While the baby boomer generation gets a lot more press (not to mention prestige) these days, author Peter F. Young isn't ready to let war babies-those born between 1938 and 1946-fade into the night without a turn in the spotlight.

Like others in his generation, Young came of age during the early years of rock 'n' roll-and promptly fell in love with the so-called "devil's music." Like scores of other kids in small towns across America, Young not only worshipped rock stars, he dreamed of becoming one himself. But, unlike most of those other kids, he almost made it.

In this charming,...