Named after its location, the 352 pages of "Chitlin Circuit" detail much of a historical underground black network of music, vice, and more music in Lauterbach's native Memphis--and how this background gave rise to what is known today as rock 'n' roll.

Preston Lauterbach was born in Virginia, raised in California, and settled in Memphis--the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, and the home of the blues. After working for much of his life as an editor and journalist, he switched to the role of popular historian with his celebrated debut, "The Chitlin' Circuit and the Road to Rock 'n' Roll". Lauterbach truly immersed himself in his work to bring to light this bygone piece of American heritage, learning about such skills as pickpocketing, shooting craps with loaded dice, and pulling a con--as well as the musical elements (blues, soul, and R&B)  and innovation that swirled through these circles. The result is a bold, vibrant look at the people and places behind rock roots, as "energetic as a Little Richard song", one of the artists to begin in the Chitlin' Circuit.

Lauterbach is currently working on writing another popular history, examining the hustlers' history of Beale Street, another iconic music location in Memphis. No doubt this next project will shed just as much light on music history as its predecessor.


Website: http://prestonlauterbach.com/
MySpace: N/A


Set List:
Artist/SONG NAME/ALBUM NAME 
Walter Barnes / HOW LONG HOW BLUES / Jazz Mad, Volume 3
Louis Jordan / I'M GONNA MOVE TO THE OUTSKIRTS OF TOWN / Louis Jordan & His Tympany 5
Johnny Ace / PLEDGING MY LOVE / My Songs
James Brown and the Famous Flames / I'LL GO CRAZY / Think
                 


Recent Release: The Chitlin' Circuit and the Road to Rock 'N' Roll   
Release Date: July 18, 2011
Label: W. W. Norton & Company

Band Origin: Memphis, TN