Then Garth Became Elvis

"""An exceptionally smart writer and astute interviewer, Tom Alesia compiles sketches and anecdotes to form a vivid portrait of country music's history, from big names to bit players and beyond."" -- Stephen Thompson, NPR Music ""This compact book is full of insightful wisdom, inspirational experiences, and hard-won humanity delivered by some of the biggest names in American music. Any reader can find something to connect with in this tidy little gem."" -- Nickolas Butler, author of New York Times bestseller Shotgun Lovesongs and Godspeed ""Tom Alesia has friends in all the right places. He began chronicling country music during the pivotal point time, when the Garth Brooks camp brought pop-rock marketing sensibilities to Nashville. Tom's conversational style creates a lively thread between then and now with colorful side trips that include Port Wagoner, John Mellencamp, Doc Watson and a Hank Williams impersonator. Then Garth Became Elvis celebrates a meaningful time in American music."" -- Dave Hoekstra, Chicago author and documentarian ""Tom Alesia has pieced together a nice narrative of an era in country via the many interviews he's conducted over the years."" -- Bill Lloyd, Foster & Lloyd ""This book is a smart, rapid fire array of quotes, impressions and anecdotes of America's greatest country music stars."" -- John Roach, co-screenwriter, Oscar-nominated drama The Straight Story ""Tom's glimpses into the lives of these extraordinary artists are fast, fun and compelling. It's a winner!"" -- singer/songwriter Becky Hobbs"