What do a rockabilly musician turned cinematic swamp monster, a composer of player-piano music, an avant-garde cellist, a musical instrument that lent its name to a weapon, a rock musician turned Catholic monk, some of the best audio speakers in the world, and the creator of Schoolhouse Rock! have in common? That's right--they all come from Arkansas. Encyclopedia of Arkansas Music is a special project of the Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture (EOA), an online encyclopedia launched in 2006 by the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies at the Central Arkansas Library System. This colorful, photo-filled reference work spanning all aspects of Arkansas's musical past and present includes more than 150 entries on musicians, ensembles, musical works, and events.

Ali Welky and Mike Keckhaver are both on the staff of the Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture (EOA). Welky, who lives in Conway with her husband and two children, is the assistant editor of the EOA and is a lifelong lover of words and music. Keckhaver, whose talents as media editor for the EOA are outstripped only by his musical talent and knowledge, lives in Little Rock.