The University of Illinois Press is pleased to announce that Dixie Dewdrop: The Uncle Dave Macon Story by Michael Doubler has been selected as the first grant recipient of the Judith McCulloh Fund for American Music. This endowed fund created in 2017 honors the legacy of Judith McCulloh, long-time University of Illinois Press editor. Judy’s academic passions and keen eye as an editor put Illinois on the map as the leading publisher in the field with the cornerstone series Music in American Life. Dixie Dewdrop, the amazing story of the Grand Ole Opry’s first superstar, exemplifies the spirit of this Fund.

Michael Doubler responded to the news with gratitude and excitement:

“I’ve shared this news with my family, and as direct descendants of Uncle Dave, we are all delighted and honored. If Uncle Dave were still with us, I’m confident in saying that he would be the most thrilled of all that a biography about him would receive such an accolade. As he often said, ‘Hot dog!’”

To find out more, go to: https://www.press.uillinois.edu/giving/