A lavishly illustrated collection of forty-two profiles of Texas music pioneers, most underrated or overlooked, All Over the Map: True Heroes of Texas Music covers the musical landscape of a most musical state. The first edition was published in 2005 to wide acclaim. This second edition includes updated information, a bonus section of six behind-the-scenes heroes, and fifteen new portraits of Lefty Frizzell, Janis Joplin, and others, spanning such diverse styles as blues, country, hip-hop, conjunto, gospel, rock, and jazz. D.J. Stout and Pentagram designed the reborn edition, with photographer Scott Newton providing portraits. Michael Corcoran has been writing about Texas music for more than thirty years, for the Dallas Morning News and Austin American Statesman, as well as in such publications as Texas Monthly and Spin. These pieces are based on his personal interviews with their subjects as well as in-depth research. Expertly written with flair, the book is a musical waltz across Texas.
Michael Corcoran retired after decades writing about music for various newspapers to pursue his passion projects. His book on Arizona Dranes (He Is My Story) was nominated for a Grammy as best historical recording. In 1996 he was named Writer of the Year for the entire Cox Newspaper chain. He is based in Austin.
A compelling summary of the breadth and depth of Texas music and a fascinating survey of stories and personalities."" - Robert Hardy, author of A Deeper Blue: The Life and Music of Townes Van Zandt ""Corcoran is masterful at incorporating personal narrative into reportage in a way that is both engaging and informative."" - Cathy Brigham, co-editor of Handbook of Texas Music ""Corcoran's book is the work of a rock and roll detective . . ."" - Peter Stothard, The Times of London ""All Over the Map is indispensable for anyone interested in Texas music or Texas history."" - Eddie Wilson, founder of the Armadillo World Headquarters ""All Over the Map tells the story of Texas music that needed to be told, as broad and deep, dark and quirky as the state itself. These are the compelling stories of the artists and individuals who created a musical cultural that defies the usual stereotypes."" - Terry Lickona, producer, Austin City Limits ""[Corcoran] profiles 42 Texas acts from, well, all over the state: Janis Joplin and Gatemouth Brown in East Texas, Geto Boys and DJ Screw in Houston, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Butthole Surfers (from 1986) and Calvin Russell in Austin. It's sharp, informative stuff from a guy who well and truly loves this state."" - Austin American-Statesman
