Merle Travis Livres

Sixteen Tons is the story of Country Music Hall of Fame member Merle Travis, a brilliant, multi-talented, and deeply troubled artist who is widely considered a genius. A world-class guitarist who dazzled audiences with his Kentucky thumb-picking style, Merle was also a pioneering country songwriter who wrote such classics as "Dark as a Dungeon" and "Sixteen Tons." Additionally, he was responsible for early electric guitar innovations in the 1940s, and was a gifted actor, writer, and cartoonist, among many other talents. This definitive portrait of Travis's life and career is the result of a recently-discovered treasure trove of Merle's unpublished autobiographical writings, which have been fleshed out with an immersive deep-dive biography by researcher and musical historian Deke Dickerson. It details the highs of a career that began with a string of nine straight Top 5 singles in the 1940s, and the lows of a lifelong struggle with alcoholism that developed into an addiction to pills that nearly killed Merle when he was running with Johnny Cash in the late 1950s. Travis ultimately reemerged to become a Grammy-winning artist who inspired millions and became a music legend.

(Guitar Recorded Versions). Notes and tab for 15 songs by one of country guitar's greatest legends. Includes: Cannon Ball Rag * Dark as a Dungeon * Fat Gal * I Am a Pilgrim * Kentucky Means Paradise * Sixteen Tons * Start Even * Sweet Temptation * and more, plus a biography/introduction.

The book offers an in-depth exploration of the celebrated "Travis Picking Guitar Style," crafted by Tommy Flint, a relative of the iconic Merle. It features vintage photos, insightful annotations, and exceptional Travis guitar solos, making it a comprehensive resource for aspiring musicians. With both notation and tablature provided, readers can easily follow along. Additionally, it includes access to online audio, enhancing the learning experience for those eager to master this distinctive guitar technique.