Louisville—known as “Derbytown” because of the Kentucky Derby—has been home to hundreds of African American musicians who were born in or have connections to Louisville. Their “soulful sounds” have made significant contributions to the world of music and entertainment locally, nationally, even internationally over the years in a wide range of genres, including gospel, jug band, blues, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, rock, and classical and theatrical music.

Now six gifted authors who have spent their lives immersed in the world of music are celebrating and paying tribute to the lives, talents, and legacies of Louisville’s African American musicians and entertainers in a new book being released called The Soulful Sounds of Derbytown.

The six authors of The Soulful Sounds of Derbytown-Ken Clay, Michael L. Jones, Wilma Westfield Clayborn, Keith Clements, Gary Falk, andRon Lewis- have spent their lives immersed in the music scene in Louisville. This book is the result of their longtime shared dream of producing and publishing a volume that salutes and celebrates these African American musicians and entertainers and preserves their life stories and legacies for future generations.

This comprehensive volume collects, for the first time, hundreds of biographical sketches, historical essays, information on music venues and promoters, and historical and contemporary photographs that document Louisville's music scene, from the city's earliest days to modern times. A wide range of genres are represented, including gospel, jug band, blues, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, rock, and classical and theatrical music.The Soulful Sounds ofl Derbytown is a lasting tribute to the rich heritage of African American music and entertainment in Louisville.

Copies are available for $50 each at Grady Goods!