Christmas Book Gift Idea – Chicago Blues History: Preserving The Past

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the music lover in your life? Chicago Blues History: Preserving The Past is more than just a book, it’s a journey through the soulful legacy of Chicago Blues. Crafted by Brant Buckley, a Berklee College of Music graduate and professional writer, the book explores the final resting places of the legendary male and female Blues artists who shaped the heart and soul of American Popular Music. The book reached #1 under Amazon’s Hot New Release Section in 2 categories, Blues music and R&B and Soul.

The grave tour book consists of 80 artists buried within 15 Chicagoland cemeteries. Buckley placed carnations and roses on every gravestone and photographed each headstone. Song recommendations and bios for each artist are included. This is the ultimate reference book!

Artists on the tour include Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, Big Bill Broonzy, Howlin’ Wolf, Tampa Red, Junior Wells, Little Walter, Earl Hooker, Willie Dixon, and Hound Dog Taylor. Female artists include Koko Taylor, Dinah Washington, Mississippi Matilda, Mama Yancey, Big Time Sarah, Edith Wilson, and Bertha Lee Patton, the wife of Charlie Patton. Kokomo Arnold, who inspired Robert Johnson, is even in it.

Legendary Philadelphia musician Kenn Kweder says, “What an incredibly unique idea Brant Buckley executed researching and writing this amazing coffee table book. Also included on the page of each artist is a photograph of the headstone with flowers, lovingly placed near, or off to the side of the headstone; what a beautiful tribute. Since the concept of most Blues songs deals with suffering and the tragedy of death, this book might be the ultimate Blues song. Thank you, Brant Buckley, for a book that both scholars of the Blues and the uninitiated, yet curious music lovers, will appreciate. It’s damn great! What an unbelievable idea!”

The legendary artists in Chicago Blues History: Preserving The Past inspired Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, John Mayer, Jack White, The Black Keys, Bob Dylan, and everyone else imaginable. Without the artists in this wonderful book, there would be no Taylor Swift, Post Malone, Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, or Justin Bieber. Blues music is the mud underneath the earth, making all forms of music sprout and grow.

Chicago Blues History: Preserving The Past is the ultimate keepsake for Blues enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Give the gift of history and music this holiday season! It’s a great bathroom read too!