Book excerpt: "Mose Allison is a pianist and singer whose importance and influence is often overlooked: his compositions and playing ranges from blues through jazz to twentieth century 'classical' music, and his influence on rock music has been profound. Born and raised in Mississippi during the Depression he was unaware that whites don't play the blues and developed his own style, mixing country blues with jazz swing." "Patti Jones has had the full co-operation of the self-effacing pianist and has written a critical biography that traces Mose's roots in Mississippi through a long, and still continuing, career. She is as alert to the social and cultural shifts that have influenced him as she is to the development of his piano style. The book includes interviews with some of the musicians influenced by Mose Allison: Pete Townshend, Bonnie Raitt, Black Francis, Al Kooper, Jack Bruce, Ray Davies and many more." --Book Jacket.