Tag: whisperin’ bill

BGS Class of 2016: Books

Posted on by Editor

Yes, indeed, this was a great year for music (just check out our stacked 2016 albums list) and, luckily for all the bibliophiles out there, it was also a great year for music books. Because there's nothing better than reading a good book while your favorite music plays, we've rounded up a few of our favorite books from the past year. From Whisperin' Bill Anderson's life story to a memoir from the one and only Bruce Springsteen, there's something here for everyone.

Just Around Midnight: Rock and Roll and the Racial Imagination by Jack Hamilton

Slate writer and University of Virginia at Arlington professor Jack Hamilton tackles the complex relationship between race and rock 'n' roll in the 1960s in this new book. It's an essential addition to the rock 'n' roll history canon that covers new, much-needed ground.

Slim Harpo: Blues King Bee of Baton Rouge by Martin Hawkins

Slim Harpo forever altered the culture of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with his own take on blues music. The only available biography about Harpo, this book preserves the legacy of one of the genre's most important artists.

Whisperin' Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life in Country Music by Bill Anderson and Peter Cooper

Whisperin' Bill Anderson is one of the most celebrated songwriters in country music, with hits for everyone from Ray Price to Eddy Arnold. In this autobiography — written in tandem with music writer Peter Cooper — Anderson offers a behind-the-scenes look at Music Row, his storied career, and the difficulties he faced as the music industry evolved.

Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

An autobiography from the Boss … need we say more? 

Anatomy of a Song: the Oral History of 45 Iconic Hits That Changed Rock, R&B, and Pop by Marc Myers

"Proud Mary," "Carey," "Mercedes Benz," and 42 other legendary songs get the oral history treatment in this anthology from Wall Street Journal columnist Marc Myers. It's a fascinating read for anyone, but should be especially so for anyone hoping to write the next classic song.

Photo credit: Abee5 via Foter.com / CC BY.

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7 Authors to Catch at This Year’s Southern Festival of Books

Posted on by Editor

Since its inception in 1998, Nashville's Southern Festival of Books has grown to be one of the most celebrated book festivals in the Southeast. This year's festival is poised to be one of the biggest yet, with a diverse range of authors from all over the country (and the globe) flocking to Music City for three days of readings, panels, and, of course, live music. You'll want to cram in as  many activities as possible, but we've given you a head start with a list of seven authors you won't want to miss.

Peter Guralnick

Peter Guralnick expertly tells the story of Sam Phillips, head of legendary Sun Records. Through extensive interviews with Phillips himself and a number of Sun's most prominent artists, Guralnick paints the portrait of a man who forever changed the course of popular music. 

Ann Patchett

Ann Patchett has long been a heavyweight of contemporary literature, but since opening Parnassus Books in 2011, she has becoming something of a literary guardian angel for the city of Nashville. Her newest novel, Commonwealth, released in late Summer, is already a critical success.

Bill Anderson

Whether or not you're familiar with Whisperin' Bill, you're certainly familiar with any number of the famous country songs he penned. Hear his star-studded story in his own words in this new autobiography. 

Valerie J. Frey

There are few family traditions more sacred than the sharing of recipes. In this book from educator and archivist Valerie J. Frey, learn how to keep your family's culinary legacy alive. 

Michael Jarrett

If you want to learn the true history of an album, there are few better sources to consult than the album's producer. Michael Jarrett has done the legwork for you on some of jazz's greatest albums in this soon-to-be-released volume of oral histories from some of the genre's biggest producers.

William Ferris

This beautiful hardcover photography book from folklorist Richard Ferris documents daily life in the South during one of its most tumultuous and significant periods: the 1960s and 1970s.

Ben Sandmel

Ernie K-Doe was one of the most important figures to emerge from New Orleans' vibrant music scene, and New Orleans journalist/folklorist Ben Sandmel thoughtfully tells his story through dozens of interviews with musicians, family members, and the legendary Ernie K-Doe himself.

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