They Also Wrote: Evaluative Essays on Lesser-Known Popular American Songwriters Prior to the Rock Era

A collection of essays that profile 344 under-appreciated or unknown American songwriters active from 1848 to 1955. The essays provide bibliographical data, focus on the more famous of the songwriters’ songs and list lesser known songs in chronological order. Most of the people mention may be new to some readers, but there is one section that concentrates on famous people not primarily known for their songwriting talents, such as Benny Goodman and Dale Evans. The essays cover a variety of song styles, from barbershop quartet to jazz compositions and country tunes.