I've seen Uncle Dave referred to as the "Grandfather of Country Music", and I think I'd have to agree. His musical and lyrical choices appealed to the common, working-class folk and his performance style, general personal hubris and cleverly marketed personality made those same working-class folks feel like "one of their own" was not just a rube from the sticks, but a genuine entertainer they could be proud of.

What do you think? I've read that some people don't think much of Uncle Dave as a picker, but he's better than me on a five-string, anyway. ;)

The thing I appreciate about Uncle Dave is that he seems to be BOTH able to promote "Uncle Dave", the character AND still be real enough of a man to take the piss out of Earl Scruggs when they saw each other on the road or on the Opry.

I laugh like heck every time I read that Uncle Dave used to call Earl "Earnest" and tell him he couldn't play worth a damn. I'm guessing, since I read that Macon didn't like Earl's style of playing, that he dismissed much, if not all, of what made Earl great as mere fireworks and showing off.

Your thoughts? Resources for books about Uncle Dave? Music, I have... his entire discography, actually. Any reading or watching material would be most useful.