Bob Crawford of The Avett Brothers on John Adams & American History | March 19, 2026

Bob Crawford, bassist for the Grammy-nominated band The Avett Brothers, has published a biography of John Quincy Adams titled “America’s Founding Son,” which debuted on March 10, 2026. The book details Adams’s transformation into a political maverick following his presidency, particularly his relentless opposition to slavery while serving as a member of Congress.

Crawford, who has been researching and writing the book between concerts with The Avett Brothers for a decade, initially became interested in American history during long drives while touring. He described filling the time with reading, eventually focusing on Adams, a figure he felt was often overlooked. “I came about this work in the quiet hours of driving eight, nine hours a day, filling the time up with reading American history,” Crawford said, according to NPR’s Steve Inskeep.

John Quincy Adams’s post-presidency, beginning in 1829 after being defeated for reelection in a “populist wave” led by Andrew Jackson, proved to be remarkably impactful. Rather than retreating from public life, Adams returned to Washington as a Congressman and dedicated himself to opposing the expansion of slavery. His efforts involved directly confronting and challenging supporters of the institution, establishing him as a controversial and determined figure.

Crawford’s work explores how Adams evolved from a president defeated by Jackson’s populism into a staunch advocate for abolition. The book, “America’s Founding Son,” examines the motivations and strategies Adams employed during his congressional service, highlighting his unwavering commitment to his principles. A recent interview with Crawford on YouTube further detailed the political career of Adams.

The release of Crawford’s book has garnered attention from multiple news outlets, including The New York Times and NPR, reflecting a renewed interest in Adams’s legacy and his relevance to contemporary political discourse. Crawford also hosts a history podcast, a platform he utilized for research during the book’s development, according to the Charlotte Observer.