Tony Rice. Photo by Thomas Stout.

Tony Rice’s many fans and musicial disciples will soon be able to get their hands on the real Tony Rice story.

An authorized biography of the acoustic guitar legend is now in the final stages of production, according to a press release from the publisher, Word of Mouth Press.

“Still Inside: The Tony Rice Story” is being written by acclaimed bluegrass musician Tim Stafford and Caroline Wright. The book is based on Rice’s own words and those of witnesses, friends, family, and fellow musicians.

“The biography covers Rice’s life from toddler to living legend, from North Carolina to California, from bluegrass to jazz and all points in between,” the publishing company said in a news release. “Tony discusses his real and musical family, his biggest influences, his greatest moments and tragedies such as the loss of his father, his first gigs to his latest, and finally his voice.

“Still Inside: The Tony Rice Story” is full of eyewitness accounts from the people who were there when it all happened. His mother Louise and many other family members share their memories of Rice’s life as a child all the way up to today.

Musicians, including Sam Bush, J.D. Crowe, Jerry Douglas, David Grisman, Alison Krauss and Ricky Skaggs, share their stories of Tony Rice and how it all began back in the days of playing bluegrass when bluegrass wasn’t so cool. More than100 people were interviewed for the book, which has been ten years in the making.

One aspect of the book takes the reader on the road with Rice. Spread throughout the volume is a journal documenting life on the road. Caroline Wright spent several days and nights with Tony traveling across the country from show to show. She documents his everyday life in detail and uncovers gems about Rice that appear nowhere else.

Co-author Stafford takes a look into the unique style of Rice’s guitar techniques. Stafford discusses in great detail such topics as Rice’s right hand, his choice of picks and other aspects of his playing. Stafford also covers the life and times of Rice’s prize possession, his 1935 Martin D-28 Herringbone guitar that formerly belonged to his mentor Clarence White, also known simply as “The Bone” or “The Antique.”

The book will also include a discography, a condensed timeline, a bibliography and more than 100 never-before-published photos.

To be notified when “Still Inside: The Tony Rice Story” is available, visit TonyRiceStory.com and sign up to receive an update. Once the book is ready to ship, you will be notified with an order form link and will be first in line to order and receive a copy of “Still Inside: The Tony Rice Story.”