Z2 Comics has partnered with the Music Maker Relief Foundation to celebrate the organization’s 25th Anniversary with Tales of the Music Makers, an original graphic novel and soundtrack, on February 13.

The graphic novel chronicles the stories of the pioneers and forgotten heroes of Southern music, including Carolina Chocolate Drops, Taj Mahal, Robert Finley, Essie May Brooks, and the Como Mamas.  Most stories are written and drawn by Gary Dumm, but it will also include two strips authored by the late Harvey Pekar (American Splendor).  The release explores the history and mission of the Music Maker Relief Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to helping pioneers and forgotten heroes of Southern music be recognized and meet their day-to-day needs.  Also included is a downloadable soundtrack with music recorded by the Music Maker Foundation (see track listing below).

All profits from the book will go to the creators and The Music Maker Relief Foundation.  The 128-page graphic novel has an MSRP of $21.99.

(A preview of Harvey Pekar’s "Preston Fulp" strip in the gallery below.)

  1. Alabama Slim and Little Freddie King – The Mighty Flood
  2. Adolphus Bell – Child Support Blues
  3. Algia Mae Hinton – When You Kill the Chicken, Save Me The Head
  4. Ben Payton – Singing About My Baby
  5. George Higgs – Blues Is Here To Stay
  6. Captain Luke – Old Black Buck
  7. The Como Mamas – Thank Him Enough
  8. Cool John Ferguson – Low Country Blues
  9. Cootie Stark – Jigroo
  10. Cora Mae Bryant – What Shall I Do
  11. Dave McGrew – Just Another Rainbow
  12. Dr. Burt – Girl, You The One For Me
  13. Drink Small and Cootie Stark – Come Out of the Wilderness
  14. Essie Mae Brooks – I Got So Much To Talk About
  15. Guitar Gabriel – Mississippi Farm