Revolves around the troubled past of plucky singer/songwriter AnnieLee Keyes. AnnieLee's plan is to "get the hell out of Texas" and hitchhike to Nashville, Tenn., where she hopes to start her career as a performer. In Nashville, AnnieLee encounters ruthless, predatory agents and managers, but she also meets positive role models, notably Ruthanna Ryder, "one of country music's grandest queens," who takes AnnieLee under her wing. Her other ally is guitarist...

Part 1: The First Five Years, looks at Brooks' meteoric rise to superstardom from 1989-1993 in his own words, as he tells the stories behind creating, recording and promoting his first five albums for Capitol Nashville. His memories are supplemented by others who were there, including the songwriters, musicians, and Brooks' longtime manager, Bob Doyle. The book also includes more than 150 never-before-seen photos, tracking sheets, session charts,...