"Don't You Wish That You Were Dead?"

"DON'T YOU WISH THAT YOU WERE DEAD?"

THE HISTORY, HORROR & HAUNTINGS OF AMERICAN MURDER BALLADS

BY TROY TAYLOR

Author Troy Taylor returns to the shadowy crossroads of music and murder as he pulls back the curtain to reveal the true stories behind America's most haunting murder ballads. Dim the lights, drop the needle, and let the mournful wail of tragedy, death, and ghosts fill the air - because behind every tune lies a tale that echoes our worst fears and darkest pain and desires.

Once considered the lurid headlines of the day set to music, murder ballads told tales of bloodshed, melancholy, madness, and revenge. Victims were beaten, stabbed, or shot - and killers often hanged - but the songs themselves never died. Passed down from generation to generation, these eerie anthems took on a life of their own, fascinating new listeners through decades of change.

From front porch guitar strumming and saloon stages to crackling records and modern-day playlists, murder ballads have crept into every genre of American music from folk to country, blues, and, of course, rock-n-roll. Though their roots dig deep into the nineteenth century, they remain with us today in ways that might surprise you. Their influence simply refuses to die.

So, get ready for a spine-tingling ride through music, mayhem, madness, and malevolent ghosts that will leave you haunted long after the last note fades.