"Douglas E. Friedman's Four Boys and a Guitar, is a caring and determined writing - enriched through gifts of stories and insight, enhanced with details. I wiped tears and laughed aloud. I will read it again and again in years to come and envision sharing what I've read with barrel chested pride. And yet, as much as I've enjoyed reading this book, the printed revelation of literally lifetimes of unyielding, extraordinary labor - with each ending chapter - more so my heart aches.  It's personal. Such are my feelings, enlivened when reading about the incalculable greatness of the Mills Brothers, the unimaginable lives they lived, the unfathomed significance of the innumerable lives they touched, leaving on earth eternal, a familial residue of a world made better. Read this book - with your heart."  John H. Mills, II, son, grandson and nephew of the original Mills Brothers' members. Leader of today's grouping of the Mills Brothers.

"Douglas E. Friedman's book on the Mills Brothers is a vital contribution to the study of American music. It is superbly researched and well-written."  Dr. Charles Horner, noted music historian.