This biography reveals the fascinating story of a unique man - known and admired by musicians around the world. Mel Bay started picking the guitar at age 14, then worked his way up to becoming a renowned musician, teacher, and author of a series of guitar method books sold globally - more than 20 million copies! Many photos of Mel and a number of his famous friends are included, spanning over 70 years.

1931: Wiped Out By The Depression      
A Special Honor      
As Times Were Changing      
Awards and Accolades      
Breaking Away      
Introduction      
Letters to Mel Bay      
Mel's Many Friends      
Out of the Doldrums      
Preface      
Radio, the Big Bands, and Mel Bay      
Some Facts and Figures      
The Beginning      
The Guitar Keeps Evolving, and Changing      
The Mel Bay D'Angelico Guitar      
The Searching Years      
The Setting      
Vignettes