documentation from the many interviews he has conducted over the years with significant regional musicians from earlier generations.”―Ted Olson, professor of Appalachian Studies, East Tennessee State University “As welcome as a friendly handshake and a warm Appalachian smile, Wayne Erbsen’s new book sparkles with fascinating stories that are entertaining, educational, and rich in well-researched detail! It is a must read for any fan of American acoustic music history!”―Marc Pruett, Honorary Doctor of Arts, Grammy recipient, member of Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame “Wayne Erbsen has been teaching, playing, and writing books for as long as I can remember! His latest work is the best one yet! Totally gripping and illuminating! Dig in and dig it!”―Matt Glaser, artistic director, American Roots Music Program, Berklee College of Music “For longer than I care to admit, the writings of Wayne Erbsen have been a constant go-to source when learning about the history of bluegrass and old-time country music. He came of age when many of the titans of our music were still among us, and oftentimes Wayne's thoughtful and well-researched articles represented the only serious overviews of their work. Southern Mountain Music celebrates a lifetime of music history well written.”―Gary Reid, three-time winner of the International Bluegrass Music Association's award for Best Liner Notes, a past IBMA Print/Media Person of the Year “Count on Wayne Erbsen for accuracy and reliability!”―Bill Clifton, legendary bluegrass musici