The Oxford American, the literary magazine that focuses on Southern writers and artists, has published 12 versions of its “Southern Music Issue.”

There are a number of chance-meeting stories in music history and the 2008 meeting between John Paul White and Joy Williams—the duo known as The Civil Wars—stands toe-to-toe with the best of them.

For more than 10 years, Railroad Earth has been a prominent figure in the “Jam Band” music scene. The roots/Americana sextet has found its place in this community that thrives on improvisation and welcomes everything from electronica to string-band music into its fold.

ALBUMS Justin Townes Earle—Harlem River Blues (Bloodshot Records) The son of Steve knocks it out of the park as Earle nods to his influences while placing his own stamp on the material.

We’ve all been in the same frustrating situation. We go online to purchase tickets to a concert or sporting event. Once the sticker shock of the ticket prices subsides, we receive a second wave of disbelief as the service fees are applied.

For nearly 25 years, Damon Johnson has been a fixture on the Birmingham music scene and beyond. In addition to his time with Split The Dark, Brother Cane, Slave To The System and Whiskey Falls, the guitarist/vocalist has held a sideman slot with John Waite and is now a member of Alice Cooper’s band.

Though Blues music is often associated with Chicago and the Mississippi Delta, Texas can stake its claim to the genre’s most important figures as well. Stevie Ray Vaughan, T-Bone Walker, Lightnin’ Hopkins and Freddie King all honed their skills in the Lone Star State, and now Smokin’ Joe Kubek and Bnois King are carrying the torch of the state’s influential sound.

If the songs “This Girl Of Mine” by The White Animals and “Western Flyer” by The Claimstakers were on your mixed tapes in high school or college, then you’re familiar with Steve Boyd.

The Preserve in Hoover—a community rife with classic American architecture, walking trails, waterfalls and open space—is the ideal combination of a traditional neighborhood and a forward-thinking nature haven.

Few people in the music industry have a grasp of both its business and creative sides, but Nick Loss-Eaton is one of those people. For the past six years, Loss-Eaton has worked as a publicist in the prestigious New York firm Shore Fire Media, assisting high-profile artists with promotion and tour support. But Loss-Eaton has also established a second career as an artist and fronts Leland Sundries, a project that gives a fresh take on American roots music. I ask Loss-Eaton how his position as a publicist affects his artistic side.