The Music Man stands as one of the greatest achievements in American musical theatre, but few know about its rocky beginnings and the against-all-odds success story of its creator Meredith Willson.

Mark Cabaniss steps back into the Golden Age of Broadway and brings to life the origins of this classic show, the music behind it, and the unlikely story of its creator. Interweaving behind-the-scenes accounts of people who worked with Willson, Cabaniss looks at his long and unusual career as a composer, conductor, radio personality, and flutist, which reached its pinnacle in The Music Man.

No one initially believed in Willson’s “Valentine to Iowa,” seeing it as nothing but a corny flop or, worse, a recipe for disaster. But when the curtain fell on opening night, a star called The Music Man was born. Over 65 years later, that star is still marching right to this day, endeared by millions around the world. To understand Willson, his career, and his music is to understand how The Music Man came to be: he was truly the only person who could have ever written this show due to his unique background, talent, incredible persistence, and belief. The show’s ultimate success and longevity was anything but inevitable—rather, it was truly a miracle.

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Music publisher Cabaniss (Music Business Essentials: A Guide for Aspiring Professionals) pens a lovely tribute to Meredith Willson (1902–84), highlighting his role as lyricist and composer for one of the most beloved and successful Broadway musicals, 1957’s The Music Man. While providing biographical context and setting the stage with tales of Willson’s youth in small-town Iowa, touring with the Sousa Band, and a stint under Toscanini as a flutist in the New York Philharmonic, the author focuses more on the genesis of the show (and its 1962 film version), whose undimmed popularity after 65 years attests to its universality. Entertaining vignettes about members of the creative team and their contemporaries as well as excerpts from interviews with Willson’s widow and associates abound. Descriptions of Willson’s other musical endeavors, a smattering of photos and copious chapter notes complement the main narrative. Cabaniss’ discussions of more recent revivals of The Music Man on stage and television and his comparisons with other significant musicals prove invaluable. Will appeal to anyone interested in The Music Man or the process of bringing to life a full-fledged musical entertainment in the mid-20th century United States.

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Miracle of The Music Man, while full of affection and appreciation, is also full of familiar tales and tidbits if you've read some of the others. The writer, however, brings his own perspective and appreciation via years as a music publisher, composer, arranger, producer, educator, broadcaster, and serving as advisor to the museum and foundation, in Willson's hometown, that also are focused on the legacy. He also conducted his own interviews and research which increased his admiration. The final result is an enjoyable read with observations and quotations that paint a picture of a Mr. Nice Guy with a strong work ethic and a range of talents.