About Corcoran's All Over the Map

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.

“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 culture that defies the usual stereotypes.” –—Terry Lickona, producer Austin City Limits

”[E]ssential reading whether you’re a Lone Star fanatic or just a standard-issue music geek.” —Blurt Magazine

“Other music history books read like Wikipedia entries by comparison.” —Austin Chronicle

“All Over the Map is the definitive book on Texas music history.” —–author Joe Nick Patoski on Marfa Public Radio

“It’s sharp, informative stuff from a guy who well and truly loves this state.” —Austin American-Statesman

“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