We just received finished copies of Ray Allen’s new book Gone to the Country: The New Lost City Ramblers & the Folk Music Revival. Formed in 1958 by Mike Seeger, John Cohen, and Tom Paley, the Ramblers introduced the regional styles of southern ballads, blues, string bands, and bluegrass to northerners yearning for a sound and an experience not found in mainstream music.

The early reviews have been excellent.

“Allen has chosen the perfect example through which to document this watershed in American cultural and musical history.”–Library Journal

“A rich reminiscence on the heady times in late-1950s and -1960s America, when a rediscovery of folk music flourished within and around such social issues as the civil rights movement.”–Booklist

Courtesy of the youtubes, here is a live performance of the song Man of Constant Sorrow from Rainbow Quest.