Although best known for his sprawling Elvis Presley biographies Last Train to Memphis and Careless Love, Peter Guralnick is also an accomplished writer of short-form musical reflections. In the 27 pieces here, he returns to familiar territory with "Me and Colonel Parker," a profile of Presley's manager, while also offering substantial, thought-provoking commentary on such American legends as Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Robert Johnson, Skip James, Bill Monroe, Howlin' Wolf, Tammy Wynette, Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton, and Jerry Lee Lewis.