Jane Hicks Gentry

"It is to our benefit that this inspirational historical figure has been rendered more accessible to the rest of us."—American Music

"Presents the fascinating story of Gentry's ancestry and life, includes music and words to seventy of her songs, and retells fifteen of her Jack tales. This book is likely to considered an important source for folklorists for generations to come."—Appalachian Heritage

"The tapestry of Gentry's life story is interwoven with the real life anecdotes and stories of a diverse people."—Bourbon Times

"This is a rich account of mountain lore and music in an area that decades later, Bascom Lamar Lunsford declared 'the last stand of natural people'."—Come-All-Ye

"An excellent tribute to her life."—Folk Music Journal

"This very absorbing book contains a profusion of subject matter from genealogy to local history, from photographs to page music."—From the Quill

"Reflects a thorough knowledge and appreciation of its subject and an ease of style."—Journal of American Folklore

"Smith has begun the long-overdue project of reclaiming women's space on the musical landscape of Appalachia."—Journal of Appalachian Studies

"Smith, herself a performer of traditional music, has given us a bountiful, beautifully realized biography of this unique woman."—Knoxville News-Sentinel

"Jane Gentry was one of the great bearers of the traditional arts, and lovers of these arts will want to read her story."—Loyal Jones

"A warm, graceful, and thorough exploration of one woman's day-to-day and artistic worlds."—Notes

"A rich sensitive portrait of this legendary person."—Now & Then

"This is an admirable tribute to a woman regionally renown for her songs, storytelling, crafts, and unflagging cheer."—Old Time Herald

"Paints a complex portrait of a woman who lived in a quiet area, but who touched others with her gifts of song and storytelling."—Our State

"This book, beautifully researched and written, with grace notes of jacktales and accounts of North Carolina mountain life, records a precious part of America's music history and celebrates Appalachia's contribution to the arts."—Sharyn McCrumb