The Latent Luthier

To the casual observer, the music business in 1970s America appeared glamorous. But despite well-publicized success stories of fame and fortune, most musicians were hard-pressed to eke out a living.

Ruthless corporations dictated artist contracts, the Italian Mafia controlled radio play lists and, along with their Dixie Mafia counterparts infiltrated illegal drugs into the scene.

The industry was littered with short-lived careers and burnt-out players. Suicide from overdoses was rampant, and violence was inevitable...