The American character has always been defined by a desire to hit the road and leave home in search of a truer one. In "It Still Moves: Lost Songs, Lost Highways, and the Search for the American Music," journalist Amanda Petrusich takes to the road looking to understand a culture that produced Lead Belly and Hank Williams, but also Cracker Barrel and Clear Channel.

Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on exploring the roots of American music.