I’ve been writing about James a lot lately, and I’ll continue to write about him for quite some time. But tonight’s the last time I’ll be referring to him as “James,” because I’ve got a couple of announcements to make.

First, “James” is Alan Lomax (1915-2002), the folklorist and ethnomusicologist who preserved countless folk songs from the U.S. and around the world through his travels and recordings in a career that spanned seven decades. His life’s work left its mark on everyone from Leadbelly to Moby, and his life’s story intertwines with the New Deal, McCarthyism, and the space program. Plus, he was from Austin.

But the big news is this: Bloomsbury USA will be publishing my as-yet-untitled (and as-yet-unwritten) YA biography of Alan. I’ve been trying to tell his story for more than five years now, and hoping for nearly as long to work with the editor who’s handling this project. I can’t give enough thanks to my family, to my agent and all of my friends who have read my various picture-book attempts at getting Alan’s story told. Your support means the world to me.

Between this deal and S.V.T., the past few months have been an absolute thrill. The next several will be thrilling in their own way, but a lot of work, too. I hope you Bartography readers won’t have to wait to long for this book, but however long it takes, why not pass the time with some great music?