Deke Dickerson discusses his book “Sixteen Tons: The Merle Travis Story,” which paints a vivid and unvarnished portrait of the guitar innovator, hit songwriter, and member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Joining him to share music and memories are master guitarists Tommy Emmanuel and Eddie Pennington and Travis’s daughters Cindy Travis and Merlene Travis-Maggini. Together, they discuss the musician’s life, work, and legacy and perform songs including “Sixteen Tons” and “Son of a Gun.” This program was hosted by the Museum’s Dave Paulson and was recorded on September 23, 2023, in partnership with the Americana Music Association.

Deke Dickerson is a guitarist, author, and historian who has released more than twenty albums. Tommy Emmanuel is one of the world’s premier acoustic guitarists and among five people to be named a “CGP” (Certified Guitar Player) by his musical hero, Chet Atkins. Eddie Pennington is a lifelong disciple of “Travis picking” and other thumbpicking styles and has called Merle Travis “my greatest hero.” Cindy Travis is the youngest daughter of Merle Travis. She was a production assistant for a PBS series and is now an interior decorator. Merlene Travis-Maggini, the middle daughter of Merle Travis, recently retired after a thirty-nine-year career in music publishing. Both daughters continue to be dedicated to keeping their father’s legacy alive.

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