Music on Martha’s Vineyard, a History of Harmony takes readers on a musical history tour of the Island. Although Carly Simon and James Taylor may be the biggest names from these parts, the book does not simply linger among the rarefied. Rather, it runs the gamut from Gale Huntington’s sea chanteys to the musical heritage of the early Wampanoags. This tradition lives on through Woody Vanderhoop and the Black Brook Singers, a group that still performs on the Island.

The book was written by local authors Thomas Dresser and Jerold Muskin. On Thursday, Oct. 23, at 5:30 p.m. they will give a talk about the book at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum.

The book took over a year to research. The authors interviewed dozens of musicians and read through countless articles. No doubt they listened to a lot of good music, too.

The book visits the many members of the musical Taylor family, and other famous singers visiting the Island. Bonnie Menton tells a story about giving John Lennon a tour of the Island. Mr. Lennon invited her and some friends to dinner at the Shiretown Inn later that evening.

Burl Ives visited the Island, Elvis Presley may have, Diana Ross was a regular, Elton John stopped by, and the Hot Tin Roof and before that the Mooncusser kept the Island hopping with talent. Ray Charles performed at the high school in 1997.

The book also spends time with the music makers of today. Willy Mason is on board, as is Brian Weiland, William Waterway, the Vineyard Sound and countless others. There is no single musical standard, either. Jazz favorite John Alaimo gets his due, as does Jeremy Berlin. Beverly Sills and the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society are here, and the Vineyard Strings program and the Island Community Chorus cross the generational divide.

Music on Martha’s Vineyard, a History of Harmony is currently on sale. Call the museum at 508-627-4441 for more information.