Books by Lewis M. Stern

Wayne Howard has lived an exceptionally creative life. This biography follows the threads of music and folklore through Howard's life, celebrating his knowledge of the songs and songsters that does much to sustain the interest of those who seek out Appalachian tunes, songs, and stories.

Tommy Thompson was a banjo player, writer, actor, teacher and thinker. Using interviews and writings from Thompson and his loved ones, the author presents to us a life that revolved around music and creativity. Included are appendices on Thompson's banjos, a discography and notes on his collaborative lyric writing.

Dwight Hamilton Diller is a musician from West Virginia devoted to traditional Appalachian fiddle and banjo music, and a seminary-trained minister steeped in local Christian traditions. For the past 40 years, he has worked to preserve archaic fiddle and banjo tunes. This book tells of Diller's life and music, his personal challenges and his decades of teaching an elusive musical form.