One of the most bizarre stories in all of popular music is the history of “Orange Blossom Special;” arguably the century's best-known fiddle tune. The man credited with its ownership; Ervin T. Rouse; endured tragedy; alcoholism and mental illness. He spent his last years fiddling for tips in isolated taverns at the edge of the Everglades; and died all but unknown. The man who claimed co-ownership; Chubby Wise; achieved fame as the seminal fiddler of the bluegrass genre; but struggled to overcome personal demons and to heal the scars of childhood abandonment and abuse. Johnny Cash; the tortured superstar who made the song a mainstream hit; quietly championed Rouse and earned the enmity of Wise. This trio's disparate legacies are here told – and forever linked with the legendary diesel steamliner.

“Fascinating ... a compelling story told in an artful and human way. The writing reads like the best fiction.”

– Gainesville Sun

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