Eastern North Carolina has produced some of the most transformative figures in the history of jazz, gospel, and popular music. Rocky Mount celebrates the birthplace of internationally renowned jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk, and Greenville holds a festival to honor jazz artist Billy Taylor. Little Eva’s number one hit Loco-Motion helped put Kinston on the map as did five members of James Brown’s renowned band, who were from Kinston.

Asheville-born Roberta Flack began her career teaching music in Wilson and singing with the jazz band The Monitors. Reverend F.C. Barnes was inspired to compose Rough Side of the Mountain on eastern North Carolina roads. The abundance of African American music and its musicians is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Funk, blues, jazz, and gospel in Kinston, Tarboro, Wilson and everywhere in between

The field interviews, historical documents, photographs and travel information for visitors were compiled into the guidebook. The first printing, with an accompanying CD, of 3,500 copies in September 2013 was distributed to bookstores throughout the Southeast, and the arts councils in the region.